The Mâconnais is the area furthest south of the Burgundy vineyard, from Sennecey-le-Grand to Saint-Vérand. (That's right, the famous Saint-Véran is produced here, even though the appellation doesn't have a "d" at the end.)
The Mâconnais region is a succession of hills along the right bank of the Saône, with a rich cultural heritage thanks to Cluny Abbey, as well as some magnificent natural areas such as the Rock of Solutré.
The Mâconnais, the biggest vineyard in the region
The Mâconnais vineyard covers around 7,000 hectares, making it the biggest vineyard in Burgundy! There's no risk of getting bored here.
The production here is mainly Chardonnay white wines but there are also some red wines, that should not be left to mature for too long.
Since 2020, 22 "climats" of the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation have been recognised as Premier Cru wines. Before that, the Mâconnais was the only vineyard in Burgundy that did not have a Premier Cru among its wines.
5 must-sees in the Mâconnais region
Begin your exploration of the Mâconnais region in Cluny and Tournus, Town of Art and History. Then head towards Solutré-Pouilly-Vergisson, which has been labelled as a "Grand Site de France" since 2013, and climb up to the Rock of Solutré to enjoy the breath-taking view.
Then carry on towards Mâcon, the capital of southern Burgundy. A few kilometres south of there, don't miss the Hameau Duboeuf: a spectacular theme park devoted to wine and the vine.
The Cité des Climats & Vins de Bourgogne
Very soon, in 2023, there will be a brand-new cultural experience of the world of wine in Burgundy, on the banks of the Saône! You can expect a magical experience learning all about Burgundy wines, history and the history of the Burgundy vineyards, with a focus on the Mâconnais, in this brand-new stylish and fun visitor’s centre!
Would you prefer the Greenway or the Voie Bleue?
Both the Greenway and Voie Bleue cycle paths run through the town of Mâcon, meaning you can vary between the two as you explore the area by bike. The Greenway leads into the Côte Chalonnaise through the countryside and the vineyards, whereas the Voie Bleue runs alongside the river Saône.
Activities and gastronomy
Our recommendations- La Vadrouille Bleue: a 3-hour exploration on vintage mopeds along the country roads around the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation, and wine tasting organised by the Domaine Vincent Cornin which also manages the restaurant Mamie Cocotte, with traditional regional dishes on the menu, served in traditional grape harvest dishes!
- Les Bourgui’trott: off-road electric scooter rides with Les Balades d’Estelle around the Château de Cormatin
- Enoculture: winemaking and cultural tours
- Meal in the lover's village, Saint-Amour-Bellevue, at the restaurant Au 14 Février or at the Auberge du Paradis
Where to sleep? Here are our recommendations!
Bed & breakfast
La Source des Fées, a charming bed & breakfast on a winegrowing estate in Fuissé
Make a bookingIn a gypsy caravan
Le Paradis de Marie, with various rooms and a gypsy caravan available next to the vines, in Saint-Amour-Bellevue
Make a bookingIn amongst the vines
The Château de Besseuil, with an impressive wine collection and surrounding vineyard, in Clessé
Make a booking