welcome to

Mâcon

Population

34,500

Big town - 7,500 - 50,000

Region

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Saône-et-Loire

Cost of living

Least expensive

Cost index: 78

Health resources

Friendly factor

Some expats, or other international populations, occasionally you might hear English spoken

Climate

Each scale compares this town with the rest of France: least, mid-range, most.

Sun

Mid-range sunny

Heat

Coolest

Rain

In the mid-range of rainy regions in France

Snow

Least snowy among regions in France

Wind

In the mid-range of windy regions in France

Cold

Coldest

Welcoming atmosphere

AVF welcome organization for newcomers: No

Historical ties to international entities: No

Large university nearby: No

Larger than typical share of retirees: No

Local Anglophone group: Yes

Getting around

Ease of travelling to this town

Rated: Excellent

Ease of travelling within this town

Rated: Excellent

Train station: Yes

Bike friendly: Yes

Having a car: Probably somewhat hassled; think twice, as public transportation is good and parking is scarce

General comments on transportation

Frequent trains, including direct TGV (1 hr. 2 min) to Paris, G de Lyon

Nearest international airport

Lyon has an airport with many Easyjet flights, and is also an easy TGV ride to CDG

Journey to Charles de Gaulle

Air travel within Europe may be better using Easyjet.Lyon is also an easy TGV ride ( 2 hours or less) to CDG

To the major train station

Frequent trains to Lyon (45 min. ride)

Biking notes

Excellent biking paths along the "voie verte"

Pluses & minuses

Special pluses

All of Burgundy is known for great food and wine
Rich medieval history (Dukes of Burgundy et al)
A particular highlight is the Maison du Bois, a restaurant in the central square that’s over 500 years old.
Good public transport; access to Switzerland (and the Alps) and other French cities is easy

Possible minuses

Not an expat mecca
Weather is changeable and leans a bit cooler and cloudier than other parts of France

Longer-stay properties here

More than 30 days, less than 90. Off-peak season, prices and features vetted for this kind of stay.

Geography

-Mountains nearby

-A river/canal runs through it

-Near Italy

-A good market town (weekly or more)

-Access to health care: good hospital within 10 mile

Who recommends it

Girl Gone Travel: " Mâcon is one of those places with unique traits that make it different from other cities I have visited. Though the colors of the shutters and buildings may remind visitors of Southern France, Mâcon is considered part of the Saône-et-Loire region in Burgundy. The Mâconnais are pretty laid back and easy to smile. They pride themselves in their food, as do most French people, with snails, fish, and Bresse chicken and beef, all locally raised and sourced, being some of their top favorite dishes. Eggs in red wine sauce is also a favorite dish – one which I had the pleasure to learn how to prepare with a local chef ..."