A weekend in the Côte Chalonnaise

48 hours to explore the area

Are you looking for your next destination for that weekend away as a couple or with friends that you’ve been talking about for months? Why not head to the Côte Chalonnaise? Just imagine: two days surrounded by vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, rolling meadows, punctuated by delicious, hearty meals paired with local wines*, and cosy, unspoilt stone villages… Now that the scene is set, we invite you to discover the itinerary we’ve put together for 48 hours of relaxation in Chalon-sur-Saône and the Côte Chalonnaise.

Arrival in Chalon-sur-Saône – historic alleyways, little shops and the banks of the Saône

We begin our stay in the capital of the Côte Chalonnaise: the historic town of Chalon-sur-Saône. In the quiet of the morning, we gently get into the spirit of things at Place Saint-Vincent, over a coffee with a view of the cathedral of the same name, surrounded by half-timbered façades. Here, history permeates the streets. To make sure you don’t miss a thing, pop into the Tourist Office to follow the signposted‘Chemin de l’Orbandale’route, which takes you from one gem to the next: stately homes, a restored cloister, stone towers… Make the most of your visit to explore the little independent shops that await you on every street corner.

Lunch on Île Saint-Laurent – Chalon’s gastronomic street

When your stomachs start to rumble, cross the Saône via the Pont Saint-Laurent – making sure to take in the view of the quays – then head for Rue de Strasbourg, affectionately renamed ‘rue des restos’ by the locals. Here, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. On the menus, look out for local specialities: eggs en meurette, Époisses sauce, bœuf bourguignon, blackcurrant desserts… Try a few and let yourself be swept away by the cheerful atmosphere that fills the street’s terraces. Do you prefer the lively atmosphere of the town centre? There are also plenty of restaurants waiting for you in the town’s iconic squares or tucked away in a pedestrianised street.

Heading for the Côte Chalonnaise – two options, two different atmospheres

Option 1: along the wine route… and the heritage trail

An afternoon tailor-made for those who don’t want to choose between vineyards and local history.
Just 10km from Chalon, stop off at Germolles Castle to kick off the afternoon. Once the home of Duchess Marguerite of Burgundy, this idyllic castle immerses visitors in the fascinating history of Burgundy – an essential stop for anyone wishing to understand the region. After the tour, carry on a little further to the next village, the little hamlet of Mercurey. With over 50 estates, it’s impossible to leave the village without enjoying a wine tasting*: whether small independent estates or historic grand houses, you can choose the tour that suits you best and discover the appellations of the Côte Chalonnaise. To round off the afternoon, head up to the hamlet of Touches. It overlooks the village and offers a magnificent view of the hillsides. Lovers of Romanesque architecture will want to linger a while to visitthe superbly preservedChurch of Touches.

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Electric Scooter Tour of the Chalonnaise Coast 2

Option 2: an outdoor adventure in the heart of the vineyards

More adventure than culture? Head to Givry, a village as charming as it is lively, surrounded by vineyards and woodland. For the more active among you, the village is less than an hour’s cycle ride from Chalon-sur-Saône via the cycle route, which is 100 per cent safe and easy to follow. Once there, it’s time to choose your activity: a ride on an electric scooter through the vineyards, a walk to the Madonna statue past the wash houses and churches, or a bit of an adrenaline rush at Acrogivry, Burgundy’s largest tree-top adventure park. The Côte Chalonnaise offers the ideal playground for all outdoor adventurers! As you can’t visit the Côte Chalonnaise without tasting its wines, round off your day at the Givry Vins wine cellar, in the heart of the village. As well as a shop and a tourist information centre, you can sample* around forty different Givry wines and even take a case home with you!

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Sunday morning – a cheerful bustle at the market and museum

A Sunday in the Côte Chalonnaise? Head back to Chalon for its Sunday market, which is as cheerful as it is bustling. Let yourself be swept along by the hustle and bustle of the streets and discover another side to the town – a slower-paced one, yet just as authentic. Stock up on local produce from the market stalls: Bresse chillies, jams, honey… Once you’ve finished shopping, it’s time to choose your museum: the Niépce Museum to delve into the history of photography, or the Denon Museum for a journey through time and the arts. Both museums, which are free and open on Sundays, offer a cultural and soothing respite from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. For lunch, why not have a picnic? On the banks of the Saône or in a park, pick up something to eat at the market and settle down for a moment of peace and relaxation: you’re in the city without feeling like you’re there.

Before setting off – Chalon… along the river

It’s almost time to set off again after two days exploring the Côte Chalonnaise, but before that, one last adventure awaits you. What makes our region so beautiful? The vineyards, the forests, the heritage… but also the Saône, a peaceful river that flows through the town and our countryside. To round off your stay in style, set off on a boat trip. From on board, the landscape takes on a different character – wilder, but above all offering a complete change of scene. Savour these final moments, soaking up what our region is famous for: its relaxed way of life. Back on dry land, enjoy one last snack in the town centre and pick up a local souvenir of your stay from the Tourist Information Centre.