Discover Saint-Laurent-sur-Saône

Saint-Laurent-sur-Saône offers several specific points of interest to help you plan your trip: a bridge steeped in history, a historically significant choir organ, local cultural traditions and the Voie Bleue®. The nickname “L’île de la Réjouissance” is also part of the local naming tradition. Which of these themes matters most to you will depend on whether you are particularly interested in architectural history, art and culture, or a cycling route.

Cultural history in the organ and bridge

The choir organ in the church of Saint-Laurent-sur-Saône was created by Claude Ignace Callinet in 1856. Since 27 March 1973, it has been classified as a protected object under the historic monuments system. For your cultural trip, the choir organ is a tangible link to the history of Saint-Laurent-sur-Saône.

The Pont de Saint-Laurent-sur-Saône also offers its own historical connection. The stone bridge probably replaced a Gallo-Roman bridge in the 11th century. It is classified as a Monument historique; the classification was made by decree on 6 July 1987. One architectural detail is the statue of Saint Nicholas, which is still located in the eleventh arch. This probable history and the statue of Saint Nicholas in the eleventh arch shape the character of the Pont.

Local tradition and contemporary art

The Les Sauveteurs de Saint Laurent association was founded in 1880 and originally brought together nautical jousting and music. This connection can be traced through a later, clearly dated example: in September 2024, the Société des Sauveteurs de St-Laurent held an all-day nautical jousting demonstration on the Saône, on the Saint-Laurent side, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. About 40 jousters from Cluny, Digoin and Ampuis took part. The September 2024 demonstration shows nautical jousting as part of the local cultural history.

For contemporary art, Galerie Au Cube at 124 Rue Jean Jaurès is a specific address. Au Cube currently represents 17 established and emerging artists from France and abroad; the artist portfolio may change. If a gallery visit is important to your trip, check the current visiting arrangements in advance. This lets you connect the cultural theme with an art venue without focusing your entire stay solely on historic sights.

The Voie Bleue® as a route to explore

A footbridge between Saint-Laurent-sur-Saône and Cormoranche-sur-Saône ensures the Voie Bleue® route is continuous. If you are also choosing your trip based on cycling opportunities, you can consider this route alongside the town’s cultural and historical attractions.

On one section of the Voie Bleue®, 80 percent of the route has a stabilised surface that is very easy to ride on. This allows cyclists of all ability levels to ride smoothly and at a steady pace. Check local conditions before setting out, so that your plans match the conditions on the day of your trip.

Cuisine from the Val de Saône

The Le Saint Laurent restaurant serves traditional cuisine from the Val de Saône. This adds regional cuisine to the cultural history and route-related themes. The restaurant’s offerings may change; check the latest information before your visit. When choosing a hotel, you can consider whether historic sites, art, the Voie Bleue® or local cuisine will shape your stay the most.

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For the broader travel overview: Ain.