Nature escapade - From Mâcon Loché to La Grange du Bois

Starting from the Mâcon Loché Station, this route, in the heart of the Grand Site de France Solutré Pouilly Vergisson, begins in the Mâconnais vineyards and reaches the Bois de Fée. There, one enjoys the coolness under the pines, then admires the open landscape over the Arlois valley from the clearing before starting the descent to the village of Leynes.

This charming village, built of pink Burgundy stone, deserves a pause, allowing time to relax in the village square. It is lively during festive days with its inn and its pétanque court lined with plane trees. Peaceful during the rest of the year where only the church steeple's needles remind us of the passing time. The alleys surrounding it hold beautiful surprises, the "Vieux Château," an old priory of the abbey of Tournus, and the works of the artist Ted Nomad.

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

Gradually, one leaves the vines for the forest and pastures until reaching La Grange du Bois. From there, the view of the Roches de Solutré and Vergisson is stunning. In this timeless place, you can eat at the "Grange du Bois." An old café-restaurant from the 1860s, now a waypoint for hikers to refresh or stay. Nearby, the Bonhommes farm offers the discovery of small goat cheeses typical of the region, and a beekeeper sometimes opens his doors for visits and tastings.

This route constitutes stage 1 of the 2-day circuit "Nature getaway in the heart of the Grand Site de France Solutré Pouilly Vergisson."

Car-free nature getaways are offered by the Network of Great Sites of France.