It is in the south-centre of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté at the confluence of the Doubs and the Saône in the Bresse plain, near Beaune and about 20 kilometres (12 mi) north-east of Chalon-sur-Saône.
It has been more than a farmstead since early medieval times and acted as a fortified place at the French kingdom's frontier for several centuries.
Today it is, aside from retirement, a highly agricultural and touristic local economy well known for fishing, river boating, local produce and cuisine. Pôchouse is the local dish of various freshwater fish, dry Burgundy white wine (Bourgogne aligoté), cream, herbs and seasoning.