Information About Gray, Burgundy
Next stop: Seveux
Alternative Location: 
Things to do in Gray
Back to topWhy do we recommend stopping here?
Gray is a major town on the Petite Saone, with a population of about 10,000. All services and commerces are here, plus the Connoisseur cruiser base. Razed by fire twice in the middle ages, Gray was rebuilt into a major centre of commerce & industry by the 17th century, and reached the heights of its prosperity in the 19th century when it was the head of navigation for the barges which plied their cargoes up and down the Saône valley. In recent times this trade has all but vanished, giving way to light industry and tourism.
What is there to see?
The town is steeped in history, with some fascinating preserved buildings, notably the Eglise, the fortified chateau of Baron St. Martin (now an art gallery & museum) and a magnificent restored theatre in the classic Italian style. The Mairie, with its varnished tile roof, is classified a national monument, as are several other pieces of fine architecture.
What can I visit?
The Mairie, the museum, the old hospital, the theatre, and many other classified buildings may be visited. Full details available at the Office de Tourism, close to the base.
Is there a market day?
Local produce market next to the base every Saturday morning. General market on the second Wednesday of each month at the top of the town, around la Place du Mairie.
Is there a public swimming pool?
An open-air pool with water-slide opens during the summer school holidays, ie: July to September.
Opening Hours: July to September
Alternative: Many people swim in the river at La Plage, upstream from the base.
Is there a tourist office?
Pavillon du Tourisme - Ile Sauzay, 70100 GRAY Tel: 0 33 (0) 384 65 14 24 www.ville-gray.fr
Is there a golf course here or nearby?
No
Are there any museums near here?
Yes - The Museum Baron St. Martin with major art exhibitions; and the natural science museum.
The first offers a comprehensive selection of western artists, including the" primitives" of the 19th century. The central theme is a series of paintings and sculptures featuring the European Middle Ages, the Italians from 16thCentury to the 18th Century, The Flemish and the Dutch of the 17th Century, the French from the Renaissance to the end of the last century; and a unique collection of pastels and drawings by P.P.Prud'hon. The Natural Science museum features mainly archeological treasures from the Saône valley and surrounding areas.
Location: Rue Pigalle, close to la Basilique . Tel: 03 84 65 69 10
Opening Hours: Open every day, except for: Christmas, Jours Fériés(National holidays) , and Tuesdays. Hours: from 1st May through 30 September - 10h00 to 12h00 and 14h00 to 18h00. From 1st October to 30th April - 14h00 to 17h00.
Is there anything else worth mentioning?
The old railway station is now only a booking office. There are no rail connections to Gray.
Eating and Drinking in Gray
Back to topBest places to drink an aperitif?
The Krystal Bar, 200 metres from our base. Open every day except Sunday.
Atmosphere: Trendy & friendly. The nearest thing to an English pub. Pool, darts, TV, music, interesting cocktails & sandwiches. Terrace.
Opening Hours: 10,00 to 23,00, 6 days a week.Closed on Sundays.
Budget restaurant
Pic-Pizz, situated next to the base.
Address: 9, Avenue Carnot.
Atmosphere: Bijou, cosy.Terrace open in summer.
Cuisine: Mainly pizzas, also gratinées, salads & sandwiches, to eat in or take away.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday(closed Sunday & Monday), lunchtimes & evenings.
Contact Details: Tel: 03 84 65 52 12
Moderately priced restaurant
Le Hotel-Restaurant " Au Mastroquet" (& Le Bouchon). Situated 200 metres from the base.
Address: 1,Avenue Carnot.
Atmosphere: Informal in Le Bouchon(lunchtimes only), semi- formal in the panoramic restaurant.
Cuisine: Franche-Comté, leaning towards haute-cuisine . A wide variety of menus.
Speciality: Regional"platters" featuring local produce, including river fish.
Opening Hours: Both restaurants closed all day Thursday. Le Bouchon closed Saturday evenings & all day Sunday. Cabaret /supper evenings are held in the panoramic restaurant on Saturdays(reservations only)).
Contact Details: Tel:03 84 64 53 50.
Upmarket restaurant
Le Relais de la Prevote
Address: 6 Rue du Marché.
Atmosphere: Refined, warm & friendly.
Cuisine: Haute cuisine with regional influence.
Opening Hours: Lunchtime & evenings, except Sunday evening & all day Monday.
Contact Details: Tel:03 84 65 10 08
Shopping in Gray
Back to topSupermarket
Hyper-Casino
Arc-les-Gray, 1 Km from the base.
Opening Hours: All day 0830 until 1930hrs (Closed Sundays.
Supermarket
Intermarché
Off Quai Mavia, 1Km. From the base.
Supermarket 3
LIDL, 300 metres from the base.
What other shops are there??
Bio-Gray, small grocery & health-food shop, at the top of La Grande Rue.Ten minutes' walk from the base.
Opening Hours: Open on Sundays, 1000 to 1200 and 1600 to 1800hrs..
Practicalities at Gray
Back to topMooring
You have a choice. The Connoisseur Base, with all facilities, is upstream of the Pont Pierre. The Town quai, Quai Mavia, is downstream of the bridge, stretching for 800 metres along the waterfront, but with limited facilities. There is also room for several boats at La Plage, upstream from Connoisseur, close to a restaurant and the open-air swimming pool.
Can I get water here?
Yes
Are there any 220v points to plug the boat into?
Yes
Can I get fuel here?
Yes
Are there any waste pump facilities here?
Not yet
Are there any public waste bins here?
Yes
Are there toilet/shower facilities here?
Yes, but limited.
Is there a bank?
Banque Populaire, Place de 4 Septembre, 400 metres from the base. Tel: 03 84 65 35 01. Also in town: Crédit Agricole, Caisse d'épargne, BNP Paribas, and C.I.A.L.
Is there an ATM?
ATM's can be found at all the banks; also in the Hyper Casino supermarket.
Is there a post office?
25 Rue Marché. Five minutes' walk from the base.
Is there a doctor?
Philippe Augey, 1 Avenue Verdun. Tel: 03 84 65 26 06 . Centre Hospitalier de Gray - Ugences: Tel: 03 80 36 15 51.
Is there a dentist?
Patrice Gayde, 7 Rue Gambetta. Tel: 03 84 65 52 95. Jean-Philippe Souclier, 22 Rue Marché. Tel: 03 84 65 20 24.
Is there a pharmacy?
Pharmacy Moderne, 34 Rue Thiers. An easy walk from the base. Tel: 03 84 65 07 08.
Is there a taxi company here?
Miranda , 35 Ave Pierre Curie, Gray-la-Ville. Tel: 03 84 64 91 91.
Can I get internet access here?
Metaconcept, 19 Quai Mavia . Near the lock at the end of the bridge. 03 84 32 71 25.
