The Saone River

About the Saone

UNESCO Heritage Sites

Visit Chalon-sur-Saone on the Saone River of France

Ports-of-Call on the Saone River

Here you can find a list of some of the more common river cruise ports along the Saone River as it flows through France to meet the Rhone. These may be the most common, but there may be others that can be found on select river cruises. Your River Cruise Artist can provide you with the full itinerary and all ports for any river cruise that you may be interested in, on any river cruise operator. Explore the Saone River further and learn more about it’s ports-of-call.

Beaune

France

Beaune was once the capital of the Duchy of Burgundy, but today that honor goes to Dijon. But Beaune has much to offer as a bustling, wealthy, and charming town perfect for lovers of art, wine, and gastronomy. The historic center or old town of Beaune is charming and a very pleasant spot to stroll the narrow streets exploring shops, art galleries and cafes. The Hôtel-Dieu is a must-see while you are here on your Saône river cruise excursion. Visit some of the local wineries and indulge in a tasting. A river cruiser favorites winery is Marché aux Vins, but there are many to choose from.

Chalon-sur-Saône

France

Chalon-sur-Saône, on the banks of the Saône River north of Lyon, is a small French city that is rich in history and culture. Don’t miss St. Vincent’s Cathedral on the Place Saint-Vincent, which has some fascinating architectural elements dating from the 8th century along with a neo-gothic 19th century facade. The city square is a popular place to meet and people watch and has a number of shops and cafés and is a busy market on Fridays and Sundays.

Dijon

France

Dijon is of course best known for the mustard that was named after the town but is no longer produced locally. It is, however, still one of the most beautiful cities in France. It was spared from heavy bombing during World War II so its historic buildings and byways are largely intact. Dijon was for some time the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy. Burgundy was a great power during the 14th and 15th centuries, when the dukes controlled a large part of what is now northeastern France, western Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. There are plenty of beautiful gardens, cathedrals, museums, and architectural marvels in Dijon to please most Saône River cruisers.

Lyon

France

Founded by the Romans and still featuring many preserved historical sites, Lyon is the quintessential heritage city recognized by UNESCO. Lyon is a vibrant city which makes the most out of its unique architectural, cultural and gastronomic heritage, its dynamic demographics and economy and its strategic location between Northern and Southern Europe. Lyon may not have world-famous monuments such as the Eiffel tower or the Statue of Liberty, but it does have very diverse neighborhoods that protect some architectural treasures. Some key sites to include on your river cruise excursion visit are the view from Fourvière basilica, and the basilica itself, the streets and traboules in Vieux Lyon or Old Lyon, St Jean cathedral, traboules in Croix-Rousse, Musées Gadagne, and Parc de la Tête d’Or. Lyon is often the embarkation or disembarkation point for Rhone or Saône River cruises offering you greater time to explore this historical city at your leisure.

Mâcon

France

Built on the banks of the Saône River, what is usually referred to as Mâcon is actually a regional area including the towns of Mâcon, Charnay-lès-Mâcon, Saint-Laurent-sur-Saône, Sancé, and many smaller villages. Macon lies the border of three regions of France: Burgundy, Bresse and Lyonnais. This affords Saone River cruisers the ability to experience a large choice of some of France’s finest cuisine, wines and cheeses. Try to visit the Musée des ursulines, the Pont Saint Laurent, the Maison de bois, and one or more of the beautiful and historic churches in the town Eglise Saint-Pierre, Le vieux Saint-Antoine, Cathédrale Saint-Antoine, and the Eglise Saint-Clément.

Tournus

France

Tournus is a historic town located on the right bank of the Saône River just 10 miles northeast of Mâcon on the Paris-Lyon railway. The church of St Philibert built in the 11th century, is the main surviving building of the former Benedictine abbey of Tournus. It was constructed in the Burgundian Romanesque style with a facade that is missing one of the two flanking towers from its original design. The nave is roofed with barrel vaulting, supported on tall cylindrical columns. Explore both the choir and the 11th century crypt beneath it as well as the remarkable side chapels. Also enjoy delicious wines from surrounding wineries as you visit Tournus on your Saône and Rhone River cruise tour.

Your Saone River Cruise Awaits!

Are you ready to start planning your Saone River Cruise Vacation Your Way? A River Cruise Artist at River Cruise Your Way is ready to be your vacation concierge. Contact us today at 1-800-259-7612 or use the form below and let us know when it is most convenient to call you, we will confirm via e-mail, and then reach out at the agreed upon time and date.