Attractions and Places To See around Saint-Aubin - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Saint-Aubin include historical towns, significant waterways, and cycling routes. Situated at the junction of major rivers and canals like the Saône and the Rhine-Rhône Canal, the area offers a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Visitors can explore ancient churches, picturesque ports, and scenic cycle paths, making it a destination for history and outdoor enthusiasts.
Best attractions and places to see around Saint-Aubin
- The most popular attractions is Saint-Jean-de-Losne, a settlement that lies at the junction of three major waterways: the Saône River, the Burgundy Canal, and the Rhine-Rhône Canal. This small municipality is known for its canal boat history and strategic crossing over the Saône.
- Another must-see spot is Notre-Dame Collegiate Church, Dole, a religious and historical site. This 16th-century Gothic and Renaissance church dominates Dole's old town with its majestic bell tower and rich heritage.
- Visitors also love Dole Lock, Rhine-Rhône Canal, view of Notre-Dame Basilica, a bridge and viewpoint. It offers views of the city's landmark, the 16th-century Notre-Dame with its 75 m high tower, from the canal.
- Saint-Aubin is known for its historical sites, waterways, and cycling opportunities. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient churches to scenic river views.
- The attractions around Saint-Aubin are appreciated by the komoot community, with 419 upvotes and 73 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Saint-Jean-de-Losne
Highlight • Settlement
Saint-Jean-de-Losne is one of the smallest municipalities in France: a total of 0.60 km², of which 0.36 km² is land and the rest water.
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Dole Lock, Rhine-Rhône Canal, view of Notre-Dame Basilica
Highlight • Bridge
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Notre-Dame Collegiate Church, Dole
Highlight • Historical Site
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Canal du Rhône au Rhin Entrance and Lock
Highlight • Bridge
The lock at the canal's mouth has been renovated. In 2009, a lock keeper's cabin was installed, perched six meters high, to control the arrival of boats.
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Pont St-Jean-de-Losne
Highlight • Bridge
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Tips from the Community
A small, nice place. Before the bridge, there is a bakery.
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The Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame in Dole is a Gothic and Renaissance gem. It dominates the old town with its majestic bell tower, remarkable stained glass windows, and rich historical and religious heritage.
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Originally, the Saint-Jean-de-Losne bridge was made of wood and crossed the river diagonally by road no. 27 linking Dijon to Losne. It started on the right bank, a little downstream from the current bridge, and then joined the old Seurre road. The structure was destroyed many times by floods and ice break-ups, but was always rebuilt in the same place until 1830. It was rebuilt in stone from 1833, then rebuilt again after being cut down during the war of 1870… The bridge suffered damage from the war twice more. On June 16, 1940, French engineers blew up an arch, and on September 7, 1944, the retreating Germans dynamited the rest. It was then replaced by a temporary wooden footbridge. After the liberation, the reconstruction work was put out to tender. After all these twists and turns, the bridge was finally rebuilt in the same place in 1950.
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A lovely spot with good food – beautiful steps down to the river. Very relaxed!
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Whenever I am in France, I am fascinated by the churches there.
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Great French town with an interesting connection to Emperor Frederick Barbarossa.
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Flat asphalt road along the canal; there is shade from trees along some parts if you want to have a picnic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Saint-Aubin?
The region offers several significant historical sites. A prominent one is the Notre-Dame Collegiate Church, Dole, a 16th-century Gothic and Renaissance church dominating Dole's old town. You can also visit Saint-Jean-de-Losne, a historic settlement known for its canal boat history and strategic location at the junction of major waterways.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Saint-Aubin area?
Yes, several attractions are noted as family-friendly. Both Saint-Jean-de-Losne and the Dole Lock, Rhine-Rhône Canal, view of Notre-Dame Basilica are categorized as suitable for families. Exploring the historic towns and watching boats navigate the locks can be an engaging experience for all ages.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Saint-Aubin's attractions?
The area is excellent for outdoor activities, especially cycling. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, road cycling, and general cycling. For instance, there are routes like 'Notre-Dame Collegiate Church, Dole – Rhine-Rhône Canal loop from Dole' for gravel biking, or 'Dole – Charles Quint Lock loop from Champdivers' for road cycling. You can explore these and more on the Gravel biking around Saint-Aubin, Road Cycling Routes around Saint-Aubin, and Cycling around Saint-Aubin guide pages.
Where can I enjoy scenic views of the waterways?
For picturesque views, visit the Dole Lock, Rhine-Rhône Canal, view of Notre-Dame Basilica. This bridge and viewpoint offers stunning vistas of Dole's landmark, the 16th-century Notre-Dame, from the canal. The entire Rhine-Rhône Canal also provides beautiful landscapes as it joins the Saône River.
What is Saint-Jean-de-Losne known for?
Saint-Jean-de-Losne is renowned for its unique geographical position at the junction of three major waterways: the Saône River, the Burgundy Canal, and the Rhine-Rhône Canal. It's a small municipality with a rich canal boat history and a significant port, the Port of Saint-Jean-de-Losne, which serves as a popular starting point for boating enthusiasts.
Can I cycle along the canals near Saint-Aubin?
Absolutely. The region is very cyclist-friendly, with the Rhine-Rhône Canal offering scenic cycling opportunities. The Canal du Rhône au Rhin Entrance and Lock is a great spot to start, and you can find various cycling routes that follow the canal, such as the 'Canal du Rhône au Rhin – Dole, medieval town loop from Dole – Jura Airport'. More cycling options are available on the Cycling around Saint-Aubin guide.
Are there any religious landmarks to visit?
The most prominent religious landmark is the Notre-Dame Collegiate Church, Dole. This impressive 16th-century church, built in a hybrid Gothic-Renaissance style, is the main church of Dole and features a majestic bell tower and rich historical heritage.
What are some unique features of the Rhine-Rhône Canal near Saint-Aubin?
The Rhine-Rhône Canal is notable for its historical significance and engineering. The Canal du Rhône au Rhin Entrance and Lock marks its mouth at the Saône River, featuring a renovated lock and a unique lock keeper's cabin perched six meters high. The canal itself has a turbulent history, with construction spanning from 1784 to 1832, and offers beautiful landscapes for exploration.
What do visitors enjoy the most about Saint-Aubin's attractions?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical charm and natural beauty. Many enjoy the wonderful flair of Dole's old town, the majestic architecture of the Notre-Dame Collegiate Church, and the scenic views from the canal. The unique experience of seeing the confluence of major waterways at Saint-Jean-de-Losne and its vibrant port life also receives high praise.
Are there any accessible attractions for visitors with mobility needs?
Yes, the Canal du Rhône au Rhin Entrance and Lock is categorized as wheelchair accessible, offering an opportunity for visitors with mobility needs to enjoy the canal environment and observe the lock operations.
What are the main waterways that converge near Saint-Aubin?
Near Saint-Aubin, specifically at Saint-Jean-de-Losne, three major waterways converge: the Saône River, which flows towards the Rhône and the Mediterranean Sea; the Burgundy Canal, connecting to the Seine and the Paris Basin; and the Rhine-Rhône Canal, which links to the Rhine and Northern/Eastern Europe. This makes the area a significant hub for inland navigation.
Is the area around Saint-Aubin suitable for a leisurely stroll?
Yes, the historic towns like Dole offer charming old streets for leisurely walks. Additionally, the banks of the canals and rivers, such as the Saône and the Rhine-Rhône Canal, provide pleasant paths for strolling, allowing you to enjoy the waterside scenery and observe passing boats.
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