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Saone-et-Loire, France travel guide

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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

One particular highlight of southern Burgundy is the renowned monastery at Cluny, north-west of Mâcon.

The town of Tournus is to the north-east of Cluny, and don't miss Cormatin Chateau, also a little north of Cluny.

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.