Heatwave swimming

There’s nothing like a stroll along the banks of the Saône to enjoy the freshness of the water. Bordering the south bank of the Chavannes peninsula after the marina, the Coulée verte is a pleasant, shaded pathway offering a moment’s respite. The harbour waters of the Coulée are also home to a variety of semi-aquatic species (herons, black kites, wagtails…), so keep an eye out for them.

A perfect time to visit the cellars of the Côte Chalonnaise and discover the secrets of the region’s wines. Surrounded by old stone walls and constant natural temperatures, you’ll appreciate the authenticity of these surroundings, making them the ideal place for a chilled wine tasting session.

Museums keep you cool too! The town boasts a number of galleries open all year round, with free admission, including the Musée de la photographie Nicéphore Niépce, the Musée des Beaux-Arts et d’Archéologie Vivant Denon and the Espace Patrimoine. All ideally located in the heart of the city, take advantage of their air-conditioned spaces to get some fresh air indoors on hot summer days.

To take advantage of the breeze, embark on a river cruise on the Saône with a breathtaking view of the city. Departing from Port Villiers, the pilots of Chalon Balade Sur Saône take you on an exploration of the city, its bridges, its marina… From the comfort of a covered lounge-boat, discover Chalon’s heritage as you float along.

Our parks and gardens offer sheltered spots for relaxing or picnicking. Close to downtown, discover the Parc Georges Nouelle with its mini-farm, aviary and geobotanical garden, with beds inspired by local and tropical climates. And let’s not forget the nearby Prairie Saint-Nicolas, with its 115 hectares of greenery, golf courses and varied flower beds!

There’s nothing like a spiritual place for a cool break. The only preserved example of a cloister adjoining a cathedral in Burgundy, and fully restored since 2019, the Saint-Vincent canonical cloister dates back to before the 11th century, revealing a wealth of history in the shade of its covered galleries. Take a stroll through its inner courtyard and garden, and enjoy the exceptional view of the Cathedral’s towers.