Guide to Saone-et-Loire & Properties in Department 71

Saone-et-Loire is a place of peaceful waterways, ancient woodlands, mountains and vineyards. Named after the Saône and Loire rivers which flow through it, this is the seventh largest department in France and lies within Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. With Lyon lying to the south, Geneva to the east, and two hours from Paris, Saone-et-Loire (department number 71) is easily accessible and well-connected to Europe and beyond. The vineyards in the valleys and slopes of the Saone valley in this part of eastern France produce Burgundy wine, with dry red wines from Pinot noir grapes and white wines typically made using Chardonnay grapes.

Outdoor Adventures Await

The hills, plains and rivers of Saone-et-Loire attract leisure visitors from France and further afield who come for fishing and hiking. The Saône is a tributary of the River Rhône and the two rivers converge at Lyon. The Loire has its source in the Ardeche and travels across the department to the west coast of France and the Atlantic. The Saone and Loire are linked by the Canal du Centre between Chalon sur Saône and Digoin.

Nature at Its Best

The Morvan Regional Nature Park and Voie Verte car-free greenway are popular with walkers and cyclists and give this part of France its reputation as a haven for nature lovers. There is also plenty of culture to enjoy with magnificent Romanesque churches, imposing châteaux, ancient monuments and plenty of museums and galleries.

Mâcon: The Heart of Saone-et-Loire

Mâcon, in the south of the department, is the capital of Saone-et-Loire and has a population of over 34,000, who are known locally as Maconnais. The city’s name has been adopted by the vineyards in the area.

Visitor attractions include the Musée des Ursulines, which was once a convent and now houses art collections, archaeological finds and items of local historical interest. Other popular local historical sites are La Maison de Bois and the twin-steepled Romanesque Église Saint-Pierre.

Vibrant Markets and Festivals

Further north, the vibrant town of Chalon-sur-Saône holds twice-weekly markets in the Place Saint-Vincent and hosts regular festivals. This part of France is known for its colourful carnivals which include the medieval "Fête des Fous" and the "Chalon dans la Rue" festival.

A Place of Peace and Tradition

Saone-et-Loire is a place where the peace of the beautiful natural landscape is appreciated and age-old traditions are kept alive. 

Key Information about Saône-et-Loire

• Main City/Prefecture: Mâcon
• Nearest Airport: Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (approx. 90 km)
• Population: Around 552,000 (as of the latest census)
• Area: 8,575 sq. kilometres and 3,311 sq. miles
• Landmark: Cluny Abbey, a majestic Romanesque monastery with deep historical significance.
• Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 2 million, lured by vineyards, Romanesque architecture and charming countryside.

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