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
  • Visit the Clos de Vougeot, home to the Tastevin
  • 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

Guests have awarded ★★★★ stars


Guests comments

Our hosts were fabulous and very accommodating. I think I made a faux pas - in your initial information you stated that gratuities were not included. I left a small amount to money for the hosts and I think I embarrassed them with this show of gratitude - not my intention. Maybe stating that gratuities were only suggested for tour guides, etc. would avoid this situation. Thanks, don
(October 2025) Melsopp ★★★★
Our time with you both on Maitena has been one of the most memorable of my life. You make an exceptional host and hostess, spoiling us with exceptional cuisine and service. You are both a joy and a delight to be with. You have thought of everything down to the very last detail. I felt totally cared for. Thank you! Maxime, I'm sure you could drive Maitena through the eye of a needle! Sandrine, your docking skills are outstanding.  It's been a privilege meeting and sailing with you both, never to be forgotten.
(October 2025) Chris...
Thank you, thank you, thank you for a most wonderful voyage. Every single part of the experience is filled with love and consideration. Your beautiful outlooks on life are contagious.EXCEPTIONAL! With much gratitude
(October 2025) Anne
Your warmth and joie de vivre infused every moment of our journey with you. We can't thank you enough for your caring and attention to detail, your laughter and good spirits. You are a special couple. The Maitena is a gorgeous, comfy hime. Your meals are both scrumptious and a feast for our eyes, from the exquisite, the organic locally sourced food, the homemade jams and decorative leaves, every delicious serving was plated beautifully. Oh, how spoiled we feel. Thank you for your very thoughtful planning for each day. We loved navigating and the events you chose for us, especially the focus on local art and architecture. Perfect! We will always hold close to our hearts the tranquillity and sweet joys you provided every day. Merci beaucoup!
(October 2025) Don a...
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 cruise route & itinerary

Dole to Besançon: The France Comté Cruise

Saône Valley

Rates

Dole

Sunday
We will meet you at the station or your local hotel in Dole at 5 p.m and drive to MS Maïtena, moored in Choisey, a short drive from the historic town of Dole. 
After settling in, enjoy your first gourmet dinner on board, a first taste of Burgundy's refined flavours.

Dinner on board.

Dole to Audelange

Monday
On Monday morning, after a good breakfast, we'll explore the fascinating medieval town of Dole, the birthplace of Louis Pasteur. With its picturesque old quarter, canals, and the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, we step back in time in this captivating town.
After lunch on board, MS Maïtena begins her peaceful cruise along the tree-lined Doubs River.  Watch the Captain at work as he steers through the locks passing through sleepy villages as we journey toward Andelande, our mooring for the night.
Enjoy dinner on board, prepared by your private chef.

Dinner on board

Audelange 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 evening under the stars.  What a way to dine!

Dinner on board

Ranchot to Thoraise

Wednesday
On Wednesday morning, we continue our cruise through the beautiful  Doubs valley, arriving at Thoraise. You can enjoy walking or cycling alongside if you wish!
In the late afternoon,  we'll visit the beautiful Town of Arbois (the capital of Jura Wines), and enjoy a private wine tasting and local charcuterie tasting in a historic cellar, nestled in the heart of the old town.
We return to MS Maïtena for dinner on board.

Dinner on board

Thoraise to Besançon

Thursday
Today, you might like to join the Captain in the wheelhouse once again to admire his skills while passing through the Thoraise tunnel and across the aqueduct, which leads us into Besançon.  The town of Besançon is nestled beneath its UNESCO listed Citadel.
After lunch, enjoy a guided tour of the old town before returning to the barge.
A gala dinner awaits!  The perfect moment to reminisce and capture the very essence of the fabulous MS Maitena.

Dinner on board

Besançon: Au revoir!

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


Dole to Besançon: The France Comté Cruise rates

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

Whole boat charter for 4 people 22, 000€
Whole boat charter for 2 people 19, 000€

Prices include:

Local transfer between local meeting point and the hotel barge (approximate transfer duration 30 minutes), 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.
 *Shorter and longer cruise durations may be available upon request
The cruise may run in the opposite direction; please ask us for details.

2026 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

Please complete this form for a prompt reply.

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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