Saint-Laurent-sur-Saône can be discovered through a range of distinctive local details: a 19th-century choir organ, a stone bridge with its own heritage-protection history, and contemporary art. The Voie Bleue® is another highlight, with a footbridge between Saint-Laurent-sur-Saône and Cormoranche-sur-Saône ensuring an uninterrupted route. The town is also known as “L’île de la Réjouissance.” This gives you several distinct themes to choose from when planning your trip: architectural and cultural history, art, or cycling, with regional cuisine as another option.
Organ, Association and Nautical Jousting
The choir organ in the church of Saint-Laurent-sur-Saône was built by Claude Ignace Callinet in 1856. Since 27 March 1973, it has been classified as a protected object under the historic monuments system. The instrument’s year of construction and its later protected status are two concrete points of interest for anyone interested in church music and cultural history.
The town’s association history also connects music with nautical jousting: Les Sauveteurs de Saint Laurent was founded in 1880 and originally brought together both activities. A dated glimpse of the jousting is offered by the demonstration held by the Société des Sauveteurs de St-Laurent on the Saône, on the Saint-Laurent side, in September 2024. It ran from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with around 40 jousters taking part from Cluny, Digoin and Ampuis.
A Bridge Spanning Several Eras
The stone Pont de Saint-Laurent-sur-Saône probably replaced a Gallo-Roman bridge in the 11th century. It is listed as a Monument historique; the listing was made on 6 July 1987. One notable detail can be found in the eleventh arch: a statue of Saint Nicholas still stands there today. The earlier structure, its probable medieval replacement and the bridge’s heritage listing give it a history spanning several periods.
Art, Cycling Route and Cuisine
Contemporary art is at the heart of Galerie Au Cube. The gallery is located at 124 Rue Jean Jaurès in Saint-Laurent-sur-Saône and currently represents 17 established and emerging artists from France and abroad. The artist roster may change, so check visiting arrangements before your visit. Unlike the historic buildings, the gallery focuses on a changing group of artists.
For cyclists, the quality of the route is a separate point to consider when planning. On the relevant section of the Voie Bleue®, 80% of the route has a well-maintained, compacted surface that is easy to ride on. This allows cyclists of all ability levels to ride smoothly and steadily. A footbridge between Saint-Laurent-sur-Saône and Cormoranche-sur-Saône ensures the route is continuous. Check local conditions before setting off.
For a meal, Le Saint Laurent restaurant serves traditional cuisine from the Val de Saône. If you would like to include this in your stay, check the current service before your visit.
The options offer distinct themes to choose from: the organ and the Pont are associated with architectural and musical history and have specific historical dates; Au Cube turns the focus to an artist roster that may change. If you would rather cycle, you can use the information about the relevant section of the Voie Bleue® and take local conditions into account.
Discover more destinations: Évosges, Lagnieu, Chaneins, Sainte-Euphémie, Nantua, Curciat-Dongalon, Jayat, Saint-Trivier-De-Courtes.
For the regional travel overview: Ain.
