The commune is located primarily on the right bank of the Loire, the river running through the far west corner of its territory.

Situated in Burgundy on the road from Paris to Lyon, and on the Loire River, the city's history spans well over 2000 years.

Bourbon-Lancy is a spa town with thermal springs which have been known since Roman times, when it was known as Aquae Bormonis and enjoyed great prosperity.

The name Bourbon is derived from the name of the Gallic and Italic god Borvo and signifies bubbling or boiling, referring to the thermal hot springs in the town.

Bourbon-Lancy has some of the most well-preserved medieval structures in Saône-et-Loire: The church of the Sacred Heart is an impressive example of nineteenth-century architecture.