Roche de Solutré: Burgundy’s Most Famous Natural Site

Located west of Macôn in Burgundy, the Roche de Solutré rises far above the Pouilly-Fuissé vineyards and, sphinx-like, appears to be watching over the valley and villages below. Protected by French law and classified as a Grand Site National, this rocky geological phenomenon has incredible views over the vine-covered hills spread out in a patchwork of irregular shapes.

It’s possible to follow a well-marked trail for a 45 minute hike that zigzags to the top of the limestone escarpment for a remarkable 360-degree view. On the way up, distinctive varieties of flora and fauna are in evidence, as well as grazing Konik Polski horses that keep the grassy slopes trimmed. At the top, it’s even possible to see the Mont Blanc mountain chain on a clear day.

Prehistoric stone tools and animal bones have been uncovered over time and give reason to believe that the site was inhabited by Paleolithic civilizations from 35,000 to 10,000 B.C.  Musée Départemental de la Préhistoire de Solutré, a subterranean museum, is situated at the base of the site and displays artifacts and reconstructions of scenes from the historic hunting ground.

Another claim to fame: In the 1980s, French President François Mitterrand made it a ritual to climb to the top of the rock every year at Pentecôte, accompanied by a group of friends.

A convenient free parking lot is situated at the base. There is no charge for the hike and only a small entrance fee for the museum. For more information, visit www.solutre.com/index.php

Jo Anne Marquardt is the author of My Trip Around the Hexagon: Meandering in France and Falling in Love with France, both available at Amazon.com. Her first published book, Falling in Love with France, offers responses to the various questions friends and family have asked her over the years about why she visits France so often. The second book includes illustrations and descriptive notes from her travel journals.