Ideas for a day out in Chalon-sur-Saône

©Chalon Cloitre Cathedrale Saint Vincent

Ideas for a day out in Chalon-sur-Saône

For a few hours’ getaway, immerse yourself in the historic heart of Chalon-sur-Saône. Its cobbled streets, centuries-old churches and lively squares reveal the very essence of this city steeped in history. Take the opportunity to explore the vineyards or go for a short hike.

Is it time to leave or return from vacation? To lighten your commute and combine business with pleasure, take a break in Southern Burgundy. You won’t regret it.

Whether you’re on the A6 or the Route Centre-Europe Atlantique, Chalon sur Saône in the heart of Burgundy is the perfect place to stop and recharge your batteries.

And if you’re staying only a short time, discover the must-sees! And take advantage of the Orbandale trail, a pedestrian tour of the old town center, with its cobbled shopping streets and half-timbered houses! It’s a great way to stretch your legs while enjoying the town center.

Discovering downtown Chalon sur Saône

Chalon sur Saône owes its “Ville d’Art et d’Histoire” label to its rich heritage. By following the “Chemin de l’Orbandale” circuit, you’ll discover some thirty places of architectural interest in its historic center. You’ll also discover a wide range of shops in Chalon and the city center.

After a relaxing stroll along the banks of the Saône and through the pedestrian streets of the city center, the Place Saint-Vincent is the ideal place to relax and enjoy a drink, while contemplating the beauty of the Cathedral, its cloister, fully restored in 2019, and its half-timbered houses.

©Chalon Sur Saone Orbandale Cathedral Church Heritage 2020 Rozenn Krebel 29|ROZENN KREBEL

©Quais De Saone Place Du Port Villiers|jerome MARCHE

Saint Vincent Cathedral

Saint-Vincent Cathedral, seat of the former diocese of Chalon-sur-Saône, comprises the former bishop’s palace, cathedral, cloister and canons’ houses. Built in Romanesque style from 1090 onwards, the cathedral today features a Gothic elevation and a “neo-Gothic” facade. Its simple plan features three naves, a chevet with no ambulatory, and side chapels. Come and discover its ensemble of Romanesque capitals, its 1510 Brussels tapestry and a 16th-century stained-glass window. A tactile model is available for the visually impaired.

Cloister

Today, the cloister of Saint-Vincent Cathedral is the only preserved canonical cloister in Burgundy and Franche-Comté. Its perimeter walls have been dated to around the year 1000, making it even more exceptional. Three wings with three-lobed arched bays date from the 14th century and were rib-vaulted in the 15th century. The north wing is a contemporary reconstruction of a gallery that disappeared in the 19th century. In the spirit of existing medieval and 19th-century capitals, it is adorned with sculptures on capitals in Saint-Marc stone (Burgundy limestone) by sculptor Laetitia de Bazelaire, evoking animals, virtues and the 5 senses.
Accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Nicéphore Niépce Museum

Chalon-sur-Saône is the birthplace of Nicéphore Niépce (1765 – 1833), inventor of photography in 1826. Come and discover this unique collection focusing on the origins of the photographic image. In keeping with Niépce’s legacy, the museum deals with the various fields of “photography”, and invites you to take part in a constantly renewed tour combining objects, original images and new technologies.
A regular feature: temporary exhibitions of old and contemporary photographs.