Macon

Nearly every mention of Burgundy’s Mâcon proclaims its prestigious wines, food and/or Roche Solutré’s dramatic limestone outcroppings. In the heart of the Pouilly-Fuissé wine growing region, this brightly painted, Saone River village feels almost Mediterranean. Pouilly-Fuisse vintners created L'Atrium on the Solutré village square for tastings from the Appellation’s five soils. Another tasting opportunity, Maison des Vins, includes a wine museum.

Grand Site Solutré Pouilly Vergisson, a major prehistoric archeological site, offers a museum nearby. Architecture buffs will enjoy Mâcon’s Romanesque as well as remains of 6th century Saint-Clément’s churches.

The childhood home of native son, 18th century poet and politician, Alphonse de Lamartine still stands on Rue Lamartine. Château St-Point, where he composed much poetry and was later buried, is open to visitors. The 50 km Lamartine Heritage Trail threads through his life’s highlights and inspiring locations, stopping at Lamartine Museum.

Musee des Ursulines, a 17th century convent, offers archeology, ethnography and 16-20th century painting collections. Upscale restaurants boast of their local Bresse chicken “free from any industrialization,” grass-fed, Charolais beef, Chevroton Macon goat cheese and, of course, the snail, escargots, a Mâconnaise symbol, as a popular appetizer.

For dessert, taste Les wafers Macon, fragrant, rolled wedding and festival cookies, or Ideal Macon, a cream and nougat-filled almond meringue. For culinary production expeditions, consider Chocolates Bernard Dufoux and Priory Farm.

For hand-made leather bags, try shopping at Atelier Cul de Sac in Rue Joseph Dufour. The vegetable market at Rue Dombey and Place aux Herbes offers great people watching.