Escapade nature - De Mâcon Loché à La Grange du Bois

Departing from Gare Mâcon Loché, this route, in the heart of the Solutré Pouilly Vergisson Grand Site de France, starts out in the Mâconnais vineyards to reach the Bois de Fée. Here, you can enjoy the coolness under the pine trees, then admire the open landscape over the Arlois valley from the clearing before beginning the descent to the village of Leynes.
This pretty village, built of pink Burgundy stone, is well worth a visit and a break in the village square. It's a lively place on festival days, with its inn and boules pitch lined with plane trees. Peaceful the rest of the year, with only the needles of the bell tower to remind us of the passage of time. The surrounding streets are full of surprises, including the "Vieux Château", the former priory of Tournus Abbey, and the works of artist Ted Nomad.
A few vine stocks further on, the village of Chasselas reveals other treasures. Its eighteenth-century château surrounded by vines, beautiful traditional Mâconnaise-style houses, twelfth- and seventeenth-century church and characteristic local heritage.
You gradually leave the vineyards for the forest and pastures as far as La Grange du Bois. From here, the view of the Roches de Solutré and Vergisson is breathtaking. In this timeless setting, you can enjoy a meal at La Grange du Bois. A former café-restaurant dating from the 1860s, it is now a favourite spot for hikers to eat or stay. Nearby, the Bonhommes farm offers a chance to discover the small goat's cheeses typical of the region, and a beekeeper sometimes opens his doors for visits and tastings.
This itinerary is stage 1 of the 2-day "Escapade nature au cœur du Grand Site de France Solutré Pouilly Vergisson" tour.
Car-free nature breaks are offered by the Réseau des Grands Sites de France.