Au fil de l'eau de Louhans à Mâcon

From the Seille to the Saône, between Bresse and the Mâconnais vineyards, here's a first river experience to try out on a 4-day long weekend. At your own pace and with no constraints, you're the captain of your boat, free to choose your mooring and in constant contact with nature. Book your no-licence boat in Louhans. You'll benefit from the rental company's expert advice on how to steer your boat like a seasoned sailor. Day 1: Louhans-La Truchère. If you've chosen to start your itinerary on a Monday, you can drop in at the famous Louhans poultry market. It's a great opportunity to shop for meals on board. Don't miss out on the delicious Corniottes, a local delicacy. Or try tête de veau, the traditional Monday dish, or poulet de Bresse, the local speciality. The town of 157 arcades also has its cachet. The church with its glazed tile roofs, the apothecary of the Hôtel-Dieu and the museums will give you a perfect foretaste of what you can visit before setting sail. Let's set off on the first 50-kilometre leg of the Seille, a winding river with a wild, pastoral atmosphere. You'll love its often well-hidden heritage, with its mills, bridges and biodiversity. Cuisery looms on the horizon. In this Village of Books, take a look at the Flemish tryptic in the church and pick up some books from the second-hand booksellers. Stop off at the Eden Centre, a place dedicated to nature and the environment. Day 2: La Truchère - Mâcon. Change of style as you pass through the La Truchère lock on your way to the Saône. A wide, peaceful river, it carries you gently southwards towards Mâcon for a 40-kilometre stage. To stretch your legs, some of you can even hop on your bikes and cycle along the river on the voie bleue. That's how you'll end up on the quays in Mâcon. The town has an undeniable charm all along its flower-filled quays. Follow the Tracé de la Plume, a reference to the poet Lamartine, to visit the town centre. Relive the famous Maison de Bois on Place aux Herbes, and visit the Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne on an interesting immersive tour. Day 3: Mâcon - Tournus. Turn around and head up the Saône to Tournus for a stopover. Visit the radiant abbey, one of Burgundy's Romanesque gems that leaves no one indifferent. Stroll through the streets following in the footsteps of Gerlannus to the Hôtel-Dieu and its apothecary... A diversions to the Cave des Vignerons de Mancey and its wine and vineyard discovery trail, and you're ready for dinner at one of the town's fine restaurants before a refreshing night's sleep. Day 4: Tournus - Louhans. Return to La Truchère, this time leaving your boat behind, getting on your bikes and heading for the nature reserve. Return along the banks of the Seille to resume your journey by boat, and head back up the Seille to your starting point. If you set off on a Thursday, stay an extra night in Louhans to enjoy the unmissable Monday market.