 |
Mâcon, Burgundy, France | |
| At the southern end of Burgundy, Mâcon is known for its white wines. | ||
|
|
|
Mâcon is a small city of about 35,000 inhabitants that sits on the banks of the Saône River in southern Burgundy (map). In fact, it is the southernmost town in Burgundy and the capital of the lovely region known as the Maconnais. Mâcon is a center of white wine production, the vast majority of which is made from Chardonnay grapes. There are several points of interest in the town of Mâcon. If traveling by car, park along the Quai Lamartine, named for Mâcon's favorite son, writer-poet-politican Alphonse de Lamartine (1790-1869). Stroll in the gardens along the river and admire the Pont de Saint-Laurent, the principal bridge across the Saône. Built originally in the 12th century, it has been expanded over the centuries and is a graceful structure spanning the river.
From here you can walk to the Tourist Information Office, and admire the twin spires of the 19th century Church of Saint-Pierre. This neo-Romanesque church has various chapels, frescos, furniture, stained glass, and organs. About a five minute walk from there is the Maison de Bois, or Wooden House, the oldest house in Mâcon. Dating from the late 15th/early 16th century, its facade is decorated with a variety of carvings and statues. It sits on the Place aux Herbes, which might have once hosted herbes but today provides an assortment of restaurants. Mâcon has a number of other interesting and well preserved historic houses, as well as the remains of the Vieux St-Vincent Church. It was rebuilt several times from the 7th to the 13th century and partially restored in the 17th century. Mâcon is a great base for excursions in the Mâconnais region. The villages of Pouilly and Fuissé, famous for their white wines, are only about 10 kilometers (6 miles) southwest of Mâcon. If you want to enjoy vineyards, there are plenty in the Mâconnais area. The remains of the Abbey of Cluny are just 24 kilometers (15 miles) to the northwest of Mâcon. The monastic community/retreat center of Taizé, with its 12th century Romanesque church, is another 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of Cluny. Mâcon is an easy day trip from Beaune, through the Côte de Beaune wine region. It's about 91 kilometers (57 miles) directly south of Beaune.
|
|
Above, Church of St-Pierre, Mâcon.
|
