Chalon-sur-Saône is an attractive small town that was an important trading centre in the Middle Ages and a busy port distribution point for local wines. It retains its network of narrow medieval streets lined with tall buildings with shops on the ground floor. First thing in the morning it was still very quiet.
Place St Vincent is surrounded by timber frame houses. There is an interesting range of houses from the C13th Lombard’s House, a typical example of a tower house, to C19th mansions.
St Vincent’s Cathedral dates from the C11th and still has a romanesque apse. The neo gothic west front with its two towers was added in the C19th. Unfortunately it was still locked, as was the Baroque Eglise St Pierre
Chalon was the birthplace of Nicéphore Niépce in 1786. He is credited as the inventor of photography and was a pioneer in that field. His statue stands overlooking the river close to Museum Denon dedicated to his work.
This was Day 3 of Burgundy, the River Rhone and Provence, a river cruise with Riviera Travel. We moored here overnight and I had enought time after breakfast for a quick scamper round the town before joining the morning coach tour to Beaune. There probably isn’t a lot to attract the tourist. It is a typical example of a small unspoilt French town.
My full report with all the pictures can be found “here.”:http://wasleys.org.uk/eleanor/otherholidays/rhone/index.html
