Located in east-central France, Chalon-sur-Saône sits on the Saône River, a tributary of the Rhône. With a population of about 50,000, it is the largest town in the Saône-et-Loire department of France’s Burgundy region. First established 3000 years ago, Chalon-sur-Saône has an illustrious past. The town was part of the Roman Empire, before falling under Episcopalian rule. The Bishopric of Chalon-sur-Saône had its seat at Saint Vincent’s Cathedral, within walking distance of the Kyriad Chalon-sur-Saône Centre Hotel.
Chalon-sur-Saône is also home to major figures in French history. Nicéphore Niépce was an inventor who lived in the town during the 18th and 19th centuries. He is credited with producing the world’s first known photograph and also created the first internal combustion engine. In 1818, Niépce created the “velocipede” (dandy-horse), a precursor to the bicycle. Dominique Vivant Denon, another well-known resident of the town, helped transform the royal palace in Paris into the modern-day Louvre Museum.
A two-day break
Explore the rich history and heritage of Chalon-sur-Saône during a two-day visit. Saint Vincent’s Cathedral is a great place to start. The cathedral, which blends Romanesque, gothic and neo-Gothic architectural styles, is decorated with 16th-century stained-glass windows, a Belgian tapestry and numerous statues. Be sure to also visit the Nicéphore Niépce Museum, a 10-minute walk from the Kyriad Chalon-sur-Saône Centre Hotel. The museum contains early and modern photography paraphernalia, as well as a collection of two million photos.
A week-long stay
Spending a week in Chalon-sur-Saône gives you time to experience all that Burgundy has to offer. This region of France is well-known for its wines, and there are several vineyards around Chalon-sur-Saône, such as Domaine Drain, to the west of town. A number of famous castles are also close by, including the Château de Germolles, former home of the Countess of Flanders, and the Château de Rully, which has its own vineyards.
A family holiday
Chalon-sur-Saône is a great destination for a family holiday, with many outdoor spaces and activities for kids and adults. The Botanical Gardens and the Saint Nicolas Rose Garden are great locations for an afternoon stroll. Families can also take advantage of the Saône River, which offers sailing, fishing and cruise opportunities. To the south of Chalon-sur-Saône, the Eden Centre features an interactive museum on the natural history of Burgundy.
Transports
Chalon-sur-Saône is easily accessible by rail. The main train station, which is a five-minute drive from the Kyriad Chalon-sur-Saône Centre Hotel, offers high-speed service to Paris (1h20), as well as connections to Dijon and Lyon. The A6 motorway connects the town to Paris, Lyon and Geneva, and the closest international airport is in Lyon.
Gastronomy
Chalon-sur-Saône is home to many great restaurants, whose dishes are well-complemented by an outstanding selection of local Burgundian wines. Located on an island in the middle of the Saône, Au Coeur Fidèle offers traditional French cuisine. House specialities include beef fillet served with Morchella mushrooms and foie gras. Just up the street, Les Canailles serves regional Burgundian dishes.
Events
Very much a lively town, Chalon-sur-Saône hosts festivals throughout the year. It is best-known for “Chalon in the Street,” a performing arts festival in July which features musical, theatrical and acrobatic events. Every September, the Chalon Fair draws thousands of vendors, shoppers and visitors, and also includes demonstrations, expositions and various activities.
Interesting Fact
Nicéphore Niépce produced the first known photograph, an image of Pope Pius VII, using a process called heliography. In heliography, an image is created by spreading an asphalt-like substance on a glass or metal plate. The substance dries when exposed to light, and a hardened image remains on the plate after washing.
Useful Links
Chalon-sur-Saône official tourism website: http://www.uk.chalon-sur-saone.net/
Chalon-sur-Saône official website: http://www.chalon.fr/site/English-605.html
Burgundy official tourism website: http://www.burgundy-tourism.com/
