Saône et Loire is the southern most of the four departments of Bourgogne in the mid east of France. If motorhome travel in France appeals to you, why not take the time to make the most of the serene pace of life in the hills of Mâcon and on the banks of the rivers Saône and Loire.
For wine lovers there’s the wine route to follow. Sample the excellent wines, such as the Chardonney from Mâcon, where the vineyards stretch along a fault which runs parallel with the river Saône. If you prefer an itinerary a little more varied you could take the historic route of the Dukes of Bourgogne. A superb circuit full of delights for lovers of nature, art, history, heritage and architecture. With 20 sites to visit along the route, why not stop off at the Abby of Cluny or Fonteney, or the ancient château of Commarin. Taking in the vineyards at the same time, you can sample the local gastronomy and excellent wines of the welcoming villages of Saône and Loire.
For a more general view of the region, start in the north-west with the town of Bourbon Lancy, a charming medieval spa town. Situated on a hill looking over the Loire valley there is plenty of interest, lots to visit, or simply take a stroll along the ramparts to get an overall view of its pretty little streets.
Moving south, pass through the impressive gates of Arroux or Saint André, into the medieval town of Autun. With four of its six kilometres of ramparts still visible, this fortress town exists since the Gallo-Roman period. Charming little streets and half timbered houses, a splendid cathedral, an ancient theatre and museum, lots to see and do!
Le Creusot had been a symbol of the industrial revolution and an economic centre before being hit by the economic crisis of the 1980’s. After a difficult transition it has become a centre of tourism and learning with museums, exhibitions and attractions which show how the professions of yesteryears have survived and developed until today. The château of the Verrerie has nearly 70 acres of parkland with play areas, gardens and greenhouses.
In the south of the department lies its capital, Mâcon, a town which played a big part in the resistance and which has known how to make the most of its geographical position in order to develop and prosper. Cross the Saint Laurent bridge, first noted in 1077 in order to admire the town with its twelfth century towers.
