Saone-et-Loire
Visit Saone-et-Loire, France
Visit Saone-et Loire to experience a quieter region of Burgundy, experienced most perhaps in the reflective calm of Cluny abbey, but also in many of the towns and villages across this untouristy department.
Market towns & days in Saone-et-Loire
all markets in morning unless otherwise stated
Chagny: Thursday & Sunday
Chalon-sur-Saone: Wednesday & Thursday & Sunday & Friday
Charnay-les-Macon: Friday
Charolles: Wednesday
Chauffailles: Friday
Cluny: Saturday
Digoin: Sunday & Friday
Epinac: Wednesday & Sunday
Givry: Thursday
Gueugnon: Thursday
La Clayette: Tuesday
Le Creusot: Tuesday & Thursday & Saturday
Louhans: Monday
Macon: Saturday
Marcigny: Monday
Mervans: Friday
Montceau-les-Mines: Tuesday & Saturday
Montchanin: Wednesday
Paray-le-Monial: Friday
Pierre-de-Bresse: Monday
Saint-Germain-du-Bois: Saturday
Saint-Germain-du-Plain: Thursday
Sennecey-le-Grand: Friday
Tournus: Saturday
Verdun-sur-le-Doubs: Thursday
Selected places to visit in Saone-et-Loire
Saone-et-Loire is to the south-western corner of Burgundy. The capital of the department is Mâcon.
Northern Saone-et-Loire
Stepping back beyond the Middle Ages for once, there are important Roman remains at Autun, in the north-west corner of Saone-et-Loire (east of Beaune).
Be sure to also visit Chalon-sur-Saone between Dijon and Mâcon.
The ecomuseum at Le Creusot focusses on the rich industrial heritage of the region.
Bibracte, on the summit of Mont Beuvray (north-west at Saint-Léger-sous-Beuvray) is an important location, at one time being the centre of a very important celtic settlement. Various exhibits pay tribute to this history, and the site is listed as one of just 33 'Grand Sites of France'.

Southern Saone-et-Loire
The town of Tournus is to the north-east of Cluny, and don't miss Cormatin Chateau, also a little north of Cluny. The newly renovated village of Brancion, between Tournus and Cormatin, is also recommended. Solutré-Pouilly is dominated by the Rock of Solutré and is known for its wine.
Be sure also to visit the basilica at Paray-le-Monial to the west of Cluny for a taste of what Cluny was originally like, and the church at Anzy-le-Duc a little to the south.
Brionnais: The Brionnais region is the south-western corner of the department, centred around the beautiful village at Semur-en-Brionnais. Set in attractive rolling countryside, the Brionnais is best known for the large number of interesting churches, and to a lesser degree castles.
The main towns and villages here are Marcigny, Briant, Chauffailles, La Clayette (best known for the pretty Chateau de la Clayette) and Saint-Julien-de-Civry.
See a list of all Saone-et-Loire communes
Map of Saone-et-Loire
French version: Saone-et-Loire (Francais)