Chalon-sur-Saône

Chalon-sur-Saône

France

Glide through picturesque Burgundy vineyards and charming medieval towns aboard scenic river cruises from this historic waterway gateway.

Currency Euro (EUR)
Language French
Time Zone CET (UTC+1)
Best Time to Visit May–Sep
Typical Duration 7 nights
Price Range $1,801–$8,087 per person
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port No

Gateway to Burgundy wine country and the scenic Saône River valley, offering river cruisers access to historic French towns and renowned vineyards.

Cruises that visit Chalon-sur-Saône

Build Your Day in Chalon-sur-Saône

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 3:00 PM
Usually about 7 hours ashore
Getting around:
Au Bureau - Pub et Brasserie Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Bar · ★ 4.6 · 6k
Carrefour Chalon Sur Saône Sud In-store shopping·Curbside pickup·Delivery Hypermarket · ★ 4 · 5k Closes soon · 9 PM
Centre Commercial Carrefour Chalon Sud In-store pickup Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 5k Closes soon · 9 PM
Léon Seafood & Cocktails - Chalon-sur-Saône Dine-in·Takeout·No-contact delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 4k
IT - Italian Trattoria Chalon-sur-Saône Dine-in·Takeout·No-contact delivery Italian · ★ 4.5 · 4k
Cinéma Megarama Chalon sur Saone Movie theater · ★ 4.3 · 3k
Boulanger Chalon-sur-Saône In-store shopping·Curbside pickup·Delivery Appliance store · ★ 3.9 · 2k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Mon
Parc Georges Nouelle Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 2k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Mon
Centre Commercial La Thalie In-store pickup Shopping mall · ★ 3.6 · 2k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Mon
Action Chalon-sur-Saône In-store shopping·In-store pickup Discount store · ★ 3.9 · 2k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Mon
Espace Nautique du Grand Chalon Swimming pool · ★ 3.9 · 2k Closed · Opens 10 AM Sun
Restaurant Cédric Burtin Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Fine Dining · ★ 4.9 · 1k
Chalon Cathedral Cathedral · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM Sun
Les Canailles Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Les Comptoirs d'Alice Dine-in·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Bistrot des Falaises Our meal was fantastic - we did the tasting menu and each dish was superb. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 1k Closes soon · 9 PM
La Réale Spectacular restaurant very good food and service 5 star ⭐️ Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Maison Lameloise Elegant, storied hotel with fine dining Haute French · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closes soon · 9 PM
Intersport Chalon-sur-Saône In-store shopping·Curbside pickup·Delivery Sportswear store · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Mon
Galeries Lafayette Chalon In-store shopping·In-store pickup Clothing store · ★ 3.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Musée Nicéphore Niépce Interactive museum of photography Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM Sun
FNAC Chalon-sur-Saône Delivery Department store · ★ 4.1 · 1k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Mon
Bistro Regent - Restaurant chalon sur saone Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Chez Jules Excellent dinner on the terrasse in the evening. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Bar - Côté Rhum - Chalon Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Chalon sur Saône Expositions Park Event venue · ★ 4.1 · 1k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Mon
Tarmac Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery Italian · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Restaurant Le Bourgogne Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 1k
LE BOUILLON BERNARD Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Le Braseiro Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Castle de la Ferte Ian Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
AROMATIQUE RESTAURANT Best Restaurant in Town, Quality, Service Delicious Dishes Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Jôye - Table vivante en Bourgogne (Zinc à Flo) Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Bocas Dine-in·No delivery Latin American · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Le Bistrot I would highly recommend dinner here during your time in Chalon Sur Saone! Bistro · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closes soon · 8:30 PM
Le CHAIAutrement Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Wine bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k
musée Vivant-Denon Local museum for fine arts & archaeology Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Sun
MANGO Upmarket supplier of women's fashions Clothing store · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Mon
Le Bistrot des Papas Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closes soon · 8:30 PM
Pasta & Basta Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Italian · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Hell's Kitchen Taverne Dine-in Pub · ★ 4.9 · 0k
La Forge Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closes soon · 8:30 PM
Le Planté d'bâton Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closes soon · 9 PM
Maison Minori Beautiful place, high class food, excellent wine and good price. Fine Dining · ★ 4.9 · 0k
L'Orient des Délices Dine-in·Takeout·No-contact delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Parc du Lac des Prés Saint-Jean City park · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open 24 hours
Restaurant du Mont Blanc Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closes soon · 8:30 PM
Restaurant Le Cherche Midi Dine-in·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM Mon
Balades en bateau sur la Saône, en Bourgogne - Chalon Balade sur Saône Onsite services Boat tour agency · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closes soon · 8:30 PM
RDV BAR Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Tour du Doyenné Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Le BAB Chalon Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM Wed
Restaurant Lizélio Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k Closes soon · 9 PM
Maïhanna brunch Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Brunch · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Sun
Brasserie Le Terminus Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Chateau de la Loyere Castle · ★ 4.5 · 0k
chez Les Tonneliers Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Wine bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Black Pearl No takeout·No delivery Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Le Binôme Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k 24 Rue de Strasbourg
Bodega Chalon Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Wine bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Cloister of the Cathedral of Saint Vincent Cathedral · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Sun
WAITIKI - BAR A PLANCHES . TAPAS Dine-in·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Chalon-sur-Saône, Place de l'Hôtel de Ville Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Musee Du Souvenir Du Combattant Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 2 PM Thu
Le Zèbre Dine-in·Takeout Bar · ★ 5 · 0k
Marché Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k
Molière Fresque Murale Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Carnaval de Chalon sur Saône Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Chalon-sur-Saône, Place du Port Villiers Historical landmark · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Chalon-sur-Saône, Place du Châtelet 16 - Historisches Fachwerkhaus Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Chalon-sur-Saône, Rue du Pont 14 - Fachwerkhaus Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k
L'arbre Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Chalon-sur-Saône

About Chalon-sur-Saône

Chalon-sur-Saône stands as a charming entry point to some of France's most celebrated wine regions and historic destinations along the Rhône. This picturesque port town in the heart of Burgundy has become increasingly popular with river cruise enthusiasts, offering passengers an authentic glimpse into French provincial life while serving as a convenient launching point for exploring the broader region. With over 100 upcoming cruises calling here annually, Chalon-sur-Saône has established itself as a vital hub for river cruise itineraries, particularly those operated by luxury providers like Riverside Luxury Cruises and Amadeus River Cruises.

As primarily a port of call rather than a home port, Chalon-sur-Saône typically features on week-long river cruises that navigate the Rhône and Saône rivers, connecting passengers to iconic destinations including Lyon, Avignon, Mâcon, and the renowned wine village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The town itself rewards exploration with its Renaissance old town, charming waterfront promenades, and excellent local restaurants serving traditional Burgundian cuisine. Most cruises visiting Chalon-sur-Saône operate during the warmer months—May through September represent peak season—allowing passengers to experience the region at its most vibrant.

The port's strategic location means you'll enjoy easy access to world-class wineries, historic châteaux, and some of France's most beautiful countryside, all while enjoying the comfort and convenience of your floating hotel.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Explore Medieval Chalon's Historic Heart

Wander through Chalon-sur-Saône's charming old town, where Renaissance mansions and the stunning Cathédrale Saint-Vincent showcase centuries of architectural heritage. The picturesque streets near the cathedral reveal hidden courtyards and boutique shops, offering an authentic glimpse into Burgundian history and culture that shaped this riverside gem.

2

Savor Burgundy's Wine and Gastronomy

Indulge in world-class Burgundy wines and local specialties at waterfront restaurants and wine bars throughout Chalon. Sample traditional Burgundian dishes like coq au vin and escargots while enjoying views of the Saône River, experiencing the region's renowned culinary excellence firsthand.

3

Stroll the Scenic Saône Riverbanks

Take a leisurely walk along Chalon's beautiful riverside promenades, where tree-lined paths offer peaceful views of the Saône and charming bridges. The waterfront parks provide perfect spots to relax, photograph the landscape, and appreciate the natural beauty that makes river cruising so special.

4

Discover Local Markets and Crafts

Browse Chalon's vibrant markets brimming with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and regional crafts. The bustling marketplace atmosphere captures authentic French provincial life, where you can purchase local specialties and handmade souvenirs directly from passionate vendors and artisans.

5

Visit the Photography Museum's Collections

Explore the Musée Nicéphore Niépce, housed in a stunning waterfront palace and dedicated to photography's invention. This unique museum celebrates Chalon's role in photographic history with fascinating exhibits, making it an intellectually enriching experience unavailable at most river ports.

Cruise Lines at Chalon-sur-Saône

Cruises Departing From Chalon-sur-Saône

Cruises Visiting Chalon-sur-Saône

Ship Schedule at Chalon-sur-Saône

Chalon-sur-Saône Location

Other Cruise Ports in France

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chalon-sur-Saône known for?

Chalon-sur-Saône is a historic French town on the Saône River, known for its photography heritage and riverside sights.

What are the main sights in Chalon-sur-Saône?

Pont Saint-Laurent, Place du Marché, and Musée Nicéphore Niépce are key attractions.

How can I visit Chalon-sur-Saône?

By train or road; nearby airports include Lyon and Dijon. The Saône river offers scenic boat access.

What is the UN/LOCODE for Chalon-sur-Saône?

FRCSS, the official port code.