Sightseeing In southern Burgundy

Beaune, a fortified town in the heart of the Burgundy winegrowing region. Surrounded by the Côte d’Or vineyards, this town with its paved streets is famous for its wine auction which is held in the Hospices de Beaune. That building is instantly recognisable thanks to its colourful tiles and geometric patterns.

Cluny has the biggest concentration of mediaeval houses (mainly Romanesque) in France. This town is famous for its impressive Abbey built by the monks in 910 AD. Go on a 3D tour of it to take in the sights. You will come across local product shops, bars, restaurants, artistic craftspeople, Romanesque architecture, national stud farms and more.

Discover the Beaujolais region, located north of Lyon in the Rhône department. It is a vast natural territory made up of many typical villages to visit. Beaujolais is also a magnificent playground for lovers of walks and hikes. But Beaujolais is above all known for its vineyards, wine lovers will be seduced by the expanses of vines, and the possibility of visiting the different estates.

This iconic southern Burgundy site is surrounded by Mâconnais vineyards and sits at the centre of the Solutré Pouilly Vergisson Grand Site de France. A 4 kilometre route takes you up to an altitude of 493 metres, giving you a breath-taking view that extends as far as Mont Blanc.

Visitors of all ages will love the zoological garden and amusement park located in Romanèche-Thorins. It covers 12 hectares and is home to some 700 animals from 140 species. Come try the tree adventure course, the little train on the ground and the monorail little train, the merry-go-round, the water slides and more.

This family-owned property was built by the ancestors of the current owners in order to protect the Cluny Abbey. Berzé looks out on stunning views of the Solutré Valley’s vineyards. Built between the 11th and 15th centuries, this chateau has retained its defensive system, 13 towers, impressive entrance castellum and mediaeval rooms.

This prehistoric cave has sheltered humans and animals since before the prehistoric period and bears witness to one of the oldest human occupations in Saône et Loire. It contains traces of the past and you may be surprised to learn about the other inhabitants that may have lived there...

This mediaeval town, which holds Cité de Caractère status, entices you to discover the many wonders it holds as you wander its paved lanes around the Romanesque and Gothic church and Royal Keep. Saint-Gengoux is located between Mâconnais and Côte Chalonnaise. To explore on a bicycle, follow the greenway from Cluny which passes close by the town.

Mâcon, with its southern airs and colourful façades, is the gateway to southern Burgundy. Visit historic Mâcon and its town centre with the wooden house, Ursuline museum and Souffot chapel. The Saône quays are lovely to stroll along, unless you prefer to hire a licence-free boat.

Château de la Greffière is a vineyard that has been owned by the same family since 1924. A typical Mâconnais-style house along with a former cellar have now been converted into a museum. Enjoy a discount on wine tastings, vineyard tours and entry to the wine museum.

Only one hour by car on the motorway or half an hour by train from Mâcon (plus half an hour drive to Mâcon). Visit its Roman amphitheatre and the ‘traboules’ (covered passageways between buildings) connecting Vieux Lyon with the Croix-Rousse hill. And a delicious stop at Petit Bouchon Lyonnais is a must.