Nature Escapade in the heart of the Grand Site of France Solutré Pouilly Vergisson

At the departure from Mâcon Loché Station, this route, at the heart of the Grand Site of France Solutré Pouilly Vergisson, starts in the Mâconnais vineyard and leads to the Bois de Fée. There, one enjoys the coolness under the pines, then admires the landscape open to the Arlois valley from the clearing before beginning the descent to the village of Leynes.

This pretty village, built of pink Burgundy stone, is worth a visit, taking the time for a break in the village square. Lively on festive days with its inn and its pétanque court lined with plane trees. Peaceful the rest of the year where only the church steeple's clock reminds us of the passing time. The alleys around reserve beautiful surprises, such as the "Old Castle", former priory of the Tournus abbey, and the works of the artist Ted Nomad.

A few vine rows further, the village of Chasselas reveals more treasures. Its 18th-century castle surrounded by vineyards, beautiful traditional houses with Mâconnaise galleries, its church from the 12th and 17th centuries, and a whole small characteristic local heritage.

Direction La Grange du Bois. Gradually leaving the vineyard for the forest and pastures until the lodge where the first stage of the journey ends. Run by Nathalie, the establishment is an old café-restaurant from the 1860s, now a stopover for hikers to eat or stay. Nearby, the Bonshommes farm offers the discovery of small goat cheeses typical of the region, and a beekeeper also occasionally opens their doors for visits and tastings.

The second stage of the circuit begins in the woods via the ridge path. A beautiful shaded stretch under Douglas firs, oaks, and birches... and opening onto an open landscape, a magnificent view of the Vergisson rock and its steep summit rising to 485 m. The route has picked up the path of the vineyards, the terroir of Pouilly-Fuissé, and begins the descent to the picturesque village of Vergisson. The village is an option for lunch before heading towards Solutré-Pouilly.

The viewpoints of the Roche de Solutré differ depending on where it is admired. From all angles, it impresses like a “petrified ship overlooking a sea of vines,” according to the expression used by the local poet Alphonse de Lamartine to describe it. Walking on its soil, frequented by humans for 57,000 years, one experiences its mystical character, feeling transported back to distant times, connected to our ancestors. It would be a shame not to take advantage of this getaway to make a stop at the Prehistory Museum highlighting this incredible site, as well as the House of the Grand Site to better understand all the riches of this Grand Site of France.

We then resume the road to the wine villages of Davayé and Fuissé by crossing the hamlet of Pouilly. Many cellars are open to the public. Wine lovers can discover the richness and diversity of the Mâconnais terroirs there.

The return to Mâcon Loché station takes the same route as the outbound journey, crossing the Pouilly-Vinzelles and Pouilly-Loché appellations.

To learn more about this beautiful escape, we offer for download the “Lola's Notebook” which tells the story of this timeless adventure.