Walk in the grounds, enjoy a picnic on the lawn in the shade of the big cedar or simply stretch out and sunbathe near the pool and enjoy the peaceful surroundings or gaze at the acres of lovingly tended vines.
A visit to Chateau des Pommiers does not have to be taken in summer. There is good weather to be enjoyed in early spring when the buds are just popping and the vines are just waking up. In fact the spring is a great time for walking and cycling as it is not too hot and often there are clear skies and crisp mornings. We can show you a variety of interesting routes and walks.
Autumn is when the vines turn a million different shades of gold. Seeing them in September and early October is a sight not to be missed. The harvest is in by then and the fields are slowly being put to bed for the winter but the colours are memorable. Why not come in the autumn and re-stock your wine racks for Christmas.
Close to Pommiers are many wine producers, both co-operative and independent. Wine from Les Caves Co-operatives is of good quality and very reasonably priced. Products from the local independents are regularly featured in the annual Guide Hachette. One independant producer and winner of many honours is within easy walking distance of Pommiers(less than 5 minutes). Many more have won medals at the annual Concours Generale Agricole in Paris. Regular tastings are a feature of all the local caves.
Cluny, 12km to the west was the capital of the Benedictine order of Monks in the middle ages. Apart from many pavement cafés and bars, its current attractions are the ancient ruins of the Abbey, Romanesque Churche and narrow streets. For horse enthusiasts, Cluny is home of the National Stud Farm of Burgundy or Haras Nationale. A self guided free tour allows visitors to discover the 19th Century Stabling originally founded by Napoleon. Throughout the year are regular horse racing and many show jumping and pony club events. On the outskirts of Cluny is a large public swimming pool adjacent to the campsite.
Close by is one of the National Cycle Trails or Voie Vertes. This trail follows the line of the old railway line running from the edge of Macon at Charnay les Macon to Givry. It is being extended along the Canal du Centre towards St Leger sur D'Heune and beyond. It offers easy cycling away from traffic and the added excitment of passing through a restored tunnel between Macon and Cluny. It is possible to hire cycles from the old Station at Cluny. At Azé you will find Prehistoric caves with special archaeological interest. These caves form part of a much larger cave system in the local Jurassic Limestone. The bones of prehistoric bears were found when the caves were first explored. From time to time further exploration reveals extensions to the existing system. Azé also has a newly renovated public pool and tennis courts for those of you wishing for more energetic pastimes. To the south is La Roche Soloutré a large limestone outcrop. The climb to the summit is rewarded by fine views of the surrounding countryside.
Mâcon and Chalon sur Saone, both on the Saone River, are within easy reach by road and offer many specialist shops and restaurants. Macon is the administrative capital of the department but historically has lacked the charisma of Chalon sur Saone. However the Quay has recently benefitted from a huge amount of work to create a wonderful Piazza on the edge of the river. Across the old River Bridge is Saint Laurent which has many excellent riverside restaurants. The view across the river to Macon is stunning, especially at night with many of the ancient frontages providing a splendid and illuminated panorama. Mâcon is situated on the orginal high speed train line, the TGV, and
regular trains to Paris or Marseille stop at the new station of Mâcon Loche. Paris is 1hr45mins away and Marseille is 2hr from this station.
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