Maïtena barge cruise

Maïtena luxury barge cruises

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Cruise highlights

4 passengers
★★★★★ 5 star rating

Besançon to Saint-Jean-de Losne

  • Visit Besançon, UNESCO World-Heritage site
  • Explore the Royal Salt Works of Arc et Senans, UNESCO World-Heritage site
  • Wine tasting in Arbois, the capital of Jura wines
  • Visit the medieval town of Dole, with its remarkable architecture
  • Michelin-Dining 
  • Visit Saint-Jean-de-Losne, a famous mariners town
  • Excellent towpath for cycling and walking

Cruise route & itinerary

Maïtena cruise file

Prices

  • Charters from 15, 000 €

Boat size

  • Length 98′5″ ft (30.00 metres)
  • Width 16′7″ ft (5.05 metres)

Specifications

  • Crew members : 3
  • Up to 4 guests
  • Junior suites : 2

Also

  • Central heating
  • Air-conditioning
  • Bicycles : 4

Thank you Sandrine and Maxime for this wonderful discovery on board Maïtena, we've lived a beautiful escape "Gastronomy on the river"
(October 2024) Jean,...
Thank you Sandrine, Maxime.We leave the boat with fond memories.I forgot to mention. a new name for your barge, "the House of Happiness"
(October 2024) Chris...

About Maïtena barge cruises

Luxury barge Maïtena

Our CEOs choice:
"We are delighted to add M.S. Maitena to the Hotels Afloat fleet!    She will be available for cruising from April to October each season, but also for static stays from November to March, a perfect alternative to a hotel for a winter holiday.

As we stepped aboard one sunny September day for an inspection, we immediately knew that our guests would love this barge.

Maxime and Sandrine gave us such a warm welcome that we instantly felt relaxed and at home. Not only is the barge light, airy, and cosy, but it has also been beautifully decorated under Sandrine's watchful eye, creating a peaceful ambience. While suitable for up to four people, this could also be the perfect choice for a honeymoon, a special anniversary, or a romantic getaway.
Lunch was exceptionally good!  Maxime is an excellent, inventive chef.  Each course was a delight.
We can highly recommend M.S Maitena for your cruise."

This Dutch Luxemotor barge, dating from 1912, was completely renovated between 2000 and 2010 and is equipped with all modern equipment, offering premium comfort on board. Maitena offers spacious accommodation and is the perfect haven to escape the stresses of modern-day life.

As you step into the superb living room, complete with lounge furniture, a dining area, a games table and a coffee/tea machine, you will appreciate the space, light and views.  This is the perfect space to relax with a book, a cup of tea or a glass of wine.

After a day cruising and discovering the local area, it's time for an excellent night's sleep.
Your air-conditioned/heated cabin is a true haven of peace, offering an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and warm. The new high-end ecological Queen-size beds can be separated into two single beds according to your preferences. It is adorned with cotton satin sheets, a satin duvet, two different pillows per person, and an irresistible call to relaxation.

Plenty of storage space will allow you to settle in in complete comfort, as well as a desk for your writing. There is a small safe to store your personal effects.
The soothing tones create a setting conducive to relaxation and escape.

Your bathroom is equipped with a hydromassage shower with adjustable jets. It promises moments of pure relaxation, a revitalizing experience after a day of exploration. You have a private toilet, which guarantees total privacy. We provide you with quality organic beauty products, including shower gel, hand gel, shampoo, and organic cotton beauty pads, as well as luxurious towels, bathrobes, and hair dryers.

Cruise aboard Maitena to discover breathtaking landscapes with a service that combines luxury, comfort, and intimacy. Whether you're looking to celebrate a special event or escape from the daily routine, every detail of your cruise is carefully planned to meet your desires.
Your delightful hosts, Maxime and Sandrine, look forward to welcoming you aboard.

Maïtena deck and cabin plans

Maïtena deck plan

Maïtena photo gallery

Click any photo to zoom

Maïtena cruise route & itinerary

Besançon to Saint-Jean-de-Losne cruise map

Besançon to Saint-Jean-de-Losne

Saône Valley

Rates

Besançon

Sunday
We will meet you at the station or your hotel in Besançon at 5 p.m and drive to Maïtena, moored at the foot of the Citadel of Besançon (listed as a UNESCO world heritage site), and close to the Vauban fortification and the city centre.  

Dinner on board.

Besançon to Thoraise

Monday
On Monday morning, after a good breakfast, we'll visit the Citadel of Besançon and the three museums inside.
After lunch on board, we will begin navigation to our first stop. We'll navigate between the river and canal and arrive at the village of Thoraise at the end of the afternoon, where we stay for the night with dinner on board.

Dinner on board

Thoraise to Ranchot

Tuesday
After a good breakfast,  we'll go to visit the Royal Saltworks of Arc et Senans, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.  After lunch on board, we will continue our cruise to  Ranchot, our next stop where we spend the night. 

Dinner on board

Ranchot to Dole

Wednesday
On Wednesday morning, we'll visit the beautiful Town of Arbois (the capital of Jura Wines).
Return to Maïtena at the end of the morning for lunch and navigation to our overnight stop, the beautiful medieval town of Dôle. This evening we'll dine in the one-star Michelin guide restaurant La Chaumière, your chef Michelin Joël Cesari will tantalize your taste buds with carefully prepared dishes.

Dole to Saint Jean-de-Losne

Thursday
Today we step back in time: we'll visit the medieval town of  Dôle including the collegiate church of Notre Dame de Dôle, The Perched Circuit Cat and the city centre.
After lunch on board, we'll navigate to Saint Jean de Losne. We'll have the captain's dinner in one of the city's local restaurants on the banks of the majestic River Saone.

Dinner on board

Saint Jean-de-Losne: Au revoir!

Friday
After a hearty breakfast, disembarkation will be at 10 AM with a transfer to a predesignated point (Dijon TGV Station, local hotel...).

Please note:  For guests preferring a 6-night cruise, the 6 hours of navigation between Dole and St Jean de Losne will be spread over two days:
On Thursday a cruise from Dole to Abergement la Ronce in the morning, plus a visit to the world-famous Hospice de Beaune
Friday: A cruise to St Jean de Losne with time to visit the town in the afternoon.  Guest would departure on Saturday morning.

Maïtena Besançon to Saint-Jean-de-Losne cruise route

Besançon to Saint-Jean-de-Losne rates

The rates shown are standard, before any applicable discounts or promotions.

2025
Whole boat charter for 4 people, 5 nights 18, 500 €
Whole boat charter for 2 people, 5 nights 15, 000 €
Whole boat charter for 4 people, 6 nights 20, 000 €
Whole boat charter for 2 people, 6 nights 16, 200 €

Prices include:

Local transfer between local meeting point and the hotel barge (approximate transfer duration 1hr), a luxury 5-night cruise, all meals from dinner on day one to breakfast on the last morning; wines and soft drinks, tea and coffee;  excursions and admittance fees as per the itinerary, the services of 2 crew and use of the barge facilities, which includes bicycles.
 

2026 Departure dates
From May to late October
2025 Departure dates
From May to late October


These are sample itineraries, on alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.

Availability for Maïtena

The dates indicated as "Available" are open for private charter bookings.
Winter Weekends, from Friday to Monday, are available on request.
Please contact us by email, stating your ideal dates.

Maïtena enquiries and reservations

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A member of our team will call you at no charge using
the following number from France 0033 614 250 200
or

A cruise expert will contact you soon by email or telephone using the following number 0033 614 250 200

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