To best prepare for your visit to the Grand Site, find all the answers to the most frequently asked questions here.
How to climb to the top of the Roche de Solutré?
Starting from the Roche car park, the ascent of the Roche de Solutré is done on foot. Without major difficulty, the 4 km circuit has a difference in altitude of 100 m. Allow around 1 hour of walking to make the round trip. Be careful, the trail, well laid out, has many steps (not accessible by stroller, bicycle, etc.).
Practice/walk
Why did François Mitterrand come to Solutré?
In 1946, Roger Gouze, the brother-in-law of François Mitterrand, originally from Cluny, introduced him to the Mâcon region and took him to the summit of the Roche de Solutré. Faced with the magnificent spectacle, they promise to return every year, first at Easter then at Pentecost, the sun being more assured. François Mitterrand made this ascent every year, from 1946 to 1994.
History of the site
How to get to Solutré?
Mâcon is a town well served by motorway and rail networks: A6 and A40 motorways, RCEA, Mâcon-ville and Macon Loché TGV stations. Located 10km from the Mâcon town, Solutré is accessible by car, by bike or on foot for the bravest. You can also contact Tréma, the on-demand transportation service, to organize your trip.
Access
Where to park a motorhome?
Motorhomes can set up for the day in the P2 car park at La Roche de Solutré. For the night, it is necessary to turn to designated reception areas (Prissé, Mâcon, Pierreclos).
Camping, motorhome
Is there a charge for parking?
La Roche de Solutré has 2 car parks, completely free. The P1 has 60 spaces for light vehicles, the P2 accommodates up to 200 vehicles, including buses and motorhomes during the day.
Are animals accepted?
Animals, kept on a leash, are welcome on all the trails of the Grand Site, as well as at the Maison du Grand Site. However, their entry is prohibited to the Museum of Prehistory.
Where to eat in Solutré?
Solutré has 3 restaurants to welcome you: la Courtille, a gourmet restaurant in the heart of the village, la Grange du Bois, a tea room on the heights with panoramic views of the site, and Café de la Roche, a small restaurant service at the foot even from the Roche de Solutré. Other restaurants also welcome you in neighboring towns.
The hooked
Where to throw your trash?
Picnics are allowed on the Roche de Solutré and surrounding areas. However, no trash cans are available on the trail. Please return your waste to the sorting area located at the entrance to the P1 car park of La Roche de Solutré.
What is the Maison du Grand Site?
A place of reception and tourist information, the Maison du Grand Site welcomes visitors (general public or groups) all year round. The place, housed in an old renovated winegrower's house, has two exhibition rooms, a reception area, the Café de la Roche, toilets, an off-bag room, a pleasant terrace and a shaded picnic area.
The House of the Grand Site
What is Vergisson Rock?
Nicknamed “the little sister” of the Roche de Solutré, the Roche de Vergisson is also a limestone geological formation born from the same geological phenomenon. Located just 3km from Solutré, you can visit it freely all year round. Less known and less frequented, it is a favorite place for locals to stroll and offers a breathtaking view of its “big sister”.
Where to go climbing?
The cliffs of Solutré and Vergisson are famous for their climbing routes. Be careful, each wall has its own level. Contact local sports associations to climb safely.
Sport
Which hike to choose?
The site has many hikes suitable for everyone. For little legs, Le Banc de Trololo is the ideal walk, especially in summer, because it is well shaded. Sports enthusiasts, take the challenge of the 3 rocks circuit, to enjoy maximum views and elevation gain.
Hike on foot
Why is Solutré famous?
Several themes have given the site its notoriety:
– Frequented by Man since Prehistory, the Rock of Solutré has been known to the world of prehistorians since the end of the 19th century. The site even gave its name to a period of Prehistory: the Solutrean.
– This unusual geological formation, in the middle of the hilly landscape of the Mâconnais, makes it a privileged place for walks with a breathtaking panoramic view.
– The natural heritage specific to the site, particularly on the limestone lawns present at the top of the rocks, makes it a preserved setting.
– The wine tradition and the wines from the region (Pouilly-Fuissé, Saint-Véran and Mâcon-villages) make Solutré shine beyond the borders.
– The annual rise of President François Mitterrand put the spotlight on the site and contributed to its strong notoriety.
Why horses on the Roche de Solutré?
The herd of horses and donkeys present on the Roche de Solutré is there to maintain the limestone meadow areas. Animals help maintain open spaces and fight against the invasion of boxwood while preserving the area. They do eco-grazing. Property of the Grand Site and the Conservatory of Natural Areas of Burgundy, they spend the summer on the Roche de Solutré, and the winter on Mont Pouilly. The horses are Konik Polski, small and rustic, as a nod to the horses of prehistoric times.
Natura 2000
Which wine to choose?
The Grand Site sees three appellations maturing on its land: Pouilly-Fuissé 1er cru, Saint-Véran and Mâcon-villages. Depending on your tastes and your budget, you will inevitably find what you are looking for by knocking on the doors of our winegrowers.
Vineyard
What are the Grands Sites de France?
Exceptional places, classified sites threatened by too much attendance, the Grands Sites de France are committed to an approach reconciling public reception and preservation. The Bay of Somme, the Pont du Gard and the Marais Poitevin are some of them. The network now has 51 Large Sites, of which 21 are certified.
Grand Site of France
What access for people with motor disabilities?
The Maison du Grand Site and the Prehistory Museum are recent facilities that meet all accessibility standards. La Roche de Solutré is a poorly developed natural space, not suitable for people with walking difficulties, strollers or bicycles.
