SAONE, (anc. Arar), a river of France, rises near Vionni, in the department of Vosges, and flows first southwest and afterwards directly south, till it joins the Rhone at Lyons. Besides the department in which it has its source, the Saone traverses those of Haute Saone, Côte-d'Or, and Saone-et-Loire; while in the lower part of its course it separates that of Rhone on the right from Ain on the left. Its most important affluent is the Doubs from the N.E.; and among the towns on its banks are Gray, Auxonne, Chalon, and Macon. It whole length is about 250 miles; and it is navigable as far as Gray, 190 miles above its confluence with the Rhone. By means of canals the Saone is connected with the Rhine, the Loire, and the Seine.