Department Saône-et-Loire hotels - Book hotels in France at great rates

The Département Saône-et-Loire is to be found in eastern France in the Region Burgundy. Autun has the remains of a huge Roman amphitheatre in the outskirts which can hold 20,000 spectators. The cathedral of St-Lazare is built in the form of a Roman cross and is a perfect example of medieval building skills. The Musée Rolin has much to offer on the history of the region.

The Benedictine abbey of Cluny is one of the most famous in France as in the past its influence spread far and wide to many parts of Europe. It was founded by Duke William of Aquitaine in the 10th Century, dissolved at the time of the French Revolution, but nonetheless still well preserved. The Musée Ochier has many exhibits on the history of the abbey. The abbey of Fontenay offers an insight into monastic life in the 12th Century.

Paray-le-Monial is much visited due the pilgims‘ Basilica of Sacré-Coeur with its massive towers copied from the abbey at Cluny. In the Chapel of the Visitation there are many notable frescos and mosaics. The Musée du Hieron has many paintings of the Italian, Flemish and French schools from the 16th to 18th Centuries. The castle of Sully is also a frequently visited destination.

Population: 546 000 (2006)

Main towns: Autun, Fontenay, Cluny