Chalon-sur-Saône

Chalon-sur-Saône is nowadays a sub-prefecture of Saône-et-Loire, the first town of the department and the second economic pole of Burgundy. Its flourishing economy, which has always been favourable to commerce development, makes Chalon the first trading shop window of south Burgundy.

The town, in a strong position because of its popularity, often welcomed famous people who were born or who came here : Nicéphore Niepce, who invented photography ; Vivant Denon, an artist and a diplomat responsible for the organization ot the Louvre and other France’s museums in Napoleon’s times ; Emiland Gauthey, a civil engineer in the 18th century.

The “Cote chalonnaise” region, classified in « appellation contrôlée », is provided with rich vineyards, and their chardonnay and black pinot vines give wines -in Mercurey, Givry, Rully or Montagny- their taste so highly appreciated by specialists. 

Chalon is a culturally important town and is classified as a town of Art and History, for it has many touristic places : Museums Denon and Niepce (which contains over two millions pictures and the very first created camera) ; the “Espace des Arts” (an entertainment and creation place) ; the “Abattoir” (one of the 6 national centres for Street shows production) ; the Conservatoire of Music and Dance ; Saint Vincent Cathedral ; the Exhibition Hall , and let us not forget Strasbourg Street, where all gastronomes go.
 
Another monument is the Carnival. For almost a century, it has been one of the most famous carnivals in France. It is mainly distinguished by the “gôniots” -characters which were created in Chalon, the kings of horrible disguise and of burlesque- and also by its fun fair which welcomes the most important and innovating entertainments. Every year, over 10,000 visitors attend this real institution.
 
But the town is mostly famous for its cultural event “Chalon dans la Rue” which has gathered each year in July since 1986 many artists of street theatre, ready to show the richness of their creativity and of their talent, for the profit of Chalon’s public and visitors. It is one of the most important street show festivals organized in France, and gets unanimous recognition from all over France and even Europe.

Chalon is also a very sports-minded town, with nearly 15,000 permit-holders and about 100 clubs, accomodated in structures such as the Colisée, the town’s sports centre. Organisms internationally renowned blossom, such as Chalon’s water-sports club which is the first French amateur swimming club and has nearly 1,200 permit-holders ; the basketball club (l’Elan) which was created in 1970 and has distinguished itself in the professional category since 1994, reaching the best French and European levels ; or the RCC, the rugby club which is linked to the National League.

The town also does particularly well in the field of environment. In 2002, Chalon was chosen as a pilot town to become involved in the PRIVILEGE programme (towns initiative programme for greenhouse gases reduction), signed with ADEME and the European Union. Moreover, Chalon is greatly involved in cycle paths and in green spaces that are very appreciated by inhabitants and tourists.

Those are the main elements that make Chalon a dynamic town where people have a nice life, a space of leisure and social interaction.