The best gravel rides around Vésines

Relaxing stretch on the former towpath with a well-maintained surface.

An idyllic, paved cycle path directly on the riverbank. It is a section of the well-known French long-distance cycle route „La Voie Bleue - Moselle-Saône Radweg" (Route V50) along the Saône. The entire long-distance cycle route covers around 700 kilometers from the Luxembourg border town of Apach (near the tripoint) to Lyon. The Saône section follows the natural meanders of the Saône, passing meadows, historic villages, and well-known wine-growing regions such as Mâcon. The route is mostly flat on former towpaths.

An idyllic, asphalted cycle path right on the riverbank. This is a section of the well-known French long-distance cycle route "La Voie Bleue - Moselle-Saône Radweg" (Route V50) along the Saône. The entire long-distance cycle route runs for around 700 kilometers from the French border town of Apach (near the tripoint) to Lyon. The Saône section follows the natural meanders of the Saône, passing meadows, historic villages, and well-known wine-growing regions such as Mâcon. The route runs mostly flat on former towpaths.

The historic old town of Tournus, a French town in the Burgundy region (Saône-et-Loire department). Main attractions: Saint-Philibert Abbey Church: One of the most important Romanesque buildings in France from the 11th and 12th centuries. Picturesque alleys: The old town is characterized by narrow, right-angled streets, colorful facades, and flat roofs with round tiles that have a Mediterranean feel. Hôtel-Dieu: A historic hospital with a well-preserved, ornate 17th-century pharmacy. Greuze Monument: A statue in honor of the famous painter Jean-Baptiste Greuze, born in Tournus in 1725.

The Abbey Church of Saint-Philibert in Tournus is one of the most important examples of early Romanesque architecture in Central Europe. The mighty west facade, with its embrasures and massive walls, is reminiscent of a medieval fortress. The nave features unique, transversely running barrel vaults, which create an extraordinary play of light inside. An ancient crypt lies beneath the choir, while the upper church, dedicated to Saint Michael, is located above the narthex.

The abbey church of Saint-Philibert in Tournus is one of the most important examples of early Romanesque architecture in Central Europe. The mighty west facade, with its battlements and massive walls, is reminiscent of a medieval fortress. The nave features unique, transversely running barrel vaults, which create an extraordinary play of light inside. Beneath the choir lies an ancient crypt, while above the narthex is the upper church, dedicated to Saint Michael.

The Maison de Bois (Wooden House) is located at Place aux Herbes in the center of Mâcon. It is the oldest and most famous residential building in the city. It was built between 1490 and 1510. The ground floor is made of masonry, while the three floors above are built entirely of wood. The wooden structure is famous for its countless, partly grotesque and suggestive carvings. Mythical creatures, monkey masks, and naked and winged figures can be seen. Today, a popular bar-restaurant is located on the ground floor.

The Esplanade Lamartine forms the green heart of the Mâcon waterfront, directly on the Saône. The area is named after the famous French poet, writer, and politician Alphonse de Lamartine, who was born in Mâcon in 1790. A striking bronze statue in his honor dominates the square. The large, white "MACON" lettering from your photo is a very popular photo motif for tourists. It stands on a green strip directly on the Esplanade and offers the river as well as the rows of houses opposite as a backdrop.