The best traffic-free bike rides around Tournus

The Col de Beaufer is located in the Monts du Mâconnais, west of Tournus in the Saône-et-Loire department. With a height of only 303 meters, it is more of a gentle transition between the hills of the Tournugeois than a distinct mountain pass. The surrounding area is characterized by forests, meadows, and the typical wine landscapes of southern Burgundy. The pass is the starting point for several hiking and mountain biking trails, which lead through Plottes and the surrounding hills, among other places. The area "Le Cra et Col de Beaufer" is also designated as an ecologically valuable nature zone and covers around 982 hectares.

The Tour des Fromages is a preserved defensive tower from the 11th century, which originally belonged to the ramparts of the powerful Abbey of Cluny. In the Middle Ages, the structure was still called Tour des Fèves (Bean Tower), as supplies were stored there. It got its current, curious name in the 19th century because a merchant used the tower to dry her homemade cheeses. Today, the tower is a popular attraction. Visitors can climb the 120 steps to the top. From up there, you have a beautiful 360-degree panoramic view over the entire medieval monastic city and the surrounding Burgundy landscape. Access to the tower is directly through the local Cluny tourist office.

Magnificent view, which is worth the climb. Unfortunately, the refreshment stop was closed.

Mont Saint-Romain is a 579-meter-high mountain in the Mâconnais mountains above the picturesque valley of Blanot. From the summit, you have a comprehensive 360-degree view. To the west, you look out over the hills of Clunisois, and to the east, over the Saône valley. In very clear weather, the view extends to the Alps and Mont Blanc. On the roof of the local Auberge, there is a distinctive, historic orientation table, which was erected in 1948 by the Touring-Club de France. Directly at the viewpoint, a small Auberge (mountain inn) with an outdoor terrace invites you to stop for a break.

The classic ascent from Mancey is considered a tough short climb in Category 3. Over a distance of 2.2 kilometers, 166 meters of altitude must be overcome. The average gradient is 7.55%, with peak sections of up to 14%. The path junction leads to various hiking trails and gravel paths through the wooded and wine-rich hilly landscape of the Mâconnais.

The historic old town of Tournus, a French town in the Burgundy region (Saône-et-Loire department). Main attractions: Saint-Philibert Abbey Church: One of the most important Romanesque buildings in France from the 11th and 12th centuries. Picturesque alleys: The old town is characterized by narrow, right-angled streets, colorful facades, and flat roofs with round tiles that have a Mediterranean feel. Hôtel-Dieu: A historic hospital with a well-preserved, ornate 17th-century pharmacy. Greuze Monument: A statue in honor of the famous painter Jean-Baptiste Greuze, born in Tournus in 1725.

The historic old town of Tournus, a French town in the Burgundy region (Saône-et-Loire department). Main attractions: Saint-Philibert Abbey Church: One of France's most significant Romanesque structures from the 11th and 12th centuries. Picturesque streets: The old town is characterized by narrow, right-angled streets, colorful facades, and Mediterranean-style flat roofs with round tiles. Hôtel-Dieu: A historic hospital with a well-preserved, ornate 17th-century pharmacy. Greuze Monument: A statue in honor of the famous painter Jean-Baptiste Greuze, born in Tournus in 1725.

The Abbey Church of Saint-Philibert in Tournus is one of the most important examples of early Romanesque architecture in Central Europe. The mighty west facade, with its embrasures and massive walls, is reminiscent of a medieval fortress. The nave features unique, transversely running barrel vaults, which create an extraordinary play of light inside. An ancient crypt lies beneath the choir, while the upper church, dedicated to Saint Michael, is located above the narthex.