Macon

Visit Macon, Burgundy

Mâcon is on the banks of the Saone river in the Saone-et-Loire department of France, to the south of the Burgundy region, north of Lyon and near Cluny. The town is the most southerly in Burgundy, and perhaps the first town that you come to heading when south through France that feels 'Mediterranean', with canal tile rooves and pastel painted buildings.

With a history dating back more than 2000 years, Macon prospered thanks to its historical position as an important border town to the east of France, and on an important trading route. The town and region, like many in Burgundy, are now very well known the local wine.

Exploring Macon

Although it has few important monuments Macon is a pleasant place to pass some time. The section of town along the banks of the Saone River is the most interesting and attractive for visitors - in particular the view across the river to the town from the opposite bank with the cathedral towers dominating the skyline.

The Old Cathedral of Saint-Vincent (11th century - 14th century) is the principal highlight, although much of the original structure is no longer standing - unfortunate because it was clearly an imposing structure. The remaining octagonal towers and the imposing entrance give a clue as to what the cathedral was once like, while inside there are models to help us visualise the original structure.

The old centre of the town, just back from the river and the esplanade Lamertine, has some interesting houses - see especially the carpentry work and carvings on the 15th century Maison de Bois.

Macon Museums

The Museum of the Ursulines is in the 17th century Ursuline convent, and has various exhibits looking at the long history of the region and the lives of those who live near Macon.

Make sure you find the time to visit the very well preserved apothecary, now a museum on the ground floor of the town hall, which still has its original 18th century furniture and a wide range of pills and potions from years gone by.

Another museum, the Memorial Citoyen, is found in the grand 'Chateau du Grand Four' on the Place du Souvenir Francais. Perhaps unique in France it explains the many conflicts that have affected France since 1870, from the Prussian invasion to the Gulf War, with the Two World Wars and the war in Indochina also represented. The memorial museum also pays tribute to those who lost their lives in these wars.

Close to Macon

In Lamartine's footsteps

When you visit you will see several mentions of Lamartine, the renowned 19th century French poet and politician who was born in Macon in 1790.

You can visit Lamartines chateau nearby - a mix of a 12th century defensive castle with 19th century additions by Lamartine. Inside the rooms of the castle contain a large collection of items from his life, while the outside is surrounded by very picturesque gardens and parkland. Situated at Saint-Point, north-west of Macon.

A nice way to reach the castle and see the area is by following the route of about 50 km proposed by the Macon tourist office as the 'Route Lamartine'. See the route here.

Macon Wine routes

Alternatively if you are visiting to explore the wines of the region there are numerous different wine routes proposed by the tourist authorities that will introduce you to the many vineyards and wine chateaux of the Maconnais-Beaujolais wine region. Ask for information at Macon Tourist Information Office.

Tourist classifications for Macon: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 4*;

Suggested places to visit near Macon, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Bourg-en-Bresse 33km; Brou Royal Monastery 33km; Dombes 36km; Trevoux 41km; Anse 42km; Theize 44km; Oingt 44km; Perouges 52km; Chalon-sur-Saone 53km; Paray-le-Monial 57km; Semur-en-Brionnais 57km; Anzy-le-Duc 59km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Macon

Macon tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Roche de Solutre / Roche de Vergisson - grand site of france (9km) : Chapelle aux Moines (Berze-la-Ville) - religious monument (10km) : Vonnas - ville fleurie 4* (16km) : Abbaye de Cluny (Cluny) - religious monument (19km) : Eglise de Jalogny (Jalogny) - religious monument (20km) : Eglise de Saint Blaise (Mazille) - religious monument (20km) : Chatillon-sur-Chalaronne - ville fleurie 4* (23km) : Eglise de Saint Denis (Massy) - religious monument (26km) :

French version: see Macon (Francais)