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Paulée 2018 in Châlon sur Saône
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© thomas salva

Chalon-sur-Saône: a City of Art and History

Built on the banks of the Saône, Chalon-sur-Saône traces its origins back to antiquity, when it was known as Cabilonnum. A trading hub and river town, it has preserved a remarkable heritage over the centuries: religious buildings, fortifications, mansions, historic houses and reminders of its industrial and cultural history.

Now designated a ‘City of Art and History’, Chalon invites visitors not only to step back in time, but also to discover the world of Nicéphore Niépce, the inventor of photography, who was born here in 1765.

A heritage that tells the story of more than 2,000 years of history

A remarkable religious heritage

In the heart of the old town, Saint-Vincent’s Cathedral is one of Chalon-sur-Saône’s most iconic landmarks. Just a short walk away, its canonical cloister completes this exceptional heritage complex.

But Chalon’s religious heritage does not end there. Saint-Pierre Church, characteristic of the Catholic Counter-Reformation, the neo-Gothic Saint-Cosme Church, the Citadel Chapel and the Colombière Chapel, designed by Auguste Perret, bear witness to different periods in the town’s history.

Ramparts, towers and bastions

A strategic town since ancient times and subsequently a frontier town for several centuries, Chalon-sur-Saône has preserved traces of its ancient fortifications.

The Évêché, Marcilly and Saudon towers, as well as the ramparts and bastions of Saint-Pierre, Saint-Paul, Saint-Vincent and Royal, bear witness in particular to the major defensive works carried out in the 16th century by the Italian engineer Girolamo Bellarmato.

The counter-mine gallery at the Saint-Pierre bastion can still be explored during certain tours organised by the Espace Patrimoine.

Mansion houses and hidden details

Sometimes, all it takes is to look up to discover another side to Chalon.

The Hôtel de Virey, the Maison Chiquet, the Hôtel Noirot, the Hôtel de Colmont-Fusselet, the Tour du Doyenné and the many medieval stairtowers all tell the story of the families, merchants and prominent figures who shaped the town.

Façades, inner courtyards, sculpted details and half-timbered houses thus make up a heritage that can be discovered as you wander through the streets.

The Orbandale Trail

Explore Chalon’s heritage on foot

To explore the historic centre at your leisure, follow the Chemin de l’Orbandale.

This tourist route links around thirty points of interest between the old town centre and Île Saint-Laurent: remarkable façades, courtyards, monuments, fortifications and architectural details punctuate the walk.

There are two routes to help you explore the town at your own pace:

Historic centre: approximately 2.7 km
Île Saint-Laurent: approximately 1.7 km

The route is also available in a fun ‘Orbidule’ version for children.