Saône-et-Loire

Saône-et-Loire, one of the largest departments of France, part of ancient Burgundy, is bounded on the SE. by the Saône and on the W. by the Loire. Area, 3300 sq. m.; pop. (1896) 621,237. The country consists for the most part of fertile plains, separated by rich vine-clad hills. The wines, of which 11,000,000 gallons are made annually, are well known as vins de Mâcon. Agriculture, iron and coal mining, and manufactures of cotton fabrics, pottery, iron rails and plates, machinery, engines, glass, &c. are carried on. The cattle are an exceptionally fine breed (white). There are five arrondissements—Autun, Châlons, Charolles, Louhan, and Mâcon; capital, Mâcon. The iron-town of Creusot, the pilgrimage resort of Paray-le-Monial, and the once famous abbey-town of Cluny are all in this department.