Grand Site de France
The Rock of Solutré: explore this remarkable place
The Rock of Solutré stands at an altitude of 495 metres, and is right at the heart of an area that is classified as a "Grand Site de France", made up of Solutré, Pouilly and Vergisson. Walk up to the top, just like former French President François Mitterrand. At the top of this escarpment, there is a spectacular panoramic view of the Mâconnais vineyards. While you're there, make sure you stop off at the Musée de la Préhistoire at the foot of the rock, to learn all about the archaeological value of the area.
Walk
The walk up to the top of the Rock of Solutré
This short hike along stony footpaths and rocky tracks will lead you progressively up the Rock of Solutré. At the top, you'll have an exceptional panoramic view over the Pouilly-Fuissé vineyards.
You can leave from the Solutré Musée de la Préhistoire which is at the foot of the rock, and then follow the 4-km trail to the top. You don't have to be an experienced walker... Just take your time and enjoy the views as you walk up at your own pace.
Practical info for the walk up to the top of the Rock of Solutré
Village de Solutré-Pouilly, au pied de la Roche de Solutré Alain DOIRE / BFC Tourisme
In the footsteps of a former president
An annual ritual for François Mitterrand
Former French President François Mitterrand made it his annual ritual to walk up to the top of the Rock of Solutré every year in spring, to respect a promise he had made to his brother-in-law, a native of the region. He explained:
I love this place because from way up there, I can see everything, whether it is moving or not.
Exceptional in more ways than one!
Grand Site de France
There is a reason why this place has been recognised as a "Grand Site de France". It is rich in so many ways:
>> A classified Natura 2000 area, with rare fauna and flora, including 40 protected species.
>> It is one of the biggest prehistoric sites in Europe
>> Its creation is due to a rare geological phenomenon
>> Some renowned wines are produced in this "terroir": Mâcon-Solutré (Mâcon-villages); Saint-Véran; Pouilly-Fuissé.
At the foot of the rock, stop by the Maison du Grand Site to learn all about the secrets of this incredible place. Here, you can also find all the practical info you'll need about loop trails, walks and footpaths.
The Maison du Grand Site
Did you know?
Prehistoric treasure
Have you ever heard about “magma de cheval”? No? Not surprising really, as Solutré is the only place in Europe where you can find this sort of bone-laden magma!
This is in fact a large hoard of horse bones, piled 1 metre high in some places and that have accumulated over a period of 25,000 years!
Question: How did so many horses die in one single place, over such a long period? Come to the Musée de la Préhistoire and see what the archaeologists think about this mystery.
Solutré Musée de Préhistoire
The Musée de Préhistoire is at the foot of the Rock of Solutré, and boasts collections from some of the richest prehistoric sites in Europe.
The museum showcases the life of hunters from the Upper Paleolithic period in Solutré, and some original aspects of Solutré's culture.
As an addition to your visit, don't hesitate to explore the archaeological and botanical garden by following the 1-km marked trail. Details about the plants and trees there will be provided.
Find some accommodation and stay a while longer
Other unmissable natural sites
Take to the heights Mont Beuvray
In the great outdoors Massif d'Uchon: explore a surprising natural area
Meeting place Bec d'Allier, where two rivers converge
The ultimate creation of Mother Nature Morvan Regional Natural Park
2
Pers 2 days
1 night
Pers 2 days
1 night
Forest bathing Weekend in Forêts National Park in the Côte d'Or
