The geological history started during the carboniferous period.

Volcanic eruptions and sedimentation brought about the granitization and the formation of the insular shelf of the region.

The landscape was made up of a big flat sandy stretch neighbouring the Germanic sea.The sea was spreading into the Mâconnais ; a region which was to remain immersed until the end of the Jurassic period.The water was not deep.

Then, marly and limestone deposits appeared and gathered on the fringe of the Massif Central.

The Mâconnais emerged as tectonic movements started to shake the Alps. The sediments that had gathered underwent a deep change. Flint and clay deposits appeared.

During the early Miocene, the first wave of breaks divided the Mâconnais and brought about the formation of limestone conglomerates.

As the climate was drier, limestone deposits became karstic. Little movements completed the structure of the region.

Several ice ages shaped the region into its current morphology.