Regional feature
In each issue, we’ll feature an area. In this edition, the focus is Saône-et-Loire (département 71), located within the southern part of Burgundy.
The department is named after the two important rivers that flow through it. The Saône that traverses the south and the mightly La Loire, one of the five great rivers of France (Les grandes fleuves), which flows to the north-west.
The area is dominated by the Morvan Regional Nature Park, which actually stretches across four departments within Burgundy. This beautiful hilly landscape, dotted with lakes and traversed by rivers and streams is a popular tourist location for those that want to get close to nature. With numerous signposted paths and country lanes that reveal some spectacular scenery, it’s a photographer’s paradise.
It’s also a great place to take the kids with watersports and lots of interesting things to see and participate in, like the site of Bibracte on Mount Beuvray, one of Europe's largest archaeological digs dedicated to the Celtic world. A museum tells the story of the Celtic civilisation illustrated through collections of items found at the site.
There is so much to see and do throughout the Saône-et-Loire, but if we were to make some recommendations, then visit the Cluny abbey, which during the Middle Ages was the most powerful Benedictine site in the West; or take a look at the grand fortress of Berzé, a magnificent castle with 13 towers linking its fortified walls. Or you can take a trip down memory lane and visit the river town of Tornus with its narrow streets and ancient apothecary shop.
The wines from the area are famous throughout the world and include Mercurey and Givry, greatly admired red wines. Around Mâcon, there are whites of good quality, notably Rully, Montagny, and also Pouilly-Fuissé, dry but smooth with a beautiful bouquet (Editor: my favourite!). You’ll definitely need to do a little research before you visit a vineyard that will suit your palate.
Editor’s Note; The tourism websites for Burgundy and Saône-et-Loire specifically are a great start to find out more about the area.
Also on our website you find more information regarding the Saone et loire