Welcome to our fourth “spotlight”.
This month, we’re visiting Dole, a beautiful town in the Jura region.
Discovering Dole
Dole is one of those towns that delights at every corner of each narrow street, and we find something different each time we visit!
Listed as a Town of Art & History, there is so much to discover.
Begin your tour of the ancient town in the Church of Notre Dame, which dominates the skyline and where Louis Pasteur was baptized in 1823.
Inside this gothic-style church, built from 1509 to 1586, you will find an 18th-century organ, beautiful artwork, and stained-glass windows. Outside, the vast tower and entrances are very impressive.
Follow the tourist trail marked by the ‘Chat Perché’ or use your smartphone to pick up the flash codes guiding you through the old town.
Discover Little Venice by the ancient canal. In the sunshine, stop for a refreshing coffee, cold beer, or a glass of wine.
Don’t miss the small but beautifully maintained Jardin des Senteurs, reached by crossing the small bridge and a hidden tunnel!
You can visit the Louis Pasteur Museum, in the ancient Tanneurs quarter, close by to learn about his life and contribution to the fight against illness, including rabies. You can also see his scientific instruments and early paintings!
Naturalists amongst you will love the river Doubs with its abundance of flora and fauna. Visit Dole in late May or June to visit the Jardin à la Faulx, a remarkable garden of over 1200 rare species, classified as a “Jardin Remarquable”.
Whether you fancy exploring the museum and art gallery, a lazy day relaxing by the river Doubs, or a fun-filled day in the aquapark with its 7m high, 64-metre long slide, 50-metre pool and rapid river, or perhaps tree-climbing or paintball in the adjacent adventure zone, there is plenty to keep everyone, young and not-so-young, entertained.
Dole is the perfect port of call during your cruise: We recommend a whole day here.
The port is clean and welcoming, and being close to the town with so many restaurants, bistros, bars and a couple of takeaways, there’s no need to cook!
Self-drive boats
If you’re wondering where to cruise next season, we highly recommend this region, suitable for novices and experienced sailors alike.
Enjoy a self-drive cruise along the Doubs and the Canal du Rhone au Rhin, which leads to the majestic River Saone.
We have plenty of boats to choose from, whether you prefer a
modern-style cruiser or a traditional houseboat.
Nicols: Modern style cruisers, based at Dole on the Doubs
Le Boat: A range of modern cruisers based at St Jean de Losne on the river Saône
Locaboat: Traditional ‘Penichettes’ and modern style cruisers based at Besançon on the Doubs, and Scey sur Saône on the river Saône
To cruise through Dole in 2016, email us for information on our current availability and special offers to save you up to 15% when booking early.
We’ll be delighted to help you plan the perfect cruise for you and your family or friends.
We’ll send you a range of cruises to consider within 24 hours!
Dole is so easy to get to by fast-speed (TGV) train or road!
