Saone River Cruise Highlights
Though perhaps not as popular as some other European river cruises that travel the Danube, the Seine or the Rhine a Saone river cruise is still a majestic experience, and a fantastic way to explore France’s famous Burgundy wine region. Tasting those world renowned vintages may be the highlight of the trip, but you will also enjoy mouthwatering cuisine, and fabulous art and architecture at the historic sites and museums that dot the region.
Of particular interest to history buffs is the commune of Macon in Eastern France. Most Saone river tours include a stop at this historic area where you can visit Old St. Vincent Cathedral and take a stroll along the Parcours Patrimonial Heritage Trail.
Not far from Macon you’ll find Chalon-sur-Saone, a wine trading port where the architectural highlights include St. Benigne’s crypt and the Church of St. Pierre. Chalon-sur-Saone’s biggest claim to fame is its stature as the birthplace of photography, and ancient camera equipment and photographs can be viewed at the local museum. If you visit in July try and be there for part of Chalon dans la Rue, a four day festival featuring artists, musicians and performers from all over Europe, who descend upon the city to entertain locals and tourists alike.
If you’ve got extra time on your European vacation you can add a Rhone river cruise to your itinerary as well. The Rhone and Saone meet at Lyon, and many people choose to do both rivers on a single cruise, starting on the Saone and then moving on for more wine tasting in Avignon, castle viewing in the regions of Tarascon and Beaucaire, and a final evening in Martigues, where you can sample some of the region’s finest dry white wine, before you disembark to go home.
As you can see a Saone river cruise is the ultimate vacation for wine lovers. If you love wine tasting, relaxation, art, architecture, good food and great music then you owe it to yourself to take a trip through this beautiful region in Eastern France.
Related posts:
- Europe River Cruises – An Overview
- Highlights of a Douro River Cruise
- A Seine River Cruise – What Are The Highlights?
- Best European River Cruises – Which One To Choose?
- European River Barge Cruises
Filed under: Cruise Reviews, European River Cruises