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
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 Saone-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.
A Place of Peace and Tradition
Saone-et-Loire is a region where the serenity of its beautiful natural landscape is appreciated and age-old traditions are preserved.
Key Information about Saône-et-Loire
- 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.
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