Classify to protect

The Solutré site has been the subject of particular attention since the first archaeological excavations in 1866. The richness of the heritage discovered and the beauty of the landscapes quickly led to the recognition and implementation of protection measures. The chronology of the site's protection measures demonstrates that culture and nature have always been intimately linked, with the Rocks having certainly always served as a reference point for civilizations. The classification today represents an essential tool for preserving the landscape of the Grand Site.

First protections…

In 1909, the Rock of Solutre is included on the first protection list of historical monuments and natural and legendary monuments. This registration is guided by the desire to protect the prehistoric site and the spectacular and picturesque character of the cliff (decree of March 15, 1909).
In 1942, the site of the priory of the Wood Barn is classified under the law of May 2, 1930 (decree of August 3, 1942). Part of the prehistoric site of Roche de Solutré is also included in the inventory of monuments (decree of May 26, 1942). The other part of the deposit is classified as a historic monument (decree of October 12, 1942).
In 1958,  menhir of Chancerons, in Vergisson, is classified among the historic monuments (decree of September 19, 1958).

…To classified and registered sites

By decree of October 2, 1985, the villages of Solutré and Vergisson, as well as their surroundings, are registered under the law of May 2, 1930. A larger area, encompassing the three peaks of Solutré Pouilly Vergisson, over a total area of ​​582 hectares, is classified by decree of October 18, 1985 under the same law.

This original protected area follows the ridgelines from north to south, but stops at the road that crosses the hamlet of La Grange du Bois , the border between the two departments of Saône-et-Loire and Rhône, before continuing along the RD 31 departmental road to reach Mont de Pouilly. Administrative logic appears to have prevailed over the landscape logic of the ridgelines on the slopes to the west of the area, which face the vast open landscape of the two Roches de Solutré and Vergisson.

aamiot RGSF Solutre 0002

The extension of the classified perimeter

Initiated in 2010, a process to extend the classified site the Mont de Pouilly and the Roches de Solutré and Vergisson, opens the perimeter to the communes of Cenves (Rhône), Solutré-Pouilly, Vergisson and Chasselas (Saône-et-Loire).
This approach, necessary to ensure greater Coherence of the territory subject to protection, makes it possible to preserve the views from the summit of the Rock of Solutre towards the south, and to promote good management of town planning, forest areas, natural and agricultural areas.
Extended to vineyard serving as a setting for the summits, it also compensates for the heterogeneity of the levels of protection, that is to say strong protection on the summits and the horizons, but weak protection on the foregrounds at the foot of the Rocks. Only the main built-up areas therefore remained at a level “ registered ».
This consistency allows greater control over the locations of future built extensions.

By decree of December 22, 2017, the Minister of Ecological and Inclusive Transition classified, among the sites of the departments of Saône-et-Loire and Rhône, “ the group formed by the site of the Roche de Solutré, the Roche de Vergisson and the Mont de Pouilly, on the territory of the communes of Cenves, in the department of Rhône, and of Chasselas, Solutré-Pouilly and Vergisson, in the department of Saône-et-Loire ". This new perimeter takes into account the large landscape and the coherence of existing protections.
The classified site today represents 1 ha. He is one of pillars fundamentals of a Grand Site de France.

The listed site , initially encompassing the built-up areas of the villages and the vineyards , has been reduced to the village centers and hamlets, covering 49 hectares. Listing is a national protection measure aimed at preserving the state and spirit of the place. It requires informing the Departmental Unit of Architecture and Heritage ( UDAP ) of any planned work likely to alter the state or appearance of the site at least four months before the start of the work.

The effects of ranking

The classification framework applies only to new works and developments and to modifications of existing installations without retroactive effect. Any modification to the condition or appearance of the site is therefore subject to authorization except:

    • routine maintenance work without changing the appearance of the site. Vineyard work constitutes routine maintenance work and is not subject to authorization (e.g. uprooting with identical replanting);
    • any human activity (traffic, leisure activities, hunting, fishing, etc.) as long as it does not give rise to work or installations and has no impact on the condition or appearance of the premises.

The following works are subject to authorization by the Prefect of the Department , after consultation with the Architect of the Buildings of France (ABF):

    • underground pipes;
    • technical installations for drinking water supply of less than 20m2 and 3m high;
    • technical works necessary to maintain road safety;
    • works subject to prior declaration under the Town Planning Code;
    • fences.

The following works are subject to ministerial authorization after consultation with the Departmental Commission for Nature, Landscape and Sites (CDNPS):

    • infrastructure: earthworks, creation or modification of road rights-of-way, tracks, parking lots;
    • subject to building permit: cellar construction, building extension, etc.
    • demolition, deforestation, change of use of agricultural plots, etc.

The following are prohibited by law following classification:

    • new overhead telephone lines and overhead electric lines of less than 19 kV;
    • advertising, whatever its form, without any exemption;
    • camping and caravanning practiced in isolation and the creation of campsites, unless there is a ministerial exemption.

Other works and developments are subject to authorization by the Prefect of the Department or the Minister depending on the works (refer to the associated practical guide of the Single Management Document – ​​volume 0).