The Chalonnais region

1 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses the chalonnais region A place to roam p.4 A quality welcome and tourism for all p.5 The Chalonnais region p.6

WINE AND GASTRONOMY Take a flavour-filled trip p.8

HERITAGE Open the annals of history p.14

On or around water Get away from it all on the water p.20 hese pages will introduce you to a culture, Nature and leisure activities local area and heritage which is rich and diverse, making it an ideal destination for Explore the area at your leisure p.26 T short breaks or longer holidays.

Culture/Events Create a personalised programme for your stay Stimulate your curiosity p.32 and reap the benefits of all the assets our region has to offer. Sample fine wines from the Côte Chalonnaise and regional specialities, Tourism in the Chalonnais p.38 lose yourself in our history, get away from it all in the countryside and experience a host of multicultural events. Directeur de publication : Pierre Roux Rédaction & Création graphique : le cargo jaune tél. 03 45 28 32 25 Impression : bezin haller Holiday advisors at our five tourist information Crédits photographiques Offices de Tourisme du Territoire du Chalonnais – ©ADT 71 – ©L.Chocat – ©Gill Nunes pour offices and information points are available to la Communauté de communes “Entre Monts et Dheune” – ©Syndicat mixte du Chalonnais ©Service Environnement Grand Chalon – ©Aurélien Ibanez – ©Petit – ©IStockphoto organise a tailor-made holiday which exploits ©Phovoir – ©Fotolia – Michel Wiart ©L’Abattoir/Chalon dans la rue – ©Patrice Josserand ©Château de Couches our region’s potential to the full.

2 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses 3 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses | the chalonnais region | | the chalonnais region |

A place to roam A quality welcome

Located in the heart of Burgundy, the Chalonnais is at the and tourism for all crossroads of major European transport axes. It lies on routes to Paris, and Geneva and has been a hub and The Chalonnais sets store by the wealth of features in transit point since time immemorial. It has now become an the area, its accessibility and the dedication to welcoming exceptional tourist destination. Tourism in the Chalonnais you shown by tourism stakeholders. Particular attention is focused around 160 communes and embodies the wealth is devoted to creating a network of service providers and of features which characterise the whole local area and its classifying the services they offer. inhabitants. Explore the region on foot, by bike, in a camper To underpin this approach, a number of quality labels have van or even by boat. Everything is organised to been introduced to allow you to evaluate tourist facilities: offer you a pleasant stay and help you discover the local area, its gastronomy and the history of the Chalonnais.

– Qualité Tourisme – Tourisme & Handicap – Aventures Mômes – Établissement e-branché – De Vignes en Caves – Vignobles & Découvertes – Gîtes de – Accueil paysan – Accueil Vélos – Bienvenue à la ferme – Station Verte – Pistes Vertes – …

4 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses 5 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses | The Chalonnais region | | The Chalonnais region | Paris The Chalonnais Dijon la Saône le Doubs region A6

Bouzeron Verdun-sur-le-Doubs Canal Couches Rully N6 du Centre la Saône N73 Fragnes

St Léger-sur-Dheune 25 St-Martin- Canal du Centre en-Bresse

Givry Chalon- N80 sur-Saône

Montceau-les-Mines 26 LEGEND The Chalonnais region N6 la Saône Montagny-lès-Buxy National road A6 Highway The Vintage Wine Trail Gigny- sur-Saône criss-crosses the Côte Chalonnaise Sennecey- Mont St Vincent le-Grand Voie Verte St-Gengoux- Voie Bleue le-National Rivers and Canals

Cormatin Tourist Offices Mâcon in the Chalonnais area Lyon Marinas and mooring points

6 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses 7 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses WINE AND GASTRONOMY WINE AND GASTRONOMY

Take a flavour-filled trip

ocated just south of the Côtes de Beaune and Couchois, the Côte Chalonnaise extends as far as the Mâconnais Lregion. Its vineyards, which boast an exceptional terroir, excellent exposure and Burgundian expertise, produce a diverse range of red and white wines which combine delicacy and character. The terroir, which is home to major names such as Mercurey, Givry, Rully, Montagny and , offers regional appellations, “village” wines and ‘premier cru’ vintages. It is also the birthplace of the famous Crémant de Bourgogne.

The wine selection is complemented by an unrivalled abundance of gourmet cuisine. From Bresse to the Charolais, the local area is steeped in a strong agricultural and market gardening tradition. This has led to the introduction of protected designations of origin and numerous regional specialities based on a unique terroir and expertise.

The Chalonnais is a welcoming area with a pleasant lifestyle, which invites you to discover and share its most sophisticated treasures.

8 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses 9 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses WINE AND GASTRONOMY WINE AND GASTRONOMY

Discover wine appellations

The Vintage Wine Trail The Côte Chalonnaise: (La Route des Grands Vins) a sophisticated personality criss-crosses the Côte Chalon- naise covering some thirty kilometres and offers an excellent Established on clay and limestone slopes, the local vineyards glimpse of our region’s wines. produce primarily , and Aligoté grape In private vins cellars or cooperatives, varieties. White wines are characterised by a number of floral you will meet enthusiastic wine flavours supplemented with a fine mineral quality. Red wines producers who are keen for you to sample the fruits of their expertise. deliver very subtle red and dark fruit flavours, producing wines Set in the heart of rolling landscapes, with a long cellar life. the route is dotted with typical Burgun- dy villages and its charm and heritage are sure to set you day-dreaming and Bouzeron Montagny stimulate your curiosity. You will enjoy a lively full flavour a subtle character alternating between wine tastings in This is the only appellation in France Montagny wines are dry, floral whites cellars and learning about cultivating based on the Aligoté grape variety. with a fine mineral tang and a characte- the vines and wine-making. It produces a lively white wine with ristic “gun flint” taste. its roots firmly in the local terroir. White wines: 53 vineyard sites classified ‘premier cru’. Givry  cooperative cellars harmonious flavours Rully 4 in the local area: Givry wines are primarily easy-drinking a fruity bouquet > Buxy, wines. They will charm you with their The Rully terroir, an extension of the elegant, refined flavours. Chassagne vineyards, offers silky-smooth > Bissey-sous-Cruchaud, Red and white wines: white wines with a fine long finish on > Saint-Gengoux-le-National, 26 vineyard sites classified ‘premier cru’. the palate. > Genouilly. Red and white wines: Mercurey 23 vineyard sites classified ‘premier cru’. an explosion of flavours Le crémant de Bourgogne This is one of the biggest wine-producing villages in Burgundy. It offers powerful a sparkling surprise red wines with complex and sophisticated These excellent quality sparkling wines flavours and very delicate white wines. capitalise on the specific characteristics Red and white wines: of the Burgundy terroir. 32 vineyard sites classified ‘premier cru’.

10 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses 11 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses WINE AND GASTRONOMY WINE AND GASTRONOMY

Regional gastronomic gems Burgundy specialities

Gastronomic culture and Burgundy traditions have earned The area boasts a wide variety of restaurants where you can renowned protected designations which guarantee the origins sample specialities made from a host of fine local ingredients. of a product and protect unique expertise. The region invites you to discover its gems in their places of origin with local producers.

AOC charolais-mâconnais goat’s cheese A real gourmet treat, this soft-textured cheese is covered in a natural cream- coloured or bluish crust. La pôchouse Burgundy snails AOP Bresse chicken a recipe combining carnivorous and served with parsley and garlic garnish unrivalled for its firm flesh and flavour. white fish from local rivers. They are cut or pan-fried, this exceptional product is It is the first poultry breed to be awarded into pieces, cooked in a white wine sauce the symbol of our region. This species protected designation of origin. and served with small garlic croutons. is now protected and the region is home to a number of snail farmers. AOC Bresse cream and butter Parsley ham a recent protected designation of origin this typical Burgundy dish is made from Bresse chicken in a cream sauce in recognition of the excellence of local ham cooked in white wine, cut into chicken slow-cooked in a white wine the region’s dairy products. pieces and set in a jelly garnished with and cream sauce, served with morel parsley. mushrooms. AOC Charolais beef this breed of cattle, whose meat has Œufs en meurette Beef bourguignon a very high nutritional value and eggs poached in a red wine sauce, served a traditional braised beef stew cooked excellent taste, is renowned worldwide. with lardons and onions. with red wine. It is characterised by its tenderness, maturity and delicate flavours.

Honey the diversity of flowers in our country- side produces excellent quality honey.

12 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses 13 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses HERITAGE HERITAGE

Open the annals of history

he wealth of the Chalonnais and the splendour of its past can be seen both in listed monuments in the region and in Tthe small-scale heritage of our villages. The Chalonnais offers you the opportunity to travel through time from the Prehistoric period to the modern era. Follow in the footsteps of the Neolithic Chasséen culture or relive the medieval period through its castles, Clunaic and Cistercian churches in the Romanesque style and buildings erected by the Dukes of Burgundy. In more recent times, discover the influence of Emiland Gauthey and Thomas Dumorey on the industrial and architectural heritage of the region.

Numerous walking routes and cycle trails criss-cross the countryside and vineyards. The many signs of Burgundy’s past will add an authentic charm to your excursions.

In September, take advantage of the French national heritage days to immerse yourself in the past of the Chalonnais in all its forms.

14 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses 15 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses HERITAGE HERITAGE

A tour In the footsteps with a noble pedigree of the monastic era

The Castle Trail (Route des Châteaux) offers a journey The Romanesque church trail takes you into Burgundy’s noble past. In the Chalonnais, castles and into the heart of an era when monastic fortresses feature various styles ranging in date from the power replaced aristocratic power. Middle Ages to the 17th century, including the heyday of th th the Dukes of Burgundy. From the 10 to the 12 century, the power of the monks of was such that it became the dominant order to which those in authority Château de la Chapelle Château de Germolles bowed during this era. The influence of the monks de Bragny The last preserved castle of the Dukes of Cluny extended well beyond Burgundy at A listed building which spans a lengthy of Burgundy, which bears witness to period from the 11th to the 19th century. their splendid era. that time and has left a lasting impression on the Chalonnais. This can be seen in the many Château de Château de Pontus de Tyard architecturally and decoratively sophisticated Built by the Marquises of Huxelles in the A former medieval fortress which was religious buildings synonymous with the influence th th remodelled in the 16 century, and the early 17 century, it offers an accurate of monasticism during this period. home of Pontus de Tyard, a Pléiade poet. reflection of their power and prestige. There are 75 Romanesque churches in the local area, 6 of which are listed “Clunaic sites”. Château de Couches Château de Rully th A medieval castle said to have belonged A 12 century medieval fortress to Marguerite of Burgundy, Queen of offering a magnificent vista over France and Navarre. the Côte Chalonnaise.

Château de A former fortress which was rebuilt after the French Revolution.

Château de la Ferté The abbey palace of the Cistercian monks.

16 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses 17 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses HERITAGE HERITAGE

A history lesson in stone Archaeological discoveries

Capitalising on their rich wine-producing and agricultural past, The Chalonnais has been a trade and transit route since time villages in the local area naturally exude Burgundian warmth immemorial. A large number of finds dating from the Neolithic and enjoyment of life. As you set out to discover the Chalonnais, era to the Middle Ages, including classical antiquity, have been you will be surprised by the wealth of small local heritage sites. excavated in the area. You can discover the remains of this distant Your excursions will be punctuated by frequent pleasant stops in past in the Musée Vivant Denon in Chalon-sur-Saône. the street or along your path as you come face to face with history. Prehistory Chassey-le-Camp gave its name to a Neolithic civilisation - the Chasséen culture - which was discovered on its territory and is still the focus of intensive study. It is characterised by sedentarisa- tion and the emergence of farming and animal husbandry.

Antiquity During the Gallic Wars, Chalon-sur-Saône was the port for Bibracte. Excavations in the Saône have uncovered a number of remains which provide valuable evidence about this era.

Recent heritage sites Wash houses More recently, Chalon-sur-Saône architect Emiland Gauthey left Drystone wine- his mark on the heritage of the local area. growers’ huts (cadoles) Windmills Dovecotes Drystone walls The Canal du Centre Water mills The Chalon-sur-Saône quays Bread ovens The Pont de bridge Fountains The La Citadelle district Wayside crosses Givry church church…

18 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses 19 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses On or around water On or around water

Get away from it all on the water

he Saône and the Canal du Centre pass through the area, offering recreational sailors a unique perspective on rural Tand wine-producing landscapes, Burgundy villages and the host of heritage sites in the region.

With the Saône, its tributaries and also a large number of lakes and ponds, the local area is packed with fishing spots. They offer opportunities for recreational or family fishing in accessible or wild locations.

Set off on an adventure on the water and discover a protected landscape which is always in tune with nature.

20 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses 21 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses On or around water On or around water

Go with the flow

The Chalonnais is an unrivalled river landscape. Building on a rich trading history, the Saône and Canal du Centre offer the opportunity to travel through time into the heart of Burgundy.

The Saône The Canal du Centre Built in the late 18th century by Emiland Gauthey to The Saône is a key European waterway, but it is also transport ore, wine, and submarines and boats from one of the most beautiful rivers in France. You will the Schneider factories, it is now devoted to recrea- be captivated by its wild banks and rural landscapes tional boating. It flows parallel to the Saône then as it carries you between towns and villages per- crosses the Côte Chalonnaise, taking you into the meated with a wealth of history and a river culture heart of a lush natural landscape where vineyards stretching back into the distant past. alternate with stone-built villages. Along the banks, there are cycle paths to pursue your adventures on dry land and reap the benefit of the wealth of opportunities to sample the region’s wine, gourmet cuisine and heritage.

22 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses 23 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses On or around water On or around water

Marinas and mooring points Fishing adventures Marina on the CanaL Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune in the Chalonnais

Marinas on the Saône Chalon-sur-Saône and Verdun-sur-le-Doubs

Mooring point on the Saône Gigny-sur-Saône

Mooring point on the Canal Fragnes

Port of call on the Canal Rully The local area offers a very varied collection of fishing spots.

Recreational sailors can The Saône, which is renowned for its This diverse range of watering places access a range of useful carp fishing endurance events - “endu- means that you will find a very wide services in ports in the port ros de la carpe” - has many tributaries variety of fish species: catfish, pike- authority buildings such as flowing down from the Côte Chalon- perch, pike, perch, trout, roach, eels, showers, WiFi, and washing naise. They are more untamed and carp, bream, bleak, tench, barbel, grass machines. offer alternative types of excursion for carp, black bass, etc. nature lovers. Many lakes and ponds have been developed to open up this pursuit to all enthusiasts.

The local area offers many opportunities for water sports:

Water skiing Rowing Diving Outdoor activity centre…

24 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses 25 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses Nature and leisure activities Nature and leisure activities

Explore the area at your leisure

large number of routes allow you to travel around the Chalonnais on foot or by bike. They take you up A onto the high limestone plateaus, criss-cross the extensive forests in our valleys and run alongside local rivers. They lead you into the heart of the wildest environments and lull you with the unspoilt charm of hedged fields and vineyards.

Whether you are a sports enthusiast or enjoy outdoor leisure, are an adventurous type or prefer to be accompanied by a guide, the Chalonnais is packed with secrets which it is keen to share with visitors touring the area.

26 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses 27 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses Nature and leisure activities Nature and leisure activities

A choice of ways to roam

The hills of the Côte Chalonnaise offer a unique vista of the vineyards. Paths also pass through wild areas offering a complete change of scenery, as well as peaceful hamlets typical of our region.

Walking The “Voie Verte” Balades Vertes footpaths criss-cross the countryside The “Voie Verte” running from and forests, passing through a number of villages Chalon-sur-Saône to Cluny is built on which perpetuate the rural culture of the Chalonnais the route of a former railway line. The “Voie Bleue” (guides are available at tourist offices). To the north, it follows the Canal du The “Voie Bleue”, an integral A large number of rambles are organised every year. Centre and runs the length of the Côte part of the European “Eurovelo 6 They offer an opportunity to discover the area’s flora Chalonnaise right down to the edge of Atlantic – Black Sea” route, mainly and fauna, heritage, wines or regional specialities the Mâconnais region. follows the Saône towpaths from Cris- with local artisans. sey to Verdun-sur-le-Doubs. Cycling Enjoy the many routes devoted to cycle tourism and sample the freedom of eco-friendly touring. Experience Burgundy hospitality by stopping off in the many self-catering properties or guest houses.

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Outdoor activities

The local area also offers a wide range of activities for those wishing to relax, Discover our biodiversity be active or challenge themselves.

The local area, with its wealth of ecosystems, is home to exceptional biodiversity.

During your excursions you can see all sorts of animal species in the forests, hedged fields, vineyards and in rivers and streams. The Chalonnais also has two distinctive types of environment protected by the Natura 2000 label and the Burgundy natural areas conservancy body – the Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels Bourguignons.

Limestone plateaus Water meadows These areas overlooking the Côte The many wetlands in the local area are Chalonnaise are the ideal habitat home to highly unusual flora for abundant and unique flora and for and fauna. fauna in the form of insects and specific reptiles to thrive.

Black-veined whites

Rock climbing Kingfisher Donkey and horse riding Treetop ropes courses Paragliding Golf

Purple Hot air balloon flights… loosestrife Anacamptis pyramidalis Orchids

30 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses 31 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses Culture/Events Culture/Events

Stimulate your curiosity

he local area draws on its cultural roots to offer a programme of high-quality events with a hint of Tthe avant-garde. Discover the origins of photography as well as photos by pioneering and contemporary artists. Stimulate your senses with street art and enjoy the harmonious combination of vineyards and music. Experience the varied jazz scene in the Chalonnais, which is full of talent and colour.

Building on its strong cultural dynamic and network of non-profit associations, the Chalonnais offers a host of events of every kind to stimulate your curiosity.

32 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses 33 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses Culture/Events Culture/Events

Cultural venues

Musée Nicéphore Niepce The Chalonnais is the cradle of photography and has a major collection of images and equipment which you can discover at the Musée Nicéphore Niepce It is devoted to the processes, uses and challenges of Musée Vivant Denon photography from its beginnings to the present day. The Chalon fine art It plays host to many themed exhibitions and exhibitions museum, which also houses by contemporary artists, as well as retrospectives. archaeological finds from the whole Chalonnais area in one central location.

Musée de l’École Find out about school in the past in two old-fashioned classrooms.

Plus : Musée du vigneron Musée du souvenir du combattant Musée international du spécial air service Musée du poilu Maison Nicéphore Musées archéologiques Patrimoine hospitalier de Chalon-sur-Saône Niepce Musée du tonnelier Discover Nicéphore Espace patrimoine de la ville Niepce’s studio in Saint Musée du blé Loup de Varennes and dédié au patrimoine relive the history of Maison de la forêt architectural et urbain the first photograph. et du bois de Chalon-sur-Saône

34 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses 35 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses Culture/Events Culture/Events

Les Musicaves The festival showcases classical and rock music concerts and quality variety acts from all over the world. They take place in the intimate atmosphere of the Givry vineyards which play host to some of the biggest names in music.

Jazz à Couches Created by Franck Tortiller, former conductor of the French National Jazz Orchestra, the festival offers a Main events remarkable programme and fosters innovation.

Les nuits du mont Rome Chalon dans la rue A classical musical festival attracting Created in an era when street art was major names, in an exceptional natural just emerging, “Chalon dans la rue” has setting. become one of France’s biggest festivals. As a European centre for street art, Château Pontus de Tyard Chalon-sur-Saône transforms the town à Bissy-sur- into a huge stage showcasing large This home of the famous Pléiade poet and small companies alike. and 16th century Humanist hosts In this environment where anything is a variety of events: le printemps possible, spectacular and unlikely sights des poètes (national poetry festival), rub shoulders. le marché des curieux (local arts and NB: the majority of shows are free. crafts exhibition), Bissy sous les étoiles (Bissy under the stars: an unusual programme and star-gazing with an astronomer), etc.

Local life

The Chalonnais lifestyle can be experienced at its many local markets. Interacting directly with producers from the region is the ideal way to sample the flavours of the local area. Local life is also punctuated by many bric-a-brac markets and antique fairs.

36 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses 37 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses Tourist Offices in the Chalonnais area

Office de tourisme du Grand Chalon Office de tourisme 4 place du Port Villiers de la communauté de communes 71100 Chalon-sur-Saône « Entre Saône et Grosne » Tél. 03 85 48 37 97 Place de l’Hôtel de Ville [email protected] 71240 Sennecey-le-Grand www.achalon.com Tél. 03 85 44 82 54 Antenne touristique de Givry [email protected] 2 rue de l’Hôtel de Ville – 71640 Givry www.ot-senneceylegrand.com Tél. 03 85 44 43 36 [email protected] www.achalon.com Office de tourisme de Couches 3 Grande Rue - 71490 Couches Office de tourisme de BuxyS ud Tél. 03 85 49 69 47 [email protected] Côte Chalonnaise www.bourgogne-tourismeencouchois.com Place de la Gare – 71390 Buxy Tél. 03 85 92 00 16 / Fax : 03 85 92 00 57 [email protected] www.buxy-tourisme.fr Point Information 19 rue du Port 71510 Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune Office de tourisme de Saint- Tél. 03 85 91 60 37 Gengoux-le-National Entre la [email protected] Grosne et le Mont Saint-Vincent 4 avenue de la Promenade 71460 Saint-Gengoux-le-National Tél. 09 77 35 14 40 Office de tourisme [email protected] Saône Doubs Bresse www.aaot-stgengoux.fr 3 place Charvot 71350 Verdun-sur-le-Doubs Antenne touristique de Cormatin Tél. 03 85 91 87 52 (en saison) [email protected] Grande Rue – 71460 Cormatin www.tourisme-verdun-en-bourgogne.com Tél. 03 85 50 71 49

38 The Chalonnais region, Stimulate your senses www.tourisme-en-chalonnais.com

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