Self-guided hiking in the heart of the Beaujolais and Burgundy wine regions
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationFrance / Burgundy-Franche-Comté
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AgeFrom 12 - 85 years
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CO₂-Emissions55.37 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
This self-guided tour through the heart of Beaujolais and Mâconnais is a true invitation to discover a generous and welcoming region. From the Mâcon-Loché TGV station , you can access the trails directly, without transfers, for immediate immersion. The first steps lead you into the heart of the prestigious vineyards of Southern Burgundy , between Pouilly-Fuissé and Saint-Vérand, before skirting the famous Roche de Solutré and reaching the charming village of Chasselas. The rest of the route crosses the legendary lands of the Beaujolais Crus – Juliénas, Saint-Amour, Moulin-à-Vent, Morgon, Fleurie, Brouilly… – between panoramic ridges and vast vineyard landscapes , with the Alps as a backdrop on a clear day. Each day reveals a different atmosphere , between characterful villages, terraced vineyards, and gentle forests. This trip, accessible without a car, captivates with its variety , its cultural and scenic richness , and the warm welcome of the locals . The experience is enhanced by comfortable accommodations and a friendly tasting at a winemaker's, for an authentic immersion in the local way of life.
The highlights
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A region renowned for its geological diversity
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Wine tasting included in this region producing 12 AOC wines
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An ideal setting to combine the pleasure of walking, wine discovery and exceptional landscapes
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 17 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 447 m
- Average daily descent: 448 m
Management
Your travel guide to take everywhere with you. 🗺️
Documentation provided:
- Color reproductions of IGN maps at 1/25000 scale
- 1 road book with descriptions of the stages
This hike is compatible with our app. In addition to your traditional route book, you have the option of using our digital route book, compatible with iOS and Android. (Available upon request after booking)
Program
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From Mâcon-Loché to Saint-Vérand
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 386 m
- Negative elevation 345 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
For this route, we recommend arriving by train. The hike starts from the Mâcon-Loché TGV train station.
If you arrive late in the day, there's a very short alternative route (5 km) to reach your accommodation directly. If you arrive by car, there's paid parking available in front of the train station. This first day in Burgundy takes you through the land of renowned white wines such as Saint-Véran and Pouilly-Fuissé. The route passes near the Roche de Solutré, made famous by the presidential pilgrimages of François Mitterrand. It's primarily an important archaeological site where hundreds of wild horse carcasses have been discovered, and which gave its name to a lithic culture, the Solutrean.
The route then takes you to the hillsides of the village of Chasselas before arriving at your accommodation, in the middle of the expanse of vineyards.
Day 1 -
From Saint-Vérand to Fleurie
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 520 m
- Negative elevation 478 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Today's route takes you primarily through the vineyards. You'll discover the appellations of Saint-Amour, Juliénas, Chénas, Moulin-à-Vent, and Fleurie, Beaujolais Crus with internationally renowned names. The stage is varied, passing through villages nestled in the valleys.
Day 2 -
Loop hike starting from Fleurie
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 624 m
- Negative elevation 624 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
From your accommodation, you'll set off on a loop hike for the day. The route leads you through vineyards and forests to one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the region. The vista extends towards the Jura Mountains and the Alps to the east, and towards Lyon and the Pilat massif to the south. It's a lovely spot for a picnic. The descent takes you through the village of Chiroubles. The final part of the hike brings you back to your accommodation for a second night. At the end of the day, you'll meet a winemaker for a wonderful tour of their estate, followed by a tasting of their wines and a traditional Beaujolais snack.
Day 3 -
From Fleurie to Mâcon-Loché
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 256 m
- Negative elevation 342 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today's route takes you primarily through the vineyards of Moulin-à-Vent, Chénas, Juliénas, and Saint-Amour, the last five Crus of Beaujolais. The stage is varied, passing through villages nestled in the valleys. Then, in the early afternoon, you arrive in Burgundy, home to the renowned white wines of Saint-Vérand and Pouilly-Fuissé. The architecture changes here: hamlets built of white limestone accompany you to the Mâcon-Loché TGV station, in the heart of the countryside.
Return to Paris in just 1 hour 30 minutes, with bus and train connections to major French cities.
Alternative route : A shorter alternative route is available to reach a bus stop either for Villefranche-sur-Saône and Lyon, or for Mâcon-Loché TGV station: 5 km / +10 m / -100 m
Day 4
Note
Accommodation for days 2 and 3 is planned in Fleurie. If accommodation is unavailable for your dates, we will book a hotel of equivalent quality in Villié-Morgon.
In this case, it slightly modifies the steps:
D2 / 19 km / 7 h / + 554 m / - 485 m
D3 / 16 km / 5:30 h / + 515 m / - 515 m
D4 / 22 km / 6:30 h / + 310 m / - 424 m
Accommodation
Accommodation will be in 3* hotels with swimming pool and half-board.
Access
For this hike, we recommend arriving by train. The starting point is the Mâcon-Loché TGV train station. If you arrive late in the day, there is a very short alternative (5 km) that will take you directly to your accommodation. If you arrive by car, there is paid parking available in front of the train station.
Go to the starting point
From Lyon: Follow the A6 towards Paris. Take exit 29 "Mâcon Centre" then follow the signs for "Gare de Mâcon Loché TGV". Allow 50 minutes from Lyon Perrache.
From Paris: Follow the A6 towards Marseille. Take exit 29 "Mâcon sud" then follow the signs for "Gare de Mâcon Loché TGV". Allow 3 hours 40 minutes from the Paris ring road (Périphérique).
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in 3-star hotels
- Half-board from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 4
- The travel log, 1 copy per registration file
- 1 wine tasting visit to a vineyard
- Tourist taxes
The price does not include
- Transportation to get to the place of stay
- Lunches
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Visits not mentioned in the program
- Luggage transfer between accommodations (optional)
- The solo supplement if you are travelling alone (€35 per person)
Options
- Luggage transport - 1 participant : CHF150.94 / person
- Luggage transport available for groups of 2 or more. : CHF82.33 / person
- Single room : CHF173.81 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
