Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Mâcon, France

Situated at the southern tip of Burgundy lies a charming town by the Saône, where the region’s iconic glazed roofs and timber-framed structures give way to the flat-fronted pastel houses characteristic of the south.

As you approach Mâcon, a sensation reminiscent of the Mediterranean begins to emerge, and although the town itself is modest in size, it offers an abundance of attractions to engage your interest for a day or two.

While Mâcon may not be widely recognized, its name is indeed familiar to many as it is renowned for producing some of Burgundy’s finest chardonnays.

For wine enthusiasts, inspiration for enjoyable outings abounds with a comprehensive selection of nearby wineries.

The richness of the Saône Valley is evident as the natural landmarks and heritage sites mentioned herein are all conveniently located within a 30-minute radius of the town.

Let us delve into the premier activities to engage in while visiting Mâcon:

1. Musée des Ursulines

Established in the former Ursuline convent in the 1960s, the museum offers insight into the historical narrative of Mâcon.

The ground floor focuses on archaeology, showcasing tools, bones, and weaponry from the prehistoric site in Solutré, in addition to Gallo-Roman artifacts such as coins and ceramics excavated from Mâcon’s ancient necropolis.

A visit to the upper floor reveals the ethnography department, which highlights the traditional methods of local artisans, including potters, winemakers, and fishermen along the Saône.

The museum’s art collection spans from the 1500s to contemporary works, featuring significant artists like Titian, Charles le Brun, and Monet.

2. L’Apothicairerie de l’Hôtel-Dieu de Mâcon

Mâcon’s hospital, which originated in the 1770s, has evolved with modern advancements; however, one room remains untouched since 1775. The apothecary room transports visitors back to the era of Louis XV, featuring an antique distiller, parquet flooring, and exquisitely crafted walnut cabinetry.

Within the cabinets are delicate ceramic jars containing various unusual substances such as silk powder, borax, ground bones, ivory, and opium, each labeled with its respective names.

3. Maison de Bois

The oldest residence in Mâcon presents a unique architectural style: The Maison de Bois, dating back to the early 16th century, features three upper floors constructed entirely of wood beneath an extended roof.

Visitors often find themselves captivated for a few moments by the intricate carvings adorning the second-floor façade on the corner of Place aux Herbes.

A peculiar array of figures with unexpected expressions can be observed, depicted in varying degrees of undress, some accompanied by animals, both real and mythical, while others possess wings.

4. Riverside

Strolling along the banks of the Saône, one quickly appreciates why Mâcon is said to embody a Mediterranean essence.

This ambiance is influenced by the extended terrace of pastel-colored homes designed in an Italian style that line the riverside.

The primary crossing is the Pont Saint-Laurent, a historically significant ford that dates back to Roman times.

Following the Roman conquest, a wooden bridge was constructed at this location, which was ultimately supplanted by a stone structure in the 1000s.

This preserved architecture remains largely intact today, aside from adaptations made in the 1400s, which saw additional arches added to mitigate flooding risks.

The renowned 19th-century artist Camille-Corot immortalized Pont Saint-Laurent and the riverside in his artwork in 1835.

5. Vieux Saint-Vincent

The historical cathedral in Mâcon was demolished during the Revolution, leaving behind only the towers and the narthex (porch area). However, these remnants are significant fragments of the town’s Romanesque and Gothic heritage.

The Gothic south tower, with its distinctive belvedere, has become an emblematic symbol of Mâcon.

Be sure to peer through the openings in the façade to glimpse the oldest surviving section of the church, which dates back to the 1000s, featuring ornate sculptures on the capitals.

6. Église Saint-Pierre de Mâcon

Upon first glance at its towers and entrance, one may not realize that the church of Saint-Pierre is comparatively modern, rather than yet another medieval Romanesque edifice.

Completed in 1865, this structure was the creation of André Berthier, a pupil of Viollet-le-Duc, the architect and historian known for restoring numerous medieval monuments in France during the 19th century.

The church exhibits a Romanesque revival style, characterized by two imposing towers soaring to 53 meters in height.

Inside, visitors can admire murals, an organ, rose windows, and a striking pulpit complete with two staircases.

7. The Rock of Solutré

A brief excursion to the west reveals the imposing Rock of Solutré.

This striking limestone escarpment emerges abruptly amidst the vine-strewn landscape of Pouilly-Fuissé.

The rock is highly regarded, not only for its unique geology but also for its significance to prehistoric cultures.

Historically, it served as a landmark for hunters, who utilized this location to butcher and preserve their game (including woolly mammoths), as evidenced by a plethora of bones, some of human origin, discovered in the surrounding soil.

After learning about the rock’s ancient history at the museum, visitors can follow in the footsteps of François Mitterrand, who made an annual pilgrimage to climb the rock during his presidency in the 1980s.

8. Cluny Abbey

A short drive west of Mâcon leads to one of the most significant monasteries of the medieval era: Cluny Abbey.

This abbey was founded by monks who strictly adhered to the Rule of Saint Benedict, thereby establishing a dominant center for the Benedictine order, influencing countless individuals across Western Europe.

During the Revolution, the abbey became a target for mob violence, resulting in extensive destruction of the complex; consequently, visitors are invited to appreciate the historical significance of the site rather than the physical remnants.

The surviving transept of the abbey and the intact 13th-century choir capitals are noteworthy, complemented by a modern 3D presentation that illustrates the grandeur of the complex in its heyday.

9. Chapelle des Moines

In 1887, layers of white paint obscuring the interior of this former chapel flaked away to unveil three stunning Romanesque frescoes from the early 12th century.

These paintings provide critical insight into the art of the period, enabling scholars to comprehend the appearance of the now-destroyed paintings from Cluny Abbey, as they correlate with illustrations from an illuminated manuscript created at the abbey during that time.

The frescoes depict Jesus illuminated by a mandorla (a luminous cloud) in the company of his apostles.

10. Château Berzé le Châtel

Located a short distance up a rural road from the Chapelle-des-Moines is a castle that commands a view over the Grosne Valley from its elevated position.

The initial fortress at this site was constructed in the 900s, followed by several renovations until the 1800s.

The most significant alterations occurred during the reign of Louis XI in the 15th century when the fortress was deemed unconquerable.

Featuring two outer rings of towers and curtain walls, the castle exemplifies strength while offering breathtaking vistas; the elegant interior has been restored in the 19th century after its abandonment in 1591.

Seek out the Carolingian chapel, which stands as one of the earliest constructions on the site.

The gardens, which were likewise restored, are exquisite, comprising terraced vegetable plots, orchards, and a formal French parterre.

11. Château de Pierreclos

Another prominent castle within the Grosne Valley dates back to the 1200s and is surrounded by picturesque vineyards.

This chateau captivates visitors, as it includes cellars where five distinct wines produced by the vineyard can be sampled.

Children are also catered to, with vibrant replicas of chivalric life; they can briefly experience being confined in a dungeon and don chainmail and armor within the castle’s armory.

The banquet hall is set for a noble feast, and each room features a game designed to keep younger guests engaged.

12. Brou Monastery

This flamboyant Gothic monastery was erected by Margaret of Austria, widow of Duke Philibert II of Savoy, in the early 1500s in his honor.

Within the church, the alabaster and marble tombs of Philibert and Margaret, crafted by the German Gothic and Renaissance sculptor Conrad Meit, are a must-see.

He meticulously rendered the likeness of Philibert from portraits and mirrored the likeness of his mother, who passed away in 1483, 50 years before the abbey’s completion.

Diverging from traditional medieval artistic conventions, the tombs portray the couple in youthful vitality rather than in a recumbent posture on their deathbeds.

The monastery complex also houses the town of Bourg-en-Bresse’s art collection, featuring pieces from the 1200s to the 1900s.

13. Musée Départemental de la Bresse

Mâcon is positioned on the eastern boundary of the historic Bresse region, which was recognized as an official Province of France until the Revolution.

Set against a backdrop of meadows, hedgerows, and deciduous thickets stands an ancient farmhouse that presents insights into the traditional way of life in this charming area of France, dating back to the 1400s.

The intricate enamelwork and walnut-crafted furniture display Bresse’s exceptional craftsmanship, while visitors can observe the unique pointed hats historically worn by rural women in the traditional costume exhibit.

The farmhouse itself serves as a museum, showcasing rustic timber framing and reconstructed interiors that provide a glimpse into the lives of 18th-century peasants.

14. Walks and Bike Rides

Should you possess a sturdy pair of walking shoes, it is entirely feasible to trek to the Rock of Solutré from the TGV station located just outside Mâcon.

The path that winds its way past this landmark is actually part of an ancient pilgrimage route extending to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, known as the Way of Saint James.

This 17-kilometer segment concludes in Cenves, where one can reflect upon a scenic vista incorporating the Saône Valley, the Jura Mountains, and even the Alps.

Mâcon offers connectivity to two long-distance cycling routes that avoid busy roads: you can cycle most of the way to Lyon along a dirt track terminating in Genay, 55 kilometers to the south, or explore Solutré and the Mâconnais vineyard villages via the Voie Verte, rolling along a former railway line through picturesque grape-laden countryside.

15. Food and Drink

Renowned for its exceptional chardonnays from Saint Véran and Pouilly-Fuissé, Mâcon’s wines have garnered acclaim that extends well beyond the borders of France.

Spanning 7,000 hectares, the vineyards are enriched with numerous caves and accessible wineries, all nestled within idyllic countryside.

When tasting these premier wines, it is customary for the chardonnays or pinot noirs to be complemented by Mâconnais cheese, which features an AOC designation and is characterized by its soft and creamy texture.

The Saône River is a significant source of freshwater fish, with the local specialty of whitebait, which is deep-fried and served with a wedge of lemon.

Lastly, snails have become an integral aspect of Mâcon’s culinary identity, typically served as an appetizer prepared with garlic and parsley.