The monumental plane tree, standing 33.5 metres tall, and the town centre, built entirely from local pink stone, give Préty its distinctive character. Other highlights include the central washhouse, walks between the Saône and the local quarries, basket-weaving courses and winegrowing. When choosing a destination for culture, scenery or craftsmanship, you can weigh up these different attractions in Préty.
Townscape and pink stone
The centre of Préty is built entirely from local pink stone. At the rural farmhouses, outbuildings are arranged around square courtyards, with round-arched gateways opening them onto the streets. The courtyard layout and the gateway provide different clues to the architectural form: one describes how the outbuildings are arranged, while the other shows how they connect to the street.
Préty’s pink stone quarries were once well known. Their stone was used, among other things, for the towers of the Romanesque abbey in Tournus and the Hôtel-Dieu in Louhans. This links the stone’s former use to specific buildings in Tournus and Louhans.
Another architectural landmark is the central washhouse. In 2020, it was redesigned with two cascading basins and a newly laid-out access area. The municipality also includes 580 hectares of woodland.
The history of the plane tree
The monumental plane tree was planted in 1801 on a hill, on the site of a so-called judge’s linden tree, to mark the Concordat. In 1909, it was listed as a historic monument. The two dates mark different milestones: the planting and its occasion in 1801, and its later protection in 1909. Its height of 33.5 metres gives an additional sense of the scale of this striking tree.
Walking, equestrian sports and culture
Préty is recommended as an ideal starting point for walks between the Saône and the local quarries. Check the individual routes and conditions before setting out. The walking recommendation highlights a particular landscape area; the municipality’s 580 hectares of woodland are another specific indication of the local scenery.
The competition address for the Préty-Cuisery riding school is RD37; the municipality describes the site in Préty as an equestrian competition venue. Competition dates and public access may vary. Check both before visiting if you wish to plan your trip around a competition.
Since 2015, Préty Patrimoine de Pays has held basket-weaving courses every year. Cultural events for adults and children are also offered in Préty. If you would like to include either of these in your trip plans, check the dates for your chosen travel period.
Winegrowing and sales by appointment
At its site in Préty, Domaine de la Main d'Or grows grapes for AOC Mâcon Blanc wine. Wine is sold directly at the estate by prior appointment. If you are planning a visit, arrange an appointment and confirm it before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Paris-L'hôpital, Tramayes, La Chapelle-Thècle, Devrouze, Gigny-Sur-Saône, Bergesserin, Saint-Léger-Lès-Paray, Sennecé-Lès-Mâcon
Return to the broader travel guide: Saône-Et-Loire.
