Chalon-sur-Saône is a small town situated in the eastern part of France. It falls in the
Bourgogne region, and is the sub-capital of the district of Saone-et-Loire. Macon, a town smaller than
Chalon-sur-Saône, serves as the capital of the district.
In its heyday,
Chalon-sur-Saône was a bustling port area. This is was predominantly because of its location on the River Saone, where traders would ferry a variety of wines to be sold in the nearby markets.
Chalon-sur-Saône has a phenomenal, rich history owing to it being the place where photography was born. Joseph Niepce, the father of photography, was born in this beautiful town. Niepce took his first photograph of the then head of the church, Pope Pius VII, in
Chalon-sur-Saône.
The famous 18th century artist Dominique Denon was also an inhabitant of
Chalon-sur-Saône, a fact that contributes more to the popular history of the town. Denon was involved in the creation of the Musee de Louvre in
Paris. She helped convert what was originally a palace into a culturally enriching museum that is one of France’s most famous landmarks.
The town center, also called the Place St. Vincent, is a must-visit. This cathedral square area has the best cafes and eateries in the whole of town. Popular structures like the Grande Rue are worth a visit, especially because of its intricate architectural motifs.
Place St. Vincent is home to the Chalon Cathedral. It is a majestic structure, whose construction first began in the 8th century. The cathedral was named a monument of national importance in the early 20th century.
The museum made in the memory of Joseph Niepce is worth a visit for anyone making a trip to
Chalon-sur-Saône. It contains millions of photographs, and also houses rare, antique, and truly unique camera equipments.
