South Burgundy Along the roads of Southern Burgundy and the Beaujolais area, discover our historical heritage in the depths of a lush countryside. Get into the mind of monks at the abbey of Cluny and travel through lovely Romanesque churches. From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, explore the history of our Châteaux. Driving through the vineyards of the Mâconnais-Beaujolais wine roads is a treat for your senses. Taste our most southerly wines like Pouilly-Fuissé, Saint-Véran, Viré-Clessé, as well as SaintAmour, Juliénas, Chénas…
HOW TO COME by car Motorway A6 (Paris-Marseille) Motorway A40 (Mâcon-Passy) Expressway Centre-EuropeAtlantic (N79)
by train Town centre station TGV (HST) station in Mâcon Loché (7 km from Mâcon)
by plane Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport Geneva International Airport
Our Guides’ services
Our tours
Tour in the Mâconnais-Beaujolais area & Cluny
2.30 hours
170€
Half day
4.00 hours
225€
Full day
8.00 hours
340€
Additional hour
40€
The above prices are valid for groups not exceeding 35/40 persons (for all the visits except visits by coach). Every day except on 25th of December and 1st of January. No extra charge for Sundays or bank holidays (except 1st of May, 50% increase). In case of unavailability of our guides, we can look for other guides (contact us for prices)
THE TOURS OFFERED IN THIS BROCHURE ARE SUGGESTIONS; THEY ARE ADAPTABLE TO FIT YOUR PREFERENCES! If you need a tailor-made programme, please contact Alda FELGUEIRAS-MOREAU +33.385.21.07.08 groupe@macon-tourism.com
The prices of our tours include the services of an English-speaking guide for the full day (except for the Bresse region, equestrian cabaret, cruises, Enoculture & Pearls of South Burgundy), lunches (3 courses meal with a glass of wine + coffee) as well as the entrance fees and tastings mentioned in the programs. For the 2-days tour, the prices also include the accommodation in a 3*** hotel (based on double rooms), B&B.
Our guided tours MACON, TOWN OF HISTORY
MACON, LAMARTINE’S BIRTHPLACE
Buildings painted burnt sienna, buttermilk and rose – Mâcon has a distinctly Mediterranean feel and looks to the south for inspiration. The town centre is endowed with monuments of diversified and imposing architecture.
Mâcon has much evidence of the life of this famous man, who was both a poet and a statesman. The Lamartine area, located on the first floor of the Ursuline’s Museum, shows the poet under various facets: the romantic poet, his journeys and the places that inspired him-Milly and SaintPoint-. Other major works evoke the public man whom was Lamartine.
140€
1.30 hours ⇾ 130€
2.00 hours with 1 museum (entrance fee not included) ⇾ Maximum of 35/40 persons
Every day except on 25th of December and 1st of January. No extra charge for Sundays or bank holidays (except 1st of May, 50% increase).
MACON, GOURMET VISIT
Explore the city of Mâcon and the French “art de vivre”: its busy banks of the Saone, its coloured façades and its curvetile roofs gives the city a joyful and southern atmosphere. In the heart of the old town, you will discover old houses and private mansions. The visit will start with a coffee and “croissant” experience. Then, at the end of the visit, the participants will try marbled ham and “pâté en croute” (meat pie) with a glass of red wine. The tasting will end with a wafer (speciality of Mâcon) and a glass of white wine. 2.30 hours ⇾ Guide’s services : 170€ Tasting: 10 per person Maximum of 25 persons
Every day except on Sundays and bank holidays.
Explore the Beaujolais region
Guided tour of Château de Corcelles: explore the many aspects of this National Heritage monument. Among things to admire are the machicolation from the 15th century, the renaissance gallery in the interior courtyard and the chapel with wooden panels made by craftsmen at that time. The Château produces Beaujolais, BeaujolaisVillages and Brouilly in its signature bottle. Wine tasting at the end of the visit.
Lunch Guided tour of the Beaujolais “des Pierres Dorées: Southern Beaujolais is a lively and luminous region, dotted with ochre-yellow stone built villages that reflect the sun. This stone produces a whole array of warm sundrenched colours giving originality and charm to this area. Visit of the medieval village of Oingt: it has been recently classified one of the "most beautiful Villages of France". Stop in Theizé and Jarnioux. on the basis of 40 persons : 48€ on the basis of 30 persons : 52€
Equestrian cabaret
Meet up at the National Stud Farm: guided tour of the place: the stables with their horses, the honour saddlery, and the collection of hippo mobile vehicles. Equestrian cabaret: lunch-show in the prestigious setting of the Stud Farm. Come and enjoy the game between horses and artists for an emotional and enchanting moment.
Lunch Visit of Cormatin Castle: begun in 1605, the Château of Cormatin is unique in France for its exceptionally well-preserved interiors from the reign of Louis XIII (1628). The guided tour includes: turn-of-the-century sitting rooms, the kitchens and a grand "open" staircase, wide moats. The 12-ha grounds feature: a fine boxwood maze, parterres of flowers, an old-style vegetable garden, an outdoor theatre and a myriad of lakes and fountains. on the basis of 40 persons : 66₏ From mid-April to mid-Octobe
The wine road
Guided tour through the vineyards and famous names of the Mâconnais (Pouilly Fuissé, St Véran...) and the Beaujolais (St Amour, Chénas, Fleurie…) wines. Wine tasting in a cellar.
Lunch Visit of the Hameau Duboeuf, Beaujolais Wine Park, a unique collection of displays & presentations; a wonderful journey through the trades of the vine and of wine. The Station invites you to explore the legendary wine route: the Paris-Lyon-Mediterranean line. A “Jardin en Beaujolais”: in the heart of the vines, discover the fragrances of the flowers that make up the rich aromas of wine. Wine tasting at the end of the visit. You will discover the different sites of the Park in little train. "Ciné Up", the first dynamic cinema in the Beaujolais area to discover the landscapes of the Beaujolais and the Mâconnais regions. on the basis of 40 persons : 56€ on the basis of 30 persons : 60€
The archaeological heritage
Ascension on the Solutré Rock: important prehistoric site that has been awarded the "Great Site of France" label. Many horse bones, flints and coins have been discovered at the foot of this limestone escarpment that was a hunting site for over 25,000 years. Visit of the Departmental Museum of prehistory: at the feet of the famous Solutré Rock, it presents some of the richest founds in Europe.
Lunch Visit of the “La Lie Quarry” in La Roche Vineuse: a meticulous and long drawn-out archaeological job enables us to recount partly how the Galloromans and the Merovingians worked in this limestone quarry. Visit of the Azé Caves: listed prehistoric site with its prehistoric cave and the one thousand-bear cave, its underground river and its archaeological museum. on the basis of 40 persons : 49€ on the basis of 30 persons : 52€
Wine pairings in Tournus
Guided tour of the scenographic space at Cave des Vignerons de Mancey: a sensorial journey in the heart of Vine and Wine of Burgundy: watch, listen, smell and touch…
Lunch “Wine pairings” • Dish of 3 different starters & 3 different wines • Dish of 3 different meats & 3 different wines • Dish of 3 different cheeses & 3 different wines • Mini pastry & coffee Guided tour of the Hôtel-Dieu Hospice in Tournus: built in the 17th, 18th & 19th centuries, this listed building has retained all its ancient rooms (three wards and two chapels), furnished with their original furniture: wooden box beds, china, pewter, and ceramics. Guided tour of Tournus Abbey: the Abbey of Saint Philibert is a fortress-like Romanesque church with many interesting features. Dating mainly from the 11th century. on the basis of a maximum of 35 persons : 47€ on the basis of 30 persons : 49€
At the heart of the Bresse region
1.30 hour cruise departing from La Truchère: at the crossroads of the Bresse region and South Burgundy, in the middle of the nature reserves, come and discover a peaceful and quiet river. You will enjoy the crossing of the Truchère lock and the dam. One and a half hour cruise commented by the captain.
Lunch Guided tour of Domaine des Planons in St Cyr Sur Menthon: the Bresse Departmental Museum offers you a chance to discover the lifestyles of the people of the Bresse area from the 15th century to the present days in three separate areas: the museum, the farm and the estate grounds. Audio-guided tour of Brou Royal Monastery: a flamboyant Gothic masterpiece built out of love at the dawn of the Renaissance. The church is a richly decorated gem of flamboyant Gothic style: the tombs, altar, statues and stalls are all examples of 16th century Flemish sculpture. on the basis of 40 persons : 56€ on the basis of 30 persons : 58 Cruise from 1st May to 30th September
EnoCulture: hotspots of the area
Appointment with the Guide in Solutré for a walk around the Solutré rock: Sphinx-like amidst the Mâconnais vineyards, the Solutré Rock seems to lie in wait for visitors. This unusual geological feature, one of nature's masterpieces, has become a symbol of southern Burgundy. No need to be a geologist to enjoy the superb views from the top. More than just a rock, it's a “Grand Site de France” for you to explore! Wine tasting of Pouilly Fuissé.
Lunch Chardonnay: from the grape to the village Welcome to Chardonnay, the 3D name! Known as a village, a grape variety and very famous wines all over the world, Chardonnay is both a scheming and fascinating place. This oenological tour opens the doors to the vinicultural landscape of the true Chardonnays of Chardonnay. Enjoy a tasting of the different ‘terroirs’ and wine-making methods employed around this Burgundian village. on the basis of 40 persons : 50€ on the basis of 30 persons : 54€
Romanesque art
Visit of the Monk’s Chapel in Berzé La Ville, chapel presenting Byzantine frescos from the 12th century and listed as an Ancient Monument. Visit of Cluny Abbey: the Benedictine Abbey of Cluny extended its influence throughout Mediaeval Europe. The abbey church was the largest in the Western Christian world before the building of St Peter’s of Rome.
Lunch Visit of St Martin’s Chapel in Chapaize: listed as an Ancient Monument. XI Romanesque church, one of the oldest churches of the Burgundy, dedicated to St Martin and built in Lombard style with its high bell tower. It was built in different stages from 1030. Visit of the village of Brancion, the most important stronghold of southern Burgundy, and its chapel. Steep hill with its proud dungeon and a roman steeple. To reach it, you follow a charming, winding road offering many picturesque views. Going up you can see on the right the romantic castle of Nobles. on the basis of 40 persons : 49€ on the basis of 30 persons : 53€
The pearls of eonotourism
Welcome at the Château de Chasselas and general introduction to the Estate, update on the work currently being carried out in the vineyard, introduction to the art of tending the. Guided tour of the vat room and the cellar where vats of wines are stored. Explanation of the processes of winemaking and ageing. Wine tasting of wines from the Estate.
Lunch at Hameau Duboeuf Visit of the Hameau Duboeuf, Beaujolais Wine Park, a unique collection of displays & presentations; a wonderful journey through the trades of the vine and of wine. The Station invites you to explore the legendary wine route: the Paris-Lyon-Mediterranean line. A “Jardin en Beaujolais”: in the heart of the vines, discover the fragrances of the flowers that make up the rich aromas of wine. Wine tasting as the barrel organ sounds. on the basis of 30/40 persons ; 59€
On the footsteps of Lamartine
Guided tour of Mâcon, where Lamartine spent his childhood. Visit of the Lamartine’s section at the Ursuline’s Museum: numerous documents on the literary and political life of Alphonse de Lamartine (1790-1869), Macon’s illustrious poet, are exposed. Visit of Lamartine’s House in Milly Lamartine: it was in this 18th century residence that the poet spent his early years with his tender and affectionate mother. This beautiful home was the inspiration of his most beautiful poems.
Lunch Visit of Saint Point Castle: gift to the poet in 1820. Its architecture was originally for defence, it was then rebuilt in a Romanesque gothic style. Throughout your visit, you will penetrate the memories of Alphonse de Lamartine. Lamartine is buried in the garden. Stop by Monceau Castle: bought back by the family in 1662, the poet inherited it in 1833 and spent brilliant years there writing. Stop by the Solitude Pavilion: place where Lamartine spent time meditating and writing. on the basis of 40 persons: 59€ on the basis of 30 persons: 63€
Picking local products, a day to taste our local d
Welcome of the group by our professional guide in Cluny. Visit of the “La Corbette” bovine cattle farm and tasting of local products. Then a visit to a farm that produces goat’s cheese, cheese tasting.
Lunch In the afternoon, stroll through the medieval town of Cluny to explore some medieval houses and the ruins of the great Abbey Church. Tasting of “Crémant de Bourgogne” (sparkling wine) and wafers from Burgundy in a medieval house in Cluny. 1 gourmet basket offered for each participant including 1 round loaf of bread, 1 goat cheese, ½ bottle of red Mâcon wine & 3 wafers. on the basis of 40 persons: 55€ on the basis of 30 persons: 59€
The treasures of the area
Guided tour of the Monks’ Chapel in Berzé-laVille: The 12th century Chapel is famous for its mural paintings which are a fine example of Cluniac art. Guided tour of Berzé-Le-Châtel Castle: with its 13 towers overlooking the Mâconnais Valley, Berzé is a well-preserved 13th century fortress. Berzéle-Châtel is the oldest and largest fortress of Southern Burgundy. Wine tasting at the end of the visit.
Lunch Guided tour of Cluny Abbey: founded in 910, the Cluny Abbey was the centre of a major monastic movement in the middle Ages. Its church was the largest Christian building in the world until St. Peter's Basilica was rebuilt in Rome in the 16th century. Discover what remains of the spiritual centre and the seat of the greatest medieval monastic order in the West, and stroll around beneath the tall Romanesque vaults. Guided tour of Cluny: the site offers a prestigious heritage, including a number of monastic buildings, a Museum of Art and Archaeology housing major works of civil Romanesque sculpture, a Mediaeval City rich in Romanesque and Gothic houses. on the basis of 40 persons: 54€ on the basis of 30 persons: 58€
Enjoy a medieval experience
Departure from Cluny with our guide. Drive through different historic sites: Chapaize and Cluny. Vivid and historical explanations of customs and legends from another time. Visit to Brancion feudal village. Stop for a wine tasting at the Château de la Greffière cellar. Guests are welcome at the “Potin Gourmand” restaurant in Cluny. Aperitif (possibility to hire medieval costumes).
Lunch 4 courses medieval meal, drinks included (for the menu, please contact us). After lunch, songs with a troubadour and its accordion. End of our services about 4.00 p.m. on the basis of 40 persons: 55€ on the basis of 30 persons: 59€
Cruises on the Saône River
Departure from Pont de Vaux, every day from mid-April to midOctober CRUISE & WINE TASTING Get on board for a boat trip and enjoy the natural surroundings of the Pont-de-Vaux channel, the Saône River and cross the Pont-de-Vaux lock. A wine grower of the Mâconnais; or of Beaujolais area; will guide you throughout this cruise to take you out of yourself and discover our local characterful wines. During this river cruise, enjoy, a glass in hand, a pure moment of pleasure. 2 hours ⇾ 19€ per person. booking.
25 persons minimum. Subject to service providers’ availability when
LUNCH-CRUISES
Lunch with drinks included
Saône Mâcon: 63€
Seille La Truchère: 63€
Saône Tournus abbaye: 73 €
Seille et dunes: 73€
5 hours cruise till the commercial port of 5 hours cruise till Pont Seille. Crossing of the Mâcon. Crossing of the Pont de Vaux lock. Pont de Vaux & La Truchère locks. Return to Return to Pont de Vaux about 3.00 pm. Pont de Vaux about 3.00 pm. 7 hours cruise till Tournus. Crossing of the Pont de Vaux and the Ormes locks.). Guided tour of Tournus Abbey or the town centre. Return to Pont de Vaux about 6.00 pm.
Saône Pont-de-Vaux Trévoux: 85
6 hours cruise till Louhans. Crossing of the Pont de Vaux, La Truchère, Cuisery, Loisy and Branges locks. Walking tour of the town of Louhans. Return to Pont de Vaux with our coach about 6.30 pm.
6 hours cruise till Trévoux. Crossing of the Pont de Vaux & the Dracé locks. Visit of the Dombes’s parliament or of the Interpretation Centre. Return to Pont de Vaux with our coach about 6.30 pm.
6 hours cruise till Louhans. Crossing of the Pont de Vaux, La Truchère, Cuisery, Loisy and Branges locks. Walking tour of the town of Louhans. Return to Pont de Vaux with our coach about 6.30 pm
€
Seille Pont-de-Vaux Louhans: 82€
Beaujolais nouveau festival
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2019 Lunch 3 courses meal drinks included (1 glass of wine + coffee). Welcome at the 3 stars hotel in the south of Mâcon and registering. 03.00 meeting with the English speaking guide at the hotel and guided tour through the vineyards and famous names of the Mâconnais and the Beaujolais wines. 04.00 arrival in Beaujeu and opening ceremony of the Sarmentelles. 06.00 sacrament by the Beaujolais companions (no sacrament for the group). 07.30 dinner-show under a heated marquee (drinks included). 11.00 torchlight procession: from the biggest marquee to the village centre, take part in the famous “Sarmentelles procession”. Midnight: as each year, light and sound will accompany the spectacular broaching of the Beaujolais Nouveau barrels. A unique event not to miss! 01.30 return to the hotel.
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 21ST, 2019 9.30 departure after breakfast. on the basis of 40 persons : 185€ on the basis of 30 persons : 189€ Price including the dinner-show.