St. Vincent Cathedral

The Saint-Vincent Cathedral of Chalon-sur-Saône, a beautiful amalgamation of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, took over five centuries to construct. Its story begins in 1090, with the south and north apse chapels dating back to this era. By the 12th century, the cathedral had significantly developed, with the pillars, choir, transept, and the arcades of the nave and aisles demonstrating its progress. The Romanesque style transitioned to Gothic during the 13th to 14th centuries, and construction continued until the 15th century, concluding with the vault of the nave and the aisles' chapels. The cathedral suffered damage during the St. Bartholomew's massacre, leading to the loss of key Gothic architectural elements. The cathedral saw a style shift over the years, and by 1850, a neogothic facade was completed. Despite the trials it faced over the centuries, the Saint-Vincent Cathedral, declared a historical monument in the early 19th century, exhibits an architectural richness and resilience that continues to impress.

Why Visit Saint-Vincent Cathedral?

Whether you're a resident or just passing through Chalon-sur-Saône, the Saint Vincent Cathedral, with its stunning Gothic elevation and magnificent "neo-Gothic" facade, is a must-visit. You'll encounter Romanesque capitals, a 16th-century stained glass window, and a 510-dated Brussels tapestry. There's also a tactile model specifically designed for blind visitors. The colorful 1950s apse windows, including the central stained-glass depiction of St. Vincent, are particularly captivating. These stained-glass windows narrate the Holy Bible's mysteries, like the "Young Foucaude" chapel window, which presents the Virgin of the Apocalypse.

Nicéphore Niépce Museum: A Must-Visit for Photography Enthusiasts

The Nicéphore Niépce Photography Museum in Chalon-sur-Saône is a must-visit for photography lovers. Besides being free, it showcases a rich, varied collection, and visitors can enhance their experience with an audioguide or a guided tour. Joseph Nicéphore Niépce, the pioneer who first captured images on a medium – a technique he named the heliographic process – was born in Chalon-sur-Saône, making the museum's location particularly meaningful. The museum was established to honor Niépce's contributions and support French and international creation. It houses a collection of 8,000 books on photography and 1,500 cameras.

Nicéphore Niépce Museum: Your Gateway to Chalon-sur-Saône

The museum serves as an excellent starting point to explore the city. Nearby attractions include the SAS Museum, Saint Vincent Cathedral, and the Timing Room Escape Game - a fun family activity.  .