Guide to Saone-et-Loire & Properties in Department 71

Saone-et-Loire is a region of peaceful waterways, ancient woodlands, mountains and vineyards. Named after the Saône and Loire rivers, which flow through it, this is the seventh-largest department in France and is located within the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. Lying to the south of Lyon, Geneva to the east, and just two hours from Paris, Saone-et-Loire (department number 71) is easily accessible and well-connected to Europe and beyond. The vineyards in the valleys and slopes of the Saône Valley in this part of eastern France produce Burgundy wine, featuring dry red wines made from Pinot noir grapes and white wines typically crafted from Chardonnay grapes.

Outdoor Adventures Await

The hills, plains, and rivers of Saone-et-Loire attract leisure visitors from France and beyond who come for fishing and hiking. The Saône is a tributary of the River Rhône, and the two rivers converge at Lyon. The Loire has its source in the Ardeche and travels across the department to the west coast of France and the Atlantic. The Saone and Loire are linked by the Canal du Centre between Chalon-sur-Saône and Digoin.

Nature at Its Best in Morvan

The Morvan Regional Nature Park and Voie Verte car-free greenway are popular with walkers and cyclists, and give this part of France its reputation as a haven for nature lovers. There is also plenty of culture to enjoy, featuring magnificent Romanesque churches, imposing châteaux, ancient monuments, and numerous museums and galleries.

Mâcon: The Heart of Sâone-et-Loire

Mâcon, in the south of the department, is the capital of Saone-et-Loire and has a population of over 34,000, who are known locally as Maconnais. The city’s name has been adopted by the vineyards in the area.

Visitor attractions include the Musée des Ursulines, which was once a convent and now houses art collections, archaeological finds and items of local historical interest. Other popular local historical sites are La Maison de Bois and the twin-steepled Romanesque Église Saint-Pierre.

Vibrant Markets and Festivals

Further north, the vibrant town of Chalon-sur-Saône holds twice-weekly markets in the Place Saint-Vincent and hosts regular festivals. This part of France is known for its colourful carnivals, which include the medieval "Fête des Fous" and the "Chalon dans la Rue" festival.

Key Information about Saône-et-Loire (71)

• Main City/Prefecture: Mâcon
• Nearest Airport: Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (approx. 90 km)
• Population: Around 552,000 (as of the latest census)
• Area: 8,575 sq. kilometres and 3,311 sq. miles
• Landmark: Cluny Abbey, a majestic Romanesque monastery with deep historical significance.
• Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 2 million, lured by vineyards, Romanesque architecture and charming countryside.

Why Buy a Property in Saône-et-Loire?

Situated in the heart of Burgundy, Saône-et-Loire offers a charming blend of history, rural peace and scenic beauty. Its beautiful vineyards, historic towns, and tranquil villages attract those seeking an authentic French experience. Rich in heritage and featuring extensive outdoor spaces, the region presents a wide range of properties, making it ideal for buyers wanting character, comfort, and countryside living. The real estate market reflects this diversity, combining historic architecture with modern amenities.

Property Types in Saone-et-Loire

Saône-et-Loire presents a varied property market that combines historic charm with modern lifestyles. Buyers can expect to find charming village houses, traditional stone or brick homes, contemporary villas and timber-frame constructions. 

The area is celebrated for its character-filled properties, such as maisons de maître, châteaux, country houses with land, and outbuildings, making them ideal for family residences or lifestyle ventures. In larger towns, there are also townhouses and modern apartments that provide convenience and excellent transport connections.

Most Common Types of Properties

• Village Houses: Many village homes are centuries old, with thick stone walls, original wooden beams, and rustic facades. 
• Traditional Homes: These properties showcase the local architectural style, ranging from stone-built farmhouses to traditional brick houses. Some have been restored, while others present great renovation opportunities.
• Character Properties & Country Estates: The region features châteaux, maisons de maître and country houses with land and outbuildings, ideal for a grand family home, gîte business, or second residence.
• Modern and New Builds: Contemporary houses, timber-frame homes, and single- or two-storey pavilions are becoming more popular, providing modern amenities and energy-efficient designs.
• Townhouses and Apartments: In larger towns, you’ll find terraced homes and apartments near shops and services.

Average Property Prices in Saône-et-Loire (71) in 2025

• Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €1,502 (source: Le Figaro - October 2025)
• Apartments: average price per sq. metre: €1,816  (source: Le Figaro - October 2025)
• Price trends: 0% over the last 12 months, +30% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro)

2025 House Prices in the Main Towns in Saone-et-Loire

• Average House Price near Chalon-sur-Saône: €1,172 per sq. metre
• Average House Price near Macon: €2,057 per sq. metre
• Average House Price near Le Creusot: €1,088 per sq. metre

(source: Le Figaro - October 2025)

Find Your Dream Lifestyle in Saône-et-Loire

• Burgundy’s Hidden Gem: Saône-et-Loire, known for vineyards, historic châteaux, and charming fermes bourguignonnes, offers stone houses, wine estates, and riverside properties, often 40–50% cheaper than Côte-d’Or.
• Steady Rental Income: Tourists are attracted to its 'voies vertes' (green pathways), Romanesque abbeys like Cluny and Paray-le-Monial and Charolais cattle country. Properties here yield 5–8% annually, especially gîtes or holiday homes along the Canals.
• Prime Location: TGV to Paris (1h40m from Le Creusot), proximity to Lyon (1h), and easy access to the Morvan Natural Park make it perfect for second-home owners, commuters, and nature enthusiasts.
• Gentle Climate & Outdoor Living: Warm summers (25–28°C) for cycling, wine-tasting in Pouilly-Fuissé, boating on the Saône, and cool winters (2–8°C), great for outdoor activities, farmers’ markets, and exploring the countryside.
• Rich Cultural & Gastronomic Lifestyle: A heritage-rich region known for Burgundy wines, Charolais beef festivals, and medieval fêtes. It offers rural peace, gastronomy, and community vibes.

Saone-et-Loire is a region where the serenity of its beautiful natural landscape is appreciated and age-old traditions are preserved. Are you looking in a specific area? Tell us about your requirements, and we'll send you alerts based on your specific search criteria.