School group cruise
De la maternelle au lycée, une lecture vivante de la ville et de son fleuve.
from 12 €
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Group cruise
De 20 à 100 personnes, toute l'année, avec ou sans repas.
- Tarif dès 12 € par adulte, hors restauration
- Privatisation possible du bateau
- Cinq menus groupe, plus une formule petit déjeuner et un menu enfant
Clubs, associations, works councils, coach operators, large families: the boat Le Battant welcomes groups of 20 to 100 people, all year round, seven days a week. A group cruise on the Doubs is an outing that works for every age: no walking, no complicated logistics, and a setting few destinations can match, the loop of the Doubs at the foot of the Vauban Citadel.
A group outing that works in every season
Unlike most open-air activities, the cruise does not depend on summer weather: the cabin of Le Battant is heated and air-conditioned, and the sound system carries the commentary to every seat. On fine days, the rooftop panoramic terrace is a favourite with the group’s photographers. The route is the house classic: the loop of the Doubs, the Saint-Paul and Tarragnoz locks, and the 375 metre river tunnel under the Citadel, animated by light displays. The commentary is in French, which is worth knowing when planning for international groups; the scenery, locks and tunnel, however, work in any language.
From a simple cruise to a full meal on board
Depending on your programme and budget, the outing can take several forms. The guided cruise on its own is an activity of about an hour and a quarter, easy to slot into a day trip. To go further, meals are served on board: a breakfast cruise, or a lunch or dinner with a choice of menus from Régional to Prestige, plus a dedicated children’s menu. Options let you mark the occasion: a cheese plate, sparkling water, or champagne for celebrations. Note that a lock fee of 40 € per group applies to lunch and dinner cruises, and the boat can also be hired dockside, at 250 € per hour, for a reception without sailing.
How to organise your group visit to Besançon
One call to +33 6 64 48 66 80 or an online enquiry is enough: you receive a quote within 48 hours, tailored to your group size, date and chosen formula. The pier at Pont de la République is in the heart of Besançon, next to the République tram stop, which makes drop-off simple. To fill a whole day, the day trip packages combine the cruise with the Citadel, the Royal Saltworks at Arc-et-Senans and other regional sites.
Frequently asked questions
How many people do you need for a group rate on the Besançon cruise?
The group rate applies from 20 people, and the boat can carry up to 100 passengers. Group cruises are available all year round, seven days a week.
How much does a group cruise cost without a meal?
Excluding catering, the guided cruise costs 12 € per adult and 9 € per child up to and including 16 years old, for groups of 20 or more.
Can we organise a group cruise in winter?
Yes, groups are welcome all year round, seven days a week. The boat's cabin is heated, so the outing stays comfortable even in cold weather.
What menus are available for a group meal on board?
Several options exist: a breakfast formula at 19,90 €, and the Régional (41,90 €), Boucle (46,90 €), Fil de l'eau (46,90 €), Atelier (55,90 €) and Prestige (62,90 €) menus, plus a children's menu at 30 €.
Can a group book a breakfast cruise?
Yes, a breakfast formula at 19,90 € per person is offered to groups. It is an original way to start a day of sightseeing in Besançon.
How quickly do we receive a quote for a group outing?
Quotes are sent within 48 hours. Call +33 6 64 48 66 80 or send an online enquiry with your date, group size and preferred formula.
What is the lock fee, and is it compulsory?
It is compulsory, not an option: €40 per group, at lunch as well as at dinner, whatever the menu. It covers passing through the Saint-Paul and Tarragnoz locks during the cruise. It applies to group meal cruises only: individual bookings are not charged.
Can we add champagne or other extras for a celebration?
Yes. Groups can add a cheese plate at 4,50 € per person, sparkling water at 1,50 € per person, or champagne at 50 € per bottle.
Can the boat stay at the dock for a group reception?
Yes, Le Battant can be hired dockside at 250 € per hour, for example for a cocktail reception or a meeting without sailing. Cruising formulas remain available too.
What is the maximum capacity of the boat?
Le Battant carries up to 100 passengers on the guided cruise. In meal configuration, capacity drops to 66 seats: tables and table service take up seating space.
Is the group cruise suitable for non French speaking visitors?
The live commentary is in French. Written translations in English, German, Italian and Spanish are available on board, just ask when boarding.
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