Saone River

The Saone is one of the most popular rivers in France with tourists who are interested in taking a luxury cruise. Most of the ships that sail on this river are often connected, at least in some way, with cruise itineraries that include the Rhône.

The confluence of the Saone and the Rhône is in Lyon and for this reason the city is a very popular destination for the embarkation of cruise ships. Most cruises on the Saone depart from Lyon and travel upriver to either Chalon-sur-Saone or Macon.

The city of Lyon itself is sure to be one of the highlights of your holiday. If you are starting your cruise from here it would be a great idea to arrive a couple of days before embarking in order that you are able to really maximise your enjoyment of this stunning French city.

Lyon is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has an enormous amount of culture and history, which will be fascinating for any visitor. In addition, many regard the city as the food capital of France, which in a country famous for its cuisine is certainly saying something. You will probably be taking many of your meals on the ship as it cruises down the Saone, so one advantage of spending one or two days in Lyon is that you will be able to sample fantastic dishes served in some exceptional restaurants.

The Saone is located in a part of France that is renowned around the world for its wine. Wine tastings are one of the very reasons visitors take one of these cruises and there are many vineyards on the riverbanks providing the opportunity for enjoyable excursions. Some of the most popular towns for wine tasting excursions, as you cruise sedately up the Saone, include Macon and Chalon-sur-Saone.

The region is not just famous for its wine; however, it is also steeped in history. Much of this is related to religion and there are numerous impressive buildings, all around this part of France, which have great historical significance. While you are enjoying exploring Macon, for example, you should also be sure to visit the nearby town of Cluny. Though this was once an important religious centre in this part of the country, today it has largely fallen out of use and mostly lies in ruins. Despite its dilapidated state, the beauty of the place will certainly not be lost on visitors.

In addition to the all the fascinating towns to explore on this cruise, the natural beauty of this part of France will overwhelm you. This river winds its way through one of the most striking regions of the country and one of the best experiences you are likely to have will be when you are simply sitting on the deck of the boat, enjoying the scenery as it drifts slowly by. Cruises on the Saone provide a delightful combination of relaxation and sightseeing.