Sud Côte Chalonnaise, all the riches of a rural area

At a time when respect for the environment, the protection of biodiversity and the commitment to short supply chains are often just wishful thinking in large cities, the Sud Côte Chalonnaise naturally takes us along these virtuous paths to discover a rural area of astonishing richness. Between Lyon and Dijon, easily accessible via the A6 between Chalon-sur-Saône and Mâcon, this Community of 36 communes stretches along the gently sloping relief of the Côte Chalonnaise. Two towns allow you to discover a rich natural and architectural heritage: Buxy, with its medieval village, and Saint-Gengoux-le-National, a medieval town with the Bourgogne Franche-Comté Cité de Caractère label

The vineyard of Montagny

From the north to the south of the territory, on the slopes of the southern Côte Chalonnaise, the vines of a Burgundy^1er cru, Montagny, flourish. An exceptional white wine produced by passionate winegrowers who cultivate the particularities of each Climat, its famous plots of Burgundy which make unique wines. This is the opportunity to discover the recently opened Maison Millebuis in Buxy, the place to go to taste the wines of the Cave des Vignerons de Buxy, or the Cave Coopérative de Genouilly. It is also the opportunity, while following the road of the Great Wines of Burgundy, to go from domain to domain, from cellar to cellar to make beautiful meetings and bring back beautiful bottles at interesting prices. In the Southern Côte Chalonnaise, wine tourism will accompany you throughout your stay.

From castles to Romanesque churches, a remarkable heritage

In the Sud Côte Chalonnaise, about twenty Romanesque churches, each more beautiful than the last, await you in the heart of the villages. Churches that have multiplied in the area under the influence of the powerful abbey of Cluny nearby. Even though they have been altered over time, they have retained their character, a strength and simplicity that dates back to the 11th century. The Southern Côte Chalonnaise is also home to many castles. Among those that you must visit, the castle Pontus de Tyard in Bissy-sur-Fley. A 13th century fortified house which was the property of a complete Renaissance man, Pontus de Tyard. A visit that mixes history, literature, science, poetry... but also a stroll through a vineyard and a conservatory orchard. The "small" heritage offers admirable points of interest: the "cadoles", these stone huts in the middle of the vineyards, and the washhouses built on the banks of the Guye and the Grosne, the two rivers of the area

Green walks...

With more than 500 km of signposted paths in the Sud Côte Chalonnaise area, you can choose to walk as you wish. To discover the built heritage, the most beautiful panoramas, the fauna and flora, in the forest or on the banks of a river, the Green Walks (guides on sale at the tourist offices of Buxy and Saint-Gengoux-le-National) offer a wide variety of themes and profiles with 38 circuits from 4 km to 16 km. 3 thematic trails complete the offer: the Montagny wine trail allows you to better understand the work of the vine; the Georama allows you to discover the particularities of the landscapes of the Southern Côte Chalonnaise; the RandoCroquis allows you to initiate yourself to drawing in the environment of the Pontus de Tyard castle.

...and Voie Verte

The Southern Côte Chalonnaise can also be discovered by bicycle. Just take the Voie Verte which crosses the whole territory from north to south. A pioneer of its kind in France, following the route of an old railway line, this Voie Verte - exclusively reserved for non-motorised traffic - guarantees safe journeys. Ideal for a leisurely stroll with the family, for visitors who want to discover the southern Côte Chalonnaise or for sportsmen who want to ride away from cars on a smooth, tarmac surface, this Voie Verte is a must. All along the route, there are car parks, water points, toilets, picnic areas, bicycle parking, recharging points for bikes... Bike rentals along the route in Saint-Gengoux-le-National.

All the riches of a rural area

From the plains of the Saône to the bocages and the dry grasslands, the rural landscapes offer an incredible diversity. Landscapes that invite you to rediscover our rural roots. An exceptional vineyard, gourmet producers with farm sales (goat's cheese, meat, honey...), guest houses that are so welcoming for a stay close to the locals, gourmet restaurants, one of which - L'Empreinte in Buxy - has a Michelin star, festivals on a human scale, every moment spent in the Sud Côte Chalonnaise is a source of happiness

How to get there :

by car, on the A6, exit at Mâcon sud or Chalon sud

by train, Chalon-sur-Saône and Mâcon stations. TGV at the station of Le Creusot-Montceau and Mâcon Loché

Useful information:

The Sud Côte Chalonnaise Tourist Office

The tourist information office of Buxy located in the old station, along the Voie Verte; unmissable stop for many cyclists. Picnic table (adapted for wheelchairs), drinking water fountain, toilets, "smart Flower" recharging station and bicycle lockers.
The Saint-Gengoux-le-National tourist information office, located at 4 avenue de la Promenade, is the starting point for a visit to this small medieval town, which has been awarded the "Cité de Caractère Bourgogne Franche-Comté" label. Nearby is the Voie Verte and the Espace de loisirs de la Gare, with picnic tables, toilets, inflation and repair equipment, bike hire and a camper van area.