Right across the Saône from the campsite, the Mâconnais hillsides form the southern gateway to the Burgundy vineyards. Perfect for a day of cellar visits, stone villages and sweeping views.
The Mâconnais, Chardonnay country
The Mâconnais vineyards stretch from the Tournus area to south of Mâcon, on the hills overlooking the Saône plain. White wines made from Chardonnay dominate, while Gamay and Pinot Noir produce the reds and rosés. The Mâcon appellation, often followed by the name of a village (Mâcon-Lugny, for example), sits alongside five village appellations: Viré-Clessé in the north, and Saint-Véran, Pouilly-Fuissé, Pouilly-Loché and Pouilly-Vinzelles in the south. A nod for wine lovers: the village of Chardonnay, which shares its name with the famous grape, is about twenty minutes from the campsite.
Pouilly-Fuissé and the Rock of Solutré
South of Mâcon, Pouilly-Fuissé, an appellation d’origine contrôlée since 1936, has had twenty-two premiers crus since 2020. Its vines cover the villages of Chaintré, Fuissé, Solutré-Pouilly and Vergisson, at the foot of the Rock of Solutré. This 493-metre outcrop, which President François Mitterrand climbed every year, can be reached on foot from the car park for a superb view over the vineyards. Awarded the Grand Site de France label in 2013, Solutré Pouilly Vergisson also has a museum of prehistory.
Wine route, cellars and tastings
The Mâconnais-Beaujolais wine route winds from village to village between Saint-Gengoux-le-National and Romanèche-Thorins. Along the way, cooperative cellars, such as the one in Lugny founded in 1927, and family estates open their tasting rooms to visitors. In Mâcon, the Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne, which also has sites in Beaune and Chablis, is devoted to the history and culture of Burgundy wines. The Mâcon tourist office also offers guided walks in the vineyards and estate visits.
Planning your day
From the campsite, just cross the Saône at the Fleurville bridge to reach the first wine villages, such as Viré, a quarter of an hour’s drive away. Allow about 40 minutes to Solutré. Choose a designated driver or use the spittoon at tastings, and take a few bottles home for aperitifs under the awning! Please drink responsibly.