Châlon-sur-Saône

Town in the département of Saône-et-Loire in east-central France, 55 km/34 mi north of Mâcon on the River Saône and the Canal du Centre; population (1999) 50,100. It is an inland port trading in grain and wine, and manufactures mechanical, electrical, chemical, and glass products, and barges. The town holds an important commercial fair twice yearly.

Châlons was named Cabillonum by the Romans. The former cathedral of St Vincent was built in the 13th and 14th centuries, and the church of St Pierre dales from the 17th century. The town was the birthplace of the chemist and pioneer photographer Nicéphore Niepce; a statue has been erected to commemorate him.