It’s one of the most emblematic sites in Burgundy. Perhaps the most emblematic. La ROCHE DE SOLUTRÉ, classified as a Grand Site de France since 2013, stands like a majestic sphinx amidst the vines of southern Burgundy, in the heart of the Mâconnais region. Made famous by François Mitterrand’s annual pilgrimage, this superb natural site in Burgundy is well worth a climb of your own. A must-see on your camping vacation in Southern Burgundy.
A unique natural site
The Solutré rock is located in the Mâconnais vineyards. Surrounding the rock and the village of Solutré-Pouilly are the Pouilly-Fuissé and Saint-Véran appellations, among others. These two wines are representative of this white wine terroir, where the Chardonnay grape is king. These vines serve as a showcase for the rock. This stone vessel rises to an altitude of 493 meters. Born of a rare geological erosion phenomenon in the region, this limestone rock stands out in the midst of rolling, rounded landscapes, like its neighbors Vergisson and Pouilly. Before setting out to conquer the rock, you can already admire it from the surrounding hills. For photo enthusiasts, it is undoubtedly at its feet that the Roche expresses all its grandeur. From the Roche de Vergisson, you’ll also be able to enjoy beautiful views over Solutré and the Mâconnais countryside.
To climb the Roche de Solutré, you can park in the parking lot at its foot. The ascent takes around 1 hour round trip, with a 100-meter difference in altitude, and is not particularly difficult. From the parking lot, a 4 km signposted path leads to the summit. The route is punctuated by reading tables that provide information on the many facets of the area. Please note, however, that the trail has many steps, so you won’t be able to take baby carriages, bicycles, etc. with you.
Camping around the Roche de Solutré
Once you’ve reached the top, the view is rewarding. Your gaze takes in a large part of the Mâconnais region. The landscape is criss-crossed by a multitude of vineyard plots. You can also see the villages that have given their names to the appellations: Solutré-Pouilly, Fuissé, Prissé and so on. On your right, the 485-metre-high Roche de Vergisson completes the picture. To fully appreciate the view, a virtual orientation table is available on the Solutré Rando app (available on store Ios or Android). It will place for you the names of the villages and natural sites that dot the face of the Rock. If the sky is clear, it will even show you the Alps in the distance.
A prehistoric site in Southern Burgundy
In addition to its unique geological character, the Roche de Solutré is also worth discovering for its rich historical interest. The site was frequented by hunters over 55,000 years ago. Today, it is home to one of Europe’s richest Paleolithic deposits. In 1987, a prehistory museum was set up at the foot of the Roche de Solutré to present the results of the excavations. Well, part of the excavation results. Much of it has been dispersed around the world in museums such as the British Museum. This museum, buried in the side of the rock, will tell you all about prehistory in Southern Burgundy. A visit to the museum is complemented by an archaeological garden and a botanical trail to learn more about the geology and flora around the Solutré rock.
Our campsites around Solutré in South Burgundy
We offer a selection of campsites with a majority of pitches around Roche de Solutré in Southern Burgundy.
Leave a Review