Mâcon brings together buildings from different periods, archaeological finds, Lamartine collections and wine. Its attractions range from the surviving parts of a former cathedral and a 19th-century church to a walking tour covering architecture, literature, gastronomy and history. If you are looking for a hotel in Mâcon, you can choose your destination based on whether architectural and urban history, wine or a cycling connection best fits your plans.

Art and Architectural History

The Musée des Ursulines preserves more than 25,000 works. Together, they offer a panorama of art history from antiquity to the 20th century; the displays may change over time.

The Vieux Saint-Vincent preserves the towers and entrance portico of Mâcon’s former cathedral. The building also features a Romanesque tympanum considered exceptional. The Église Saint-Pierre de Mâcon represents a different period of construction: the architect André Berthier designed this Neo-Romanesque church, built between 1859 and 1865. It houses a Neo-Gothic organ by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, dating from 1866 and listed as a Monument historique.

The Maison de Bois was built between 1490 and 1510 and is considered probably the oldest house in Mâcon. Its entirely wooden façade features numerous statuettes of masked human and monkey figures, often with a crudely erotic character. This elaborately decorated façade provides a distinctive contrast to the city’s religious buildings in its architectural landscape.

Archaeology also broadens the view of Mâcon’s history. The Site Archéologique de Saint-Clément displays the foundations of a 6th-century burial church, from the time of Mâcon’s first bishops. Several dozen sarcophagi were unearthed during the excavations. The Espace Lamartine at the Médiathèque offers another way to explore history: its heritage collections include original and illustrated editions, manuscripts, correspondence and iconographic documents relating to Alphonse de Lamartine.

City Walk and Wine

The Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne in Mâcon lies on the banks of the Saône, near the historic city centre. The visitor tour includes a wine or grape juice tasting. Check the current ticket details for the tasting before travelling.

The Tracé de la Plume is a one- to two-hour walking tour of Mâcon’s architecture, literature, gastronomy and history. Bronze feathers on the ground mark the route. It takes in 28 sights with information panels on site; the tour also includes a free mobile app. If you plan to use the app, check its availability before travelling.

The stated duration makes the Tracé de la Plume a clearly defined activity. Its themes and markers extend beyond a single architectural or cultural period: architecture, literature, gastronomy and history all feature equally in the tour.

Cycling

The Voie Verte runs from Chalon-sur-Saône via Cluny to Mâcon. The “Voie Bleue – Voie Verte” connection to the Voie Verte in the Mâconnais can be accessed from Esplanade Lamartine on the Saône quays. Check current route conditions and signage before setting off.

This gives you different ways to explore: the Tracé de la Plume is a one- to two-hour walking tour of Mâcon’s themes and sights, while the Voie Verte connects the city with Chalon-sur-Saône and Cluny. Your choice therefore depends on whether you want to include an urban history walk or a cycling route between several places in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Boil, Saint-Point, Virey-le-Grand, La Petite-Verrière, Bray, Romenay, Anzy-Le-Duc, Laives.

For the broader travel overview: Saône-Et-Loire.