Chalon-sur-Saone

Chalon-sur-Saône is a city in the Saône-et-Loire department in the region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in eastern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department. It is the largest city in the department; however, the department capital is the smaller city of Mâcon. Wikipedia.
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Top places to visit

4.3
(814)
4.1
(205)
Mentioned on 
Museum
Specialty Museums
Musée Nicéphore Niépce is a museum dedicated to the history of photography and its pioneer, Nicéphore Niépce. Located in Chalon-sur-Saône, the museum houses an impressive collection of over 6,000 cameras and optical objects, as well as more than 3 million images. Visitors can explore the evolution of photography from its early forms using glass panels and crude light boxes to modern equipment, color usage, styles, and different materials.
Really interesting museum with range of exhibits. Had modern french photographers & Oscura,a pinhole collective. Good general photography, lots on English
Chris G — Google review
An exquisite collection of material, equipment and techniques that traces the history of photography. From the earliest forms of photography, using glass panels and crude light boxes to more modern equipment, use of colour, styles and difference materials. Beautiful work showcasing the changes in cameras, films, fashion photography, magazine and nature styles.. If you’re interested in photography, museum is not to be missed.. Entry is free.
Stu W — Google review
Small museum with high quality exhibits on the history of photography. Has Niepce’s original camera and some great heliographs, daguerreotypes and Talbot calotypes. If you are into photography it’s a must do.
M L — Google review
Great museum to visit for learning the great and unique world of photography. Unbelievably free ! Well organised and accurate in terms of story telling and material. The only improvement I would modestly suggest is some form of chronology to follow for people not firm on the topic. Worth the stop.
Marini M — Google review
For those passionate about photography, this place is a must if you are passing Chalon Sur Saone (just off the A6 motorway). A superb collection of images, cameras tell the story of photography in the place where the 1st ever image was captured by Niepce. The layout is intelligent and interesting and they have a wonderful library of books for sale at the conclusion of your visit. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in this art... and access is free.
Paul D — Google review
A superb photographic museum, featuring fine displays of nineteenth and twentieth century photographs by a very broad assortment of French photographers. Deserving of far more time exploring its galleries than I was able to give it while stopping at Chalon-sur-Saone during the course of a Rhone/Saone river cruise.
Terry J — Google review
If you're a photography fan, I'm sure you'll find this place very interesting. It can be seen in at least 30 minutes, depinding on the time you're speding at each pic.
Alexandru B — Google review
Free museum, informative and well worth a visit.
Mark — Google review
28 Quai des Messageries, 71100 Chalon-sur-Saône, Francehttp://www.museeniepce.com/+33 3 85 48 41 98Tips and more reviews for Musée Nicéphore Niépce
4.5
(1175)
4.3
(284)
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Cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Churches & Cathedrals
Chalon Cathedral is a fascinating blend of architectural styles, with its Neo-Gothic facade and two newer towers from the 1800s alongside elements dating back to the 1000s. The cathedral is located in a lovely square with cafes and a charming fountain nearby. It's part of the cathedral close of Saint Vincent, which includes the Bishops Palace, cloister, and cannons houses. Despite needing some renovation in parts, it remains a popular site for both locals and tourists.
Masterpiece. Brautifull inside and outside. Recommend a visit.
Artur V — Google review
The cathedral was built between 1092 and 1220 as a Roman style church but gothic additions were made later in the 16th century. The interior was rather dark but at some places they have built sensors that switch on lights when you get near. In front of the church is a lively square with restaurants
Seimen B — Google review
Nice and climstic cathedral, although it needs a general renovation in certain parts.
Lufix — Google review
Popular site for locals and tourists. Located in old part of Chalon and near businesses selling clothes, etc. Review Google in your choice of languages before visiting. The open space in front of the cathedrale is usually filled with tables and large umbrellas, which makes for ugly photos.
Mike S — Google review
The real highlight for me was the cloisters behind the cathedral. You have to exit the cathedral and turn left to visit them.
Jane N — Google review
Very nice
Erica F — Google review
Just surprisingly beuatifull. 1000 year old cathedral. Beautiful location with Lovely square just by the cathedral with tables and chairs and cafes.Nice fountain too.Lovely architecture and great for photos. The cathedral close of Saint Vincent, seat of the former bishopric of Chalon-sur-Saone, is made up the the Bishop’s Palace, cathedral, cloister and cannon’s houses. Construction of the cathedral started in 1090 in the Romanesque style, but today is characterised by its Gothic elevation and neo-Gothic facade. The simple layout of the cathedral is composed of three naves, a chevet without ambulatory and side chapels. Come and discover the collection of Romanesque capitals, the Brussels tapestry dating from 1510 and a 16th century stained glass window. For the visually handicapped there is a tactile model available. Today, the St Vincent’s Cathedral cloister is the only canons cloister conserved in Burgundy and Franche-Comte. Its exterior walls probably date from around 1000, which makes it even more exceptional. Three wings with trilobe arched bays dating from the 14th century and ribbed vaults from the 15th century. The north wing is a contemporary reconstruction of the gallery that disappeared in the 19th century. In the spirit of the mediaeval and existing 19th century capitals, it was decorated with sculptures on the capitals in Saint-Marc stone (Burgundy limestone) made by the sculptor Laetitia de Bazelaire, representing animals, the virtues or the 5 senses. Accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Ciobanu C — Google review
Great architecture, a must see in Chalon.
Alexandru B — Google review
4.4
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4.1
(59)
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Museum
Archaeological museum
The local history museum, Musée Vivant-Denon, showcases a variety of exhibits ranging from archaeology to fine arts. Located near Pl. de l'Hotel de ville, it offers free entrance and a well-organized collection that covers diverse aspects of human endeavors. Particularly impressive is the neolithic display focused on Western Europe, along with informative models depicting ancient living and building practices.
The magnitude and diversity of this breathtaking collection must be seen to appreciate. Covering a range of artefacts, cooking equipment, coins, primitive weapons and pottery from early Roman settlements through to 19 and 20th century advancements in weapons, art, furniture and other local developments. Allow a good 90 minutes. Free entry.
Stu W — Google review
This is a great museum! We are American tourists who stayed in this historic village to break up our drive to Paris. We chose this Lmuseum to explore before leaving in bad weather. This museum covers the history of the region and has examples of history to 100,000 years bc!
Alan H — Google review
The museum is set off the Pl. de l'Hôtel de ville and entrance is free. The collection is very well set out and covers a wide range of human spheres and endeavours. It hosts an excellent neolithic display focused on Western Europe and there are also some very good models depicting living and building in ancient times
Robert A — Google review
Nice staff. Lovely museum about local History.
John B — Google review
Amazing archaeological museum. The Saône River was the dwelling of humans since they came around 40,000 years ago, and they lost lots of amazing stuff when fording it. Also 13 of the flabbergasting willow leaf shaped flint spearheads are displayed here to admire.
Frederic L — Google review
Free entry and a nice size to stroll around and put off a bit of time if you like art.
John D — Google review
Interesting collection. The Archaeology section is awesome!
Candela T — Google review
Not much to see and disgusting bathroom.
Queen B — Google review
Pl. de l'Hôtel de ville, 71100 Chalon-sur-Saône, Francehttp://www.museedenon.com/+33 3 85 94 74 41Tips and more reviews for musée Vivant-Denon
4.9
(39)
4.8
(4)
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Cathedral
Monument
The Cloister of the Cathedral of Saint Vincent is a beautifully maintained and recently renovated space that offers a unique atmosphere blending modernity with the charm of its older wooden awning. Located in Chalons sur Saone, this serene and peaceful place is open to the public free of charge, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed visit without crowds. The entrance may be a bit tricky to find, but once inside, visitors are greeted with a warm welcome.
Nice cloister, recently refurbished and reopened in 2019. Free access with a pamphlet of information.
Timothy H — Google review
(Translated by Google) It was magnificent! We spoke with a very competent and pleasant lady. I highly recommend this stop for a complete visit to the beautiful town of Chalon-sur-Saône. (Original) C’était magnifique! Nous avons parlé avec une dame très compétente et très agréable. Je recommande vivement cette étape pour une visite complète de la belle ville de Chalon-sur-Saône.
Sim — Google review
(Translated by Google) We visited, it was super beautiful. Thanks to the person who was present for these explanations. Thank you for his kindness and professionalism (Original) Nous avons visiter, c'était super beau . Merci a la personne qui était présente pour ces explications. Merci a ça gentillesse et son professionnalisme
Lonny G — Google review
(Translated by Google) Peace, beauty and unusual capitals enchant the visitor. A symmetrical cloister with great perspectives. (Original) Ruhe, Schönheit und ungewöhnliche Kapitelle verzaubern den Besucher. Ein symmetrischer Kreuzgang mit tollen Perspektiven.
Robert A — Google review
(Translated by Google) The Cloister is a very pleasant place, well maintained and clean, having benefited from a recent renovation which is reflected in its appearance. The varied passages between modernity and the charm of the wooden awning for the older part create a unique atmosphere. This place is open to the public, without the need for reservations, and what's more, entry is free. It's a relaxed, no-pressure visit, and on both of my visits there were no crowds. The view of Saint Vincent Cathedral is also a highlight, especially as it has recently been renovated on the outside. Please note that the Cloister closes its doors to visits at 6 p.m. Fun fact, a cat walks quietly on the lawn, and it seems to be a regular companion of visitors. A nice little touch for a very pleasant visit, complete with an explanatory leaflet on the evolution of the cloister through the ages. (Original) Le Cloître est un endroit très agréable, bien entretenu et propre, ayant bénéficié d'une rénovation récente qui se reflète dans son apparence. Les passages variés entre la modernité et le charme de l'auvent en bois pour la partie plus ancienne créent une ambiance unique. Ce lieu est ouvert au public, sans besoin de réservation, et en plus, l'entrée est gratuite. C'est une visite détendue, sans pression, et lors de mes deux visites, il n'y avait pas foule. La vue sur la cathédrale Saint Vincent est également un point fort, d'autant plus qu'elle a été récemment rénovée à l'extérieur. À noter que le Cloître ferme ses portes aux visites à 18h. L'anecdote amusante, un chat se promène tranquillement sur la pelouse, et il semble être un compagnon régulier des visiteurs. Une petite touche sympathique pour une visite très plaisante, agrémentée d'un feuillet explicatif sur l'évolution du cloître à travers les âges.
Camille M — Google review
(Translated by Google) The Cloister of Saint Vincent Cathedral has been remarkably restored. Its access is easy and free. (Original) Le Cloître de la cathédrale Saint Vincent a été remarquablement restauré. Son accès est aisé et gratuit.
Gilles M — Google review
(Translated by Google) Superb location, very beautiful, quiet, a peaceful setting where it's good to relax. A big plus: the person who welcomed us was very friendly. (Original) Superbe endroit, très beau, calme, un écrin de paix où il fait bon flamer Gros plus, la personne qui nous a accueilli était très sympathique
Mathilde T — Google review
(Translated by Google) Very pretty cloister, perfectly restored. Admission is free and it's open on Tuesdays! (Original) Très joli cloître parfaitement restauré. L' entrée est gratuite et c'est ouvert le mardi !
Cathy C — Google review
Mentioned on 
Chalon-sur-Saône is a charming city located in the Saône-et-Loire department in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France. As the largest city in the department, it offers a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty. The city is known for its historical significance and serves as a sub-prefecture of the region.

Top places to eat

4.4
(608)
4.1
(381)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Restaurant
French restaurant
I went to Chez Jules for lunch and found their menu to be a great deal. The food was beautifully presented and I particularly enjoyed the entremet, although I didn't realize it contained gluten. However, the staff kindly replaced it with a custom dish. The only downside was the glass of red wine I ordered, which seemed to have been open for too long and shouldn't have been served.
Nice food, nice and friendly staff 3 courses menu for 24EUR or 30EUR depending on the main course. Kids menu available
G N — Google review
Came for lunch, the menu is good value. Excellent food presentation, really beautiful. I ordered an entremet without realising it had flour in it (I dont eat gluten) and they very kindly replaced it with a custom dish. Only negative is the glass of red wine I ordered. I think it had been open for too long and probably shouldn’t have been served.
Jane N — Google review
Really nice, great for the evening and to spend good time. Really tasty and fresh products. However, it's an expensive one for the quantity.
Capu — Google review
Rather disappointing lunch. Steak was very chewable, lacklustre sauce. Dessert pretty and tasty. Looking at the bill afterwards noticed that they had overcharged by 20% so not at all impressed.
Jon D — Google review
Weekday lunch menu (appitizer+main+dessert) at 19.90 was tempting. Average-to-good food, very small main dish and extra-long service. We waited very long to order *only 1 person to take order i think* and, at least 15-20 mins for each course to be served when the restaurant was only half full.
R R — Google review
Excellent dinner on the terrasse in the evening. Good and pleasant atmosphere. Tasty food.
Jean-Yves T — Google review
Tasty food. Good beer. Quickly served.
Vasco E — Google review
After many years still a wonderful place
Roger S — Google review
9 - 11 Rue de Strasbourg, 71100 Chalon-sur-Saône, Francehttps://www.chezjules.restaurant/+33 3 85 48 08 34Tips and more reviews for Chez Jules
4.8
(260)
4.7
(58)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Restaurant
Step into the culinary haven of La Coupole, where traditional cuisine meets a warm and inviting atmosphere. This charming bistro offers a delightful array of dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. One must-try is the authentic blanquette de veau, lovingly prepared to melt in your mouth and transport you to a realm of comforting flavors. The menu features well-balanced plates with a hint of originality that keeps diners coming back for more.
What a find.... always tricky to know where to find great food when visiting an area for just a few days. Both the goats cheese salad (expect a variety of little bits and bobs, especially yummy is the little goats cheese herby parcels) and the veal head were exceptional. Superb puds
Blue B — Google review
Excellent steak frites
Milo W — Google review
Good local brasserie serving traditional dishes. Don’t forget to share the tutti fruiti dessert it’s a winner.
Bill P — Google review
Nice
Fiona K — Google review
Excellent restaurant.
Pascal M — Google review
Top
Franck L — Google review
(Translated by Google) This place having been recommended to me, I invited a friend there......badly installed in a corner of the back room, too many people and tables too close together (on top of each other), very noisy, impossible to chat..... (you should know that it is a bistro atmosphere)...... Served after an hour following my complaint (the order had not been transmitted)..... Surprised by the very minimal quantity of the aperitif......... Fortunately very good dishes and very reasonable prices but, as a result swallowed too quickly and obliged to leave, abandoning the cheese platter, desserts and coffees planned...... Too bad for a first experience ....... (Original) Ce lieu m'ayant été recommandé, j'y ai invité une amie......mal installées dans un coin de la pièce du fond, trop de monde et tables trop rapprochées (les uns sur les autres), très bruyant, impossible de discuter..... (il faut savoir que c'est une ambiance bistrot)...... Servies au bout d'une heure suite à ma réclamation (la commande n'avait pas été transmise)..... Surprise par la quantité très minime de l'apéritif......... Heureusement plats très bons et prix très corrects mais, du coup avalés trop vite et obligées de partir, en abandonnant plateau de fromages, desserts et cafés prévus...... Dommage pour une première expérience .......
Josiane N — Google review
(Translated by Google) Top restaurant!!! The food is good, the staff is very friendly, and the food is excellent. I recommend it. (Original) Restaurant top !!! On y mange bien, on y est très bien accueilli, le personnel très sympathique. Je recommande.
Laurent L — Google review
16 Rue de la Citadelle, 71100 Chalon-sur-Saône, Francehttp://www.lacoupole-chalon.com/+33 3 85 48 80 87Tips and more reviews for La Coupole
4.6
(888)
4.2
(218)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Restaurant
Fast food restaurant
Trapper's House is a cozy restaurant with a chalet-style ambiance offering a wide selection of delicious burgers, fajitas, and desserts. While some find the food enjoyable, others feel it lacks that special touch to make it truly memorable. The staff can be forgetful at times, but the affordable prices and generous portions make up for it. Visitors praise the fresh ingredients used in the amazing burgers and appreciate the great value for money.
Excellent services...the burger is enough to satisfy someone, and it's affordable and comes with fries .I loved it
Fiona K — Google review
Pretty good burger only the bun was too sweet for my taste.
Drtik — Google review
Amazing burgers with fresh products and a great team. A must go if you are near Chalon sur Saônes
Thibaud T — Google review
Great service. The price is low for the quality. Copious meals. I recommend it.
Guy 7 — Google review
These burgers are insane! 😁 So delicious, gotta try them !
Ale D — Google review
Nice settings, but far too expensive, without the quality and flavor to justify it.
LChP D — Google review
Far too expensive, even more so as the quality does not match the price tag.
LeChat P — Google review
Okay good but ruined by a busker who walked around the restaurant singing
Robin D — Google review
32 Rue de la Motte, 71100 Chalon-sur-Saône, France+33 3 85 41 34 34Tips and more reviews for Trapper's House
4.2
(518)
4.2
(532)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Restaurant
The restaurant Le Bourgogne is a great choice for food lovers looking for something different. The staff are welcoming and friendly, and the dishes are delicious. From traditional French cuisine to international favourites, there's something on the menu to suit everyone.
Very fine dishes, beautifully presented. Fresh traditional products cooked in an original way.
Tony C — Google review
A nice local restaurant with lovely staff and good food.
Mehmet O — Google review
A pity that although the good was good, it seems to have a nasty staff problem.
Jeane S — Google review
The food was good but you need approximately 3h to finish the Menu because it is half hour between the meals....to slow
Natasa D — Google review
Very nice food and an excellent value. The souffle was wonderful.
Scott M — Google review
Wonderful, if you have plenty of time. Don't visit if you are in a hurry.
Ian L — Google review
Excellent...
D G — Google review
Service impoli et rude.
Alex T — Google review
4.8
(336)
4.8
(401)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Restaurant
French restaurant
Aromatique Restaurant is a cozy dining spot offering a seasonal menu of creatively presented, modern dishes. Visitors praise the thoughtful details, such as accommodating families with young children and providing helpful suggestions. The restaurant's well-designed space and quality cuisine using fresh ingredients are highlighted in reviews. Guests appreciate the warm hospitality from the owners, making them feel welcome and cared for during their visit.
Wanted to come here for a long time. Certainly NOT disappointed. Simple tasty dishes. Honest food with creativity. Service with a smile and great attention to our wishes. Menu de marché at midday is great value for money.
Benjamin H — Google review
Great food, really friendly owner. For me the Appetizer could have had more flavours/spices (we had the carrots). The mains were great (fish and duck). Every meal looks like a painting❤️
Nicolas O — Google review
Perfect place, perfect food. Very attentive service. Couldn’t expect better. Plates are beautiful and scrumptious. Dessert was stunningly delicious and creative.
G V — Google review
Friendly service, very welcoming to the kids and original dishes of gastronomic standing. Relaxed but stylish atmosphere. Good selection of wines.
Pierre S — Google review
Fabulous meal. Incredible food, really tasty. Everything was very fresh and perfectly cooked. Friendly service and relaxed atmosphere. Our favourite restaurant in our 3 week cycling trip around France. Thank you for a lovely evening.
Bill M — Google review
Wonderful experience. I do not like dining by my own but this place was mentioned on Michelin guide. My hotel was nearby and I followed the suggestion as it was a good opportunity to walk through the old part of city towards the river. And I was not disappointed! Opposite! The whole dinner I was asking myself, how can they deliver such a quality at this price?? A special thanks goes to the lady host (the owner, I guess) . She was so professional yet still very warmly. Hint 1: Walk through the picturesque street and have a Crémant as an aperitif at the news store. Another adorable lady ready to defend her little village as a tourism destination Hint 2: Read the only negative review about the restaurant. It will make you smile. In pity for the writer but also for the owner's answer who must work so hard to bring such a meal to the table. It must be a very sacrificial dedication.
Richard L — Google review
Terrific dinner! Highly recommend for dinner
Chuck H — Google review
Was amazing again!!!! We visited 3 years ago and it was great then so we decided to come back, we were happy we did as it was wonderful. In my opinion one of the best restaurants in Burgundy. Worth a visit!!!
Guillem F — Google review

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