Chalons by bike: the Great Loop of South Burgundy
If Saône-et-Loire attracts cycling enthusiasts and hikers, it’s not by chance: the region is the birthplace of France’s first Voie Verte, between Cluny and Givry. Cycle tourism routes abound, offering a variety of options in the heart of a generous and welcoming natural environment. Explore the treasures of South Burgundy by bicycle along these emblematic routes.
Set off from Mâcon or the Vélo Gare de Charnay-les-Mâcon to reach Chalon, following the legendary itinerary where France’s first Voie Verte was born. This superb 145 km loop, with a south-north-south orientation, passes through major sites amidst the vineyard landscapes between Mâconnais and Côte Chalonnaise. Start your journey in Mâcon, heading for the Vélo-Gare de Charnay-les-Mâcon. The Voie Verte winds its way through Prissé and La Roche-Vineuse, offering a picturesque route sculpted by hills covered with vineyards and jewels to discover.
As an expert on the Chalon-sur-Saône region, I highly recommend these cycle tourism itineraries for an immersive experience at the heart of Southern Burgundy’s charms. Discover this land by bike, rich in landscapes, vineyards and nuggets at every turn.
La Ferté Abbey
Explore the captivating history of La Ferté Abbey, a privately-owned historic monument dating back to the 18th century. Founded in 1113 by Saint Bernard, La Ferté was one of the most important Cistercian abbeys of its time. Although its church has disappeared, the magnificent abbey palace remains intact, offering an exceptional testimony to monastic history.
The Palais abbatial de la Ferté welcomes you with an imposing staircase, salons adorned with carved woodwork, tapestries, paintings and original furniture that tell the story of the building’s rich history.A gallery proudly displays numerous scientific objects dating back to the 19th century, adding an intriguing dimension to the visit.The English park that surrounds the abbey completes the experience, offering a peaceful and enchanting setting.
Every element of La Ferté magnificently evokes the art of living in the 18th century, transporting visitors to a bygone era.A visit to Château de la Ferté is the last remaining evidence of the former monastery, preserving its history as an abbey palace.The château serves as a link between the two eras that have marked this place, from the Cistercian foundation to the post-Revolutionary era.
La Ferté, the first daughter of Cîteaux, survived the centuries to become the cradle of a family of scientists and inventors after the French Revolution.Today, the descendants of this illustrious lineage play in the shady park, surrounded by century-old trees, perpetuating the exceptional heritage of La Ferté Abbey.A must-see for history and heritage lovers.
Saint-Vincent Cathedral
Explore Saint-Vincent Cathedral, once the seat of the former diocese of Chalon-sur-Saône. This remarkable ensemble includes the former bishop’s palace, cathedral, cloister and canons’ houses. Erected in Romanesque style from 1090 onwards, the cathedral’s Gothic elevation and neo-Gothic facade add to its unique character.
The structure, with its simple plan, consists of three naves, a chevet with no ambulatory and side chapels. Saint-Vincent Cathedral is a fascinating architectural testimony to the evolution of styles over the centuries. Come and discover its collection of Romanesque capitals, each telling its own story and contributing to the richly historic atmosphere that reigns here.
The Cloister of Saint-Vincent Cathedral
Witness to an eventful history, the cloister of Chalon-sur-Saône has valiantly withstood the trials and tribulations of time. Partially demolished after the French Revolution, on the verge of total annihilation in the 19th century, and still seriously damaged only a decade ago, the cloister today reveals its exceptional resilience.
Today, it remains the only preserved canonical cloister in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, giving Chalon, proudly labeled a Ville d’Art et d’Histoire, an undeniable asset for its tourist appeal. To consolidate this added heritage value, a crucial phase of in-depth studies was followed by six years of work. This project, the only one of its kind in France, involved draining the east, south and west galleries, followed by meticulous restoration work.
Chalon-sur-Saône’s cloister, a symbol of perseverance and heritage preservation, is now open to visitors. It’s an invitation to delve into the region’s rich and eventful history, while enhancing the city’s cultural appeal. The restoration of this architectural gem is an example of exceptional preservation, contributing to the enrichment of Chalon-sur-Saône’s cultural heritage.
The Nicéphore Niépce Museum
He left an indelible mark on the city, and gave birth to a museum entirely dedicated to photography, covering its entire history, from Niépce’s invention to the era of the digital image. The Musée Nicéphore Niépce boasts the most prestigious photographic collection in Europe, with 3 million images and over 10,000 cameras and objects, some of which are unique, such as the “Chambre de la Découverte”, the world’s first camera used by Nicéphore Niépce.
The museum’s collections offer visitors a constantly renewed itinerary through captivating exhibitions, and are exported around the world. It’s an opportunity to plunge into the fascinating world of photography, to discover its evolution from its beginnings to the present day, while admiring unique pieces that have marked the history of this visual art. The Musée Nicéphore Niépce is much more than just an exhibition space; it’s a veritable visual exploration through the time and space of photography.
River navigation at Chalons sur Saône
Explore Burgundy with a river cruise on a hotel barge, a friendly liberty cruise with family or friends, or a discovery tour on a tour boat. With nearly 1,200 km of rivers and canals, Burgundy is a boating paradise.
After a few hours of strolling along the waterways, there’s nothing more pleasant than docking in unfamiliar territory, whether with a bike or simply the desire to stretch your legs and explore the surroundings. The banks of the Saône and Loire rivers in the Saône-et-Loire region offer boat stops and mooring pontoons, giving you easy access to the surrounding countryside.
From Pont de Vaux to Tournus, Gigny, Chalon-sur-Saône, Gergy, Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune, Verdun-sur-le-Doubs to Saint-Jean-de-Losne, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re looking to stock up on provisions or make a cultural or gastronomic stopover, each stage offers a unique experience. Chalon-sur-Saône’s marina, just a few hundred meters from the city’s historic heart, with its lively pedestrian streets, shops and magnificent cathedral, is a particularly attractive stopover.
Take advantage of this opportunity to follow the Chemin de l’Orbandale, a walking trail that takes you on a discovery tour of Chalon-sur-Saône’s historic city center. The starting point for this exploration is the Chalon-sur-Saône Tourist Office, inviting you to immerse yourself in the history and beauty of this charming region of Burgundy.
