Chalon-sur-Saone (France)

Chalon-sur-Saone is a Saone River cruise port and town in France's Saone-et-Loire department (Bourgogne-Franche-Comte region) with population around 45,000. Chalon is a sub-prefecture of the department and the department's largest town. However, the department's capital is the smaller Macon.

Chalon was once a busy river port, acting as a distribution spot for locally produced wines which were sent up and down the river and also along the Canal du Centre (1792-opened).

In July every year, Chalon-sur-Saone hosts the international street artists festival, named "Chalon dans la Rue" ("Chalon in the street"). For over 4 days, artists from all across Europe come to perform on the streets in theatre, music, comedy, acrobatics, etc. A pre-scheduled program is made available by the city to inform the tourists about the main groups performing. Several French newspapers also report where and when to find, and what performances are must-see.