Quais and Eric 22 Photo Shoot
The historic centre of Chalon
You simply cannot visit Chalon-sur-Saône without stopping off at Place Saint-Vincent. Built during the Romanesque period and subsequently altered over the centuries, Saint-Vincent Cathedral today combines Romanesque and Gothic architecture with a Neo-Gothic façade. Inside, don’t miss its remarkable collection of Romanesque capitals.
Next to it stands the Cloister of the Canons, the only surviving canonical cloister in Burgundy and Franche-Comté. Its oldest parts date back to around the year 1000, and its north wing – reconstructed during its restoration – features contemporary capitals inspired by the medieval world.
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The best way to explore Chalon on foot
Half-timbered houses, towers and turrets, courtyards, fortifications, bastions and cobbled streets: the history of Chalon-sur-Saône is evident on every street corner.
To discover the main historical landmarks, follow the Chemin de l’Orbandale, a walking route that winds through the old town centre and takes in around thirty points of architectural and historical interest. An ideal walk for a first visit, to be enjoyed at your own pace or with an audio guide available from the Tourist Office.
Make the most of it by strolling around Place Saint-Vincent, through the pedestrianised streets and down to the banks of the Saône.
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Chalon-sur-Saône, the birthplace of photography
Chalon-sur-Saône is the birthplace of Nicéphore Niépce, the inventor of photography. Situated on the banks of the Saône, the museum that bears his name houses an exceptional collection dedicated to the origins and development of the photographic image.
Cameras, artefacts, original photographs and new technologies take visitors on a journey through the history of the medium right up to contemporary creations. Temporary exhibitions regularly refresh the visitor experience.
A must-see for anyone wishing to understand why photography holds such a special place in the identity of Chalon-sur-Saône.
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Chalon along the river
Chalon-sur-Saône owes much of its history and identity to the river from which it takes its name.
From the quays, cross the Saint-Laurent Bridge to reach the island of the same name. It’s a pleasant stroll offering a chance to discover another side of the town, enjoy the views over the Saône and reach Rue de Strasbourg with its many restaurants.
The quays also provide an excellent route to continue your exploration after visiting the historic centre.
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Art, archaeology and history
Named in honour of Dominique Vivant Denon, a native of Chalon-sur-Saône who became the first director of what is now the Louvre Museum, the museum houses significant archaeological, artistic and ethnographic collections.
Archaeological artefacts, sculptures, graphic works and artefacts from various periods take visitors on a journey through several thousand years of history and creativity.
An ideal complementary visit to further your exploration of Chalon-sur-Saône’s heritage.
Understanding the city in a different way
How did Chalon evolve from the ancient Cabilonnum into the town we know today?
The permanent exhibition at the Espace Patrimoine traces the town’s urban development. The venue also hosts temporary exhibitions and serves as the starting point for numerous guided tours led by the certified tour guides of Chalon-sur-Saône, a ‘City of Art and History’.
Some of these tours even offer the chance to step inside places that are usually closed to the public.
House Niepce Saint Loup Varennes
The origins of photography
A few kilometres from Chalon-sur-Saône, in Saint-Loup-de-Varennes, continue your exploration of the history of photography in the house where Nicéphore Niépce carried out his research.
Recognised as a ‘Maison des Illustres’, it is dedicated to his inventions and offers a glimpse into the places where he worked not only on photography but also on the internal combustion engine.
A visit that perfectly complements that of the Nicéphore Niépce Museum in Chalon.
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The vineyards on the outskirts of Chalon
Fancy extending your visit around Chalon-sur-Saône? Just a few kilometres away lie the rolling landscapes of the Côte Chalonnaise.
Givry, Mercurey, Rully and Bouzeron invite you to discover wine-growing villages, estates and cellars along the Route des Grands Vins de Bourgogne. With its rich heritage, opportunities to meet local winegrowers and wine tastings, the vineyard region is the perfect extension to a getaway in Chalon.
