Mâcon is situated in Southern Burgundy, midway between Paris and the Mediterranean. The town, which has a population of around 40,000 has, since Roman times, been a major crossroads.
The motorway network linking Northern and Southern France passes through the Mâcon district and other major highways lead eastwards to the Alps, Switzerland and Italy. In addition, Mcon has a station on the Paris-Lyon-Marseilles high-speed rail network (TGV) which provides a fast rail service to Paris in less than two hours.
The town, which is built on the banks of the River Saône, is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding countryside, including the famous Mconnais and Beaujolais vineyards. For the lover of medieval architecture, the area offers a variety of churches, castles, monasteries and villages. In the spring and summer Mcon takes great pride in its floral displays.
The poet and statesman Alphonse de Lamartine has an honoured place in Mcon's history. His statue stands on the banks of the Saône in a fine square opposite the Town Hall.
Whilst wine production forms the basis of economic activity in Mcon, this is complemented by electronic and mechanical engineering and food production.
A Powerpoint presentation of key places, people and events in the town's history by Roman Tomczak. In French here
In English here
