Once a busy port, Chalon-sur-Saône is a commune in the Burgundy region of France and although it’s the biggest city in the Saône-et-Loire department, it is not the capital – that tag goes to Mâcon. It is located on the Saône river and is situated in the wine-growing district. It acted as a circulation point for wines transported up and down the river. Famous wines like Givry and Rully come from this area.

Some 300 years ago Chalon-sur-Saône was constructed on the banks of the Saone and now poses as an area of France that thrives from tourism. Although positioned in the wine-growing area, Chalon-sur-Saône’s balance of gastronomy and tradition also give it a subtle charm. When you stay at the Campanile Chalon-sur-Saône Hotel local shopkeepers and market traders give you a warm welcome as you discover the area’s intricacies.

A two-day break
A two day stay is likely to coincide with the Place St Vincent Market which takes place three times a week, so when staying at the Campanile Chalon-sur-Saône Hotel this is worth a browse. The Museum dedicated to Nicéphore Niépce (see interesting fact) is found in the Hôtel des Messageries whilst there are plenty of wine-tasting experiences on offer, including Domaine Charlton and Domaine Ragot.

A week-long stay
Cathedral Square hosts Le Moulin à Café and many specialty shops that allow you to indulge in the area, and the cathedral itself is a prime example of Romanesque architecture. More time at the Campanile Chalon-sur-Saône Hotel will give you the opportunity to explore the river at a steady pace by taking the bateau-mouche, La Delta to take in the sights of one of the most vital waterways in Europe.

A family holiday
The Saint Nicolas Rose Garden and the Botanical Gardens are just two of the green spaces around the Campanile Chalon-sur-Saône Hotel, and, with waterways being a prominent feature of the area, fishing opportunities are in abundance. The Rose Garden is especially ideal for families as. This multifunctional space offers sporting equipment, a fitness trail and a golf course – while bike hire is always an option to discover the region your way.

Transport
There are connections with Paris and Lyon as well as other regional destinations at the Chalon-sur-Saône railway station and, by road, these cities are 340km and 130km away respectively. When exploring the town there are plenty of car hire options, but hiring bikes is one of the better ways of getting around, and the entire Burgundy area has networks of cycle paths.

Gastonomy
A stay at Campanile Chalon-sur-Saône Hotel will give you the chance to sample some local gastronomic treats. Snails, jambon persillé and oeufs en meurette are specialities, and whether it be central to town or relaxing on a terrace, you will find something to suit everyone. Le Clown Gourmand has a quirky aesthetic, La Reale is a seafood specialist, while Le Bistrot offers traditional food.

Events
The main event to pull tourists to Chalon-sur-Saôneis the annual Chalon dans la Rue festival, held over four days. This event welcomes performers from all over Europe. Music, comedy and acrobatics are headline disciplines and the town produces a program to keep everyone informed of events.

Interesting Fact
Chalon-sur-Saône is famed for being the birthplace of photography. Nicéphore Niépce – born in 1765 – invented the first photograph and appropriately there is a museum dedicated to him. The aforementioned museum not only has early photographic relics but also has Niépce's 1807 Pyréolophore, which is believed to be the worlds inaugural internal combustion engine.

Links
http://www.burgundytoday.com/towns/chalon.htm
http://www.uk.chalon-sur-saone.net/Tourism