Located in southern Burgundy, this riverside town produces celebrated white wines and has a 16th-century wooden house at its center. The warm climate makes it France's northernmost Mediterranean-style city.
Mâcon stretches along the Saône River in eastern France, with its pink, yellow and cream-colored buildings lining the riverbank. In the old town, you'll find the 16th-century Maison de Bois with monkey and human figures carved into its wooden facade. You can take river cruises on the Saône, visit the former Ursulines convent turned museum, or drive through the surrounding Chardonnay vineyards of Pouilly-Fuissé.
Transport Links to Mâcon
You can reach Mâcon via the A6 motorway that runs between Paris and Lyon. The TGV train from Paris takes 1 hour and 35 minutes. You can walk to most attractions in the city center, but you'll need a car to explore the wine regions nearby.
The Medieval City Center
The Maison de Bois (1490-1510) is the city's oldest building. Look up at its wooden facade to spot detailed carvings of monkeys, musicians, and mythological figures. You can sit at the ground floor brasserie for a coffee while studying the medieval workmanship. Along the riverside, rows of pastel buildings with traditional shutters line the streets.
Mâconnais Wine Region
The Mâconnais vineyards stretch across 12,355 acres, focusing on Chardonnay grape cultivation. Drive the Route des Vins Mâconnais to visit local wineries and taste Saint-Véran and Pouilly-Fuissé wines. Local winemakers produce 49 million bottles annually, with white wines making up 61% of production.
Cultural Landmarks and Museums
At the Musée des Ursulines, housed in a former convent, you'll find archaeological artifacts and European art. The collection includes Medieval stone statues, Gallo-Roman weapons, and paintings spanning from the 16th century to modern times. The Hôtel-Dieu houses a 1775 apothecary with original walnut cabinets, Louis XV wood panels, and antique pharmacy jars.
Regional Cuisine
Local restaurants serve Burgundian dishes like garlic-parsley snails, fresh Saône River fish, and Bresse chicken. Try two local desserts: l'idéal mâconnais (a meringue cake filled with butter cream) and la gaufrette mâconnaise (thin crispy wafers). Many restaurants pair their dishes with wines from the surrounding vineyards.
Nearby Attractions
The Rock of Solutré stands 493 meters high, 10 kilometers west of Mâcon. Follow the marked hiking trails up this limestone cliff for views across the Pouilly-Fuissé vineyards. Drive 16 kilometers northwest to find Berzé-le-Châtel, a 13th-century fortress with 13 towers overlooking the Solutré valley.
