Set off at the Saint Laurent Bridge, connecting Mâcon’s Old Town and Saint-Laurent-sur-Saône village across the Saône river. The medieval bridge was rebuilt in the 11th century on the foundations of a wooden predecessor carrying Roman soldiers across the Saône River during the invasion of Gaul. The historic stonework is the perfect place to appreciate the sights of the ancient Mâcon and the charming village, as well as pleasure boats moving up and down the waterway below.
A very short walk from the statue is the 17th-century Church of St. Peter. The church has an impressive three-story Neo-Romanesque façade lavishly decorated with intricate bas-reliefs. It owns beautiful works from the 17th and 18th centuries, in particular the Baroque painting by Jean-François de Troy, a Neo-Gothic organ case listed as a Historic Monument, and contemporary furniture by the religious art sculptor Philippe Kaeppelin. The two spires of the church, towering over the city center, have become one of its most iconic emblems.
Next, walk by the most famous wooden house in Mâcon, built between 1490 and 1510, and probably the oldest. The multi-story building is intricately engrained with a blend of real and fictional characters. A camera zoom or binoculars is the best way to explore the unique carving details. Prominently standing on a busy corner in the city center, the building is a witness to the vicissitudes of time.
Stroll along the stunning riverside to reach the Lamartine Quay, which is dominated by Lamartine’s monument. He was a romantic poet, diplomat, politician, and Mâcon’s beloved son. Perfectly located between the old city’s center and the atmospheric river, Lamartine seems to welcome you to his beautiful city.
The next destination is the former Saint Vincent Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Vincent, the patron saint of Mâcon. The ruins consist of two imposing towers, which are prominent features of Mâcon’s skyline, a narthex, and a tympanum with 11th-century iconography. The emblematic monument declared as a Historic Monument, is the religious hub for the local community and an attraction for tourists who admire its architectural magnificence and rich legacy.
Stop by the Peace Square. This open area, boasting flower beds and benches for relaxing, is the central meeting place for locals. The square is in memory of Berty Albrecht, a vital figure in the Resistance movement during World War II.
Just opposite the square is the Apothecary of the Hotel Dieu, the last step of the tour. The splendid structure was designed by the famous architect of Louis XV Jacques-Germain Soufflot around the year 1770. The 5,700-m² site still serves as a modern hospital to date.
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