Going from Cluny to Mâcon, this stage on the greenways of Southern Burgundy leaves the Côte Chalonnaise slopes behind to climb to the Tunnel du Bois Clair, the longest tunnel in Europe open to cyclists. On the other side, you emerge in the striking landscapes of the Mâconnais area, with limestone cliffs and steep vineyards sloping down to the majestic Saône River.
Route details
Greenway up to Charnay-lès-Mâcon, with some very steep stretches in parts.
Note carefully: the Tunnel du Bois Clair is closed 15/10 to 31/03 – for an alternative route, see cycling circuit n°14.
From Charnay-lès-Mâcon there’s an unofficial cycle path you can follow, taking a rustic section of greenway up to the entrance to Mâcon town, then fairly busy roads to the centre.
The stretch from Charnay-lès-Mâcon to Mâcon is only suitable for experienced cyclists and a mountain bike is recommended.
There are several further well-signposted cycling circuits to explore around the greenway. Look at the maps available on the spot or pick up the free map, Voies Vertes & Cyclotourisme, published by Bourgogne du Sud Tourisme (the Southern Burgundy Tourist Board).
Gradients and elevation
Road types
Surface
Don’t miss
Cluny: the remnants of the great medieval abbey – lovely houses - Musée d’Art et d’Archéologie (art and archaeology museum) – national stud farm – music festival, Les Grandes Heures de Cluny, July and August - Berzé-le-Châtel: medieval fortress - Berzé-la-Ville: a remarkable village - Charnay-lès-Mâcon: Romanesque church - Mâcon: the elegant historic town centre – the colourful façades beside the Saône quays – the historic Saint-Laurent Bridge – Musée Lamartine (on a famous Romantic poet and politician) – Musée des Ursulines (fine arts museum).
Markets
Cluny: Saturday mornings
Charnay-lès-Mâcon: Friday afternoons and Sunday mornings
Mâcon: daily except Sunday and Monday
