Escapade nature - De Mâcon Loché à La Grange du Bois

Departing from Gare Mâcon Loché, this itinerary, 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 an inn and a pétanque court lined with plane trees. Peaceful the rest of the year, when only the needles of the bell tower remind us of the passage of time. The surrounding streets are full of surprises, including the "Vieux Château", a former priory of the Tournus abbey, and the works of artist Ted Nomad.

A few vineyards away, the village of Chasselas reveals other treasures. Its 18th-century château surrounded by vineyards, beautiful traditional Mâcon-style houses, 12th- and 17th-century church and characteristic local heritage.

Gradually you leave the vineyards for the forest and pastures to reach 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 back to the 1860s, it's now a hiker's paradise where you can eat or stay. Nearby, the Ferme des Bonhommes offers the chance to discover the small goat 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 c?ur du Grand Site de France Solutré Pouilly Vergisson" tour.

Car-free nature escapades are offered by the Réseau des Grands Sites de France.