Chalon-sur-Saône - Mâcon

Monuments & Heritage

Weekend

I cycle often

A weekend or short break cycling merrily through Southern Burgundy

Get on your bike to explore a portion of La Voie Bleue benefiting from the Saône’s rural atmosphere. Along this stretch, the way is dotted with villages that have retained their typical small-scale heritage, with Romanesque churches, vineyards, fine restaurants and more…

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Day 1: Chalon-sur-Saône - Tournus (33km)

Leaving Chalon-sur-Saône, join La Voie Verte at Saint-Marcel. Then head off east on a bucolic little excursion along La Voie Bressane, taking you through deeply rural parts where the famed AOC Bresse chickens are reared to the highest standards, before going on to grace the finest restaurant tables in France.

Leave La Voie Verte at Ouroux-sur-Saône, going via signposted small roads to reach the towpaths beside the Saône. Around here, the river runs through a now-protected area and reveals a wilder side. Our tip – download the free app Voie Verte 71 to ensure you don’t miss the many treasures to be unearthed in these parts.

Along the way, enjoy a refreshing short stop at Gigny-sur-Saône’s river port. Then cycle on to Tournus for lunch. Did you know? Tournus is one of the French towns with the largest number of Michelin stars per head of population! Gastronomic traditions are very strong here. Make the most of the afternoon to visit Tournus Abbey, a spiritual home for a thousand years. Plus, cyclists should enjoy delving into the history of bicycles at the Musée du Vélo!

Day 2: Tournus - Mâcon (33km)

Get back on the towpath leading you south down the Saône. One piece of advice: cycling along, make sure you look up often to appreciate the landscapes around you to the full! Plus, don’t forget to use the Voie Verte 71 app that will help you understand and appreciate the rich local culture of these parts. It’s true that there’s always something interesting to observe along the river. But that’s not all around here; you’re also passing at the foot of excellent Mâconnais vineyards, in particular those at Viré-Clessé, Montbellet and Uchizy. Why not stop at a winemaker’s to share a tasting of local Viré-Clessé vintages, for example…

After cycling along for a few kilometres you reach Fleurville Lake, where you could enjoy a pause. Head to the Jardin Pédagogique, where gardening events are organized year-round. Get back on your bike to reach Mâcon for lunch. Explore the town associated for the French with the great locally-born Romantic poet and politician, Lamartine, following the Tracé de la Plume (or Quill’s Trail). Top tip: treat yourself to a special experience at the 360 Panorama Skybar, taking in the views of the town and the Saône below, and, on really clear days, of Mont Blanc in the far distance.