Historical and touristic visits

On the eve of the second millenium Burgundy was a region of high spiritual importance due to Cluny Abbey. This Benedictine abbey, built in the 10th century, was the centre of the religious world and the church was no less than the largest in the Christian world ! Destroyed during the Revolution, the abbey lives today only through its impressive remains and an archeological museum that allows visitors to imagine what it was like in its glorious past.

Rue du 11 Août 1944, 71250 Cluny
Tél. : +33 (0)3 85 59 15 93

The Abbaye Saint Philibert, built before the 10th century, is a Must visit. Browse the narthex and nave: the power of their broad pillars contrasts with the delicacy of the pillars of the crypt.The church is not the only monastic treasure, the cloister, the refectory, the cellar and the chapter house form a coherent whole. Long of 33 meters, the refectory hosted a tennis court in the seventeenth century! The abbey houses the International Centre for Romance Studies (CIER). All summer, classical music concerts alternate with art shows ...

12, place des Arts 71700 Tournus
Tél. : +33 (0)3 85 51 03 76

Famous for their auction of wines each year in November, the Hospices de Beaune is, with its marvellous varnished coloured tile roof, one of the most famous sites to visit in Burgundy. Apart from it’s own history which is fascinating, the Hospices de Beaune also houses some very fine paintings with amongst others ‘The last Jugement’ by Roger van der Weyden, the leader of religious painting in the 15th century.

Rue de l'Hôtel Dieu, 21200 Beaune
Tél. : +33 (0)3 80 24 45 00

Built in the 17th century on the remains of a 13th century castle, the Château de Cormatin is without a doubt one of the most elegant châteaux in Burgundy. Its truly beautiful gardens, which include a maze, were highly appreciated notably by François Mitterand and Alphonse de Lamartine. In the summer the château holds a festival in its theatre called ‘Rendez-vous de Cormatin’.

In 1380, Philip the Bold (Philippe le Hardi), Duke of Burgundy, bought the stronghold of Germolles for his wife Margaret of Flanders (Marguerite de Flandre). The Duchess transformed it into a luxurious home with the help of the finest artists of the Burgundian School (Claus Sluter, Jean de Beaumetz).
The tour includes the cellar, the lower chapel, the two towers guarding the entrance which are the remains of the original fortress, the great reception room (salle d'honneur), the ducal chapel and apartments, as well as those of the courtiers. The painted and sculptured décors, including the floor tiles, demonstrate the quality of the château. The hamlet adjoining the château and a 19th century park set out in the English style complete the setting.
Germolles is not only one of the few palatial and princely residences of that time in France but also the only country estate (demeure de plaisance) of the Dukes of Burgundy that has been preserved so extensively.

Tél. : +33 (0)3 66 88 33 31
100 Place du 5 septembre 1944,
71640 Mellecey

Brancion (tenth, twelfth, fourteenth) is the largest stronghold of southern Burgundy. Famous for its strategic location and its history. Jocerand Brancion, companion of Saint Louis was killed at the Battle of Mansura.Châtellenie Ducale (late thirteenth) and Royale, it remained a living example of military architecture of the Middle Ages.
This Burgundy village where time seems to stand still will seduce you with its charm and calm. Do not miss the view from the chapel and the guided tour of the Castle.

Clinging to its rock, the Château de Couches soars up amidst the green and rolling landscape of the vineyards of the ‘Côte Chalonnaise’. Access is by a drawbridge that stands as witness to the defensive role that the château had in by-gone days. Today it is possible to visit the chapel, the prison and the square dungeon that goes back to the 12th century. 

Restaurant and wine tourism on site
71490 Couches
Tél. : +33 (0)3 85 45 57 99

14th century mansion, the castle of Savigny, its courtyard and its park, propose to you several museums in one! Hundreds of models: Abarth race cars, motorcycles, fighter jets and helicopters alongside the theme of firefighters, that of straddle tractors or that of wine and wine equipment ... You can even taste the wines of the estate in the vault of the Little castle!
The website of the Castle does not give much information, but this article found on the web is very good.

21420 Savigny lès Beaune
Tél. : +33 (0)3 80 21 55 03

It is at Chalon-sur-Saône that Nicéphore Niepce, inventor of photography, was born. Chalon has dedicated a museum to him and the art he invented. In a beautiful house along the banks of the Saône, a comprehensive collection of cameras is displayed. Throughout the visit, discover the different photographic techniques used to reproduce reality on paper. There are some wonderful temporary photographic exhibitions held here. 

28 Quai des Messageries, 71100 Chalon sur Saône
Tél. : +33 (0)3 85 48 41 98
Free

The Hameau du Vin invites you to enter a magic world dedicated to wine and the vine. Covering over 30.000 m2 in the very heart of the Beaujolais wine region. it will unveil you, in an entertaining and original way, all the secrets of our vines, its origins, establishments and techniques. Dynamic cinema, museum, Adventure Golf, tastings… There is something for everyone, whatever the age. Good to combine with Touro Parc.

Two streams join to make a series of waterfalls, each one more beautiful than the last. 31 falls, some over 60m high, go to make up the ‘Cascades du Hérisson’. A waymarked footpath of 3.7 kms allows you to see them all. I go there often with my children. In the summer you can swim in some of them, it’s great fun! To my opinion this is one of the nicest waterfalls in France, so it is worth the more than hour drive…

Maison des Cascades
Lieu-dit Val-Dessus
39130 Ménétrux en Joux
Tél. : +33 (0)3 84 25 77 36

Verdun Sur Le Doubs is a nice and very small market town with a weekly market on Thursday morning. Through the Pont St Jean, you can stroll through the Old Verdun. Old streets have sometimes kept their medieval character. A must see at the House of Wheat and Bread: it traces centuries of harvest and bread.

We recommend the restaurant "l'Hostellerie Bourguignonne" and the restaurant "3 Maures" offering quality local cuisine.

Every Sunday from April to October many villages in Southern Burgundy organize outdoor flea markets. It is mainly people selling what they have in their house, attics, cellars..that they don’t use. You can find antic and treasures from the past at very cheap prices. It is a real fun experience. Free entry. You will find the agenda on this site: https://vide-greniers.org/71-Saone-et-Loire

Ideally situated between the wine-growing regions and the Jura, and easily accessible thanks to major transport routes, Burgundy's Bresse region has a number of assets and features that make it unique within the region. From its natural environments to its farming industry, not forgetting its crafts, traditions, art and architecture, Bresse has a rich heritage. So if you're looking for a great walk to remember, there's something for everyone!