The best traffic-free bike rides around Passy

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.

The tour leads through a picturesque, typically Burgundian landscape of rolling fields, dense forests, and vineyards. It connects the small, historic communities of Bray, Cortambert, and Blanot. In the listed historic village of Blanot, you will find, among other things, the famous Grottes de Blanot (a cave that reaches over 80 meters deep into the earth) as well as a historic Romanesque church. www.burgund-touri... +1

The station no longer serves trains. The historic site has been transformed into a vibrant leisure zone (Aire de loisirs de la gare). The building is located directly on the Voie Verte de Bourgogne du Sud, a well-known 77 km cycle path on a former railway line. Travelers will find a bicycle rental service for regular and electric bikes, a tool station for repairs, picnic tables, public restrooms, and a children's playground. It also serves as a starting point for excursions, for example to the nearby Château de Cormatin.

Mont Grémoi is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is a hilly, rural area that is ideal for hiking.

The imposing church was originally built in the 12th century by the monks of the Abbey of Cluny. It officially belongs to the Cluniac sites and is on the candidate list for UNESCO World Heritage. The building combines different architectural eras. While the striking transept and the octagonal bell tower date from the Romanesque era, the three-aisled choir visible in the background shows Gothic features. A central eye-catcher in the sanctuary is the large, colorful neo-Gothic church window, which casts a soft light into the elongated interior. Along the mighty pillars of the nave, detailed sculptures and reliefs on the capitals can be seen in the foreground.

The recreational facility is located directly on the popular Voie Verte de Bourgogne du Sud, a scenic cycling route on a former railway line. The area offers numerous amenities for cyclists, hikers, and families: There are several shaded picnic tables and benches in a green setting. Directly at the old train station, there is a bicycle rental for classic bicycles and e-bikes, as well as a small repair station. A children's playground with 15 play structures, installed in April 2024, provides entertainment for younger visitors. Public toilets, a water point, and a large, free car park are available.

The current complex was built in the 15th century, after a predecessor had been destroyed on the orders of the French king. The irregular quadrilateral encloses a central courtyard. The striking north entrance, visible in the picture, is flanked by two mighty round towers equipped with gun loops (archères-canonniers) and was formerly protected by a drawbridge. The complex has been a listed Monument historique since 1967. Parts of the castle have been restored and are privately used as a charming guest house (Le Gros Chigy Château) for travellers in Burgundy.

Found the garden more interesting than the interior of the castle.