An unspoilt natural site, the Saône Valley is located in the department of Haute-Saône, in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. The valley is protected natural territory and is remarkable for its considerable biodiversity, due to the area's moist environment: wetlands and alluvial forests. It is a sanctuary for abundant wildlife , which thrives there.
The banks of the Saône, which used to be towpaths, can be travelled on foot, by bike (there are several bike hire shops between Gray and Port-sur-Saône), or on horseback. Along the way, you can discover rustic, characterful villages such as Chemilly, Scey-sur-Saône, Traves, Saint-Albin, with its canal-tunnel that's a listed Historic Monument, built during the time of Napoleon III, Soing-Cubry-Charentenay, etc. Don't miss the Baignes forges, the 12th-century Rupt-sur-Saône Castle, Ray-sur-Saône Castle, and the Cistercian Abbey of Neuvelle-lès-la-Charité. There are many fountains, washhouses and drinking troughs in the region, completing the civil architectural heritage.
Water tourism is popular on the river, and is a great way to see the region from the water, in a habitable boat. Canoe, kayak, boat and pedalo rides are also available, departing from Traves in particular.
