The best MTB trails around Saint-Ythaire

This place and its atmosphere have been a magnet for millions of people for decades. I was there for the first time in 1974 and am always fascinated by the surrounding landscape. I was particularly taken with the small Romanesque churches in the villages of the region and places like Cluny and Brançion.

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 abbey was founded in 910 by Duke William I of Aquitaine. In the Middle Ages, Cluny was the starting point of a huge monastic reform (the "Cluniac Reforms"). At its peak in the 11th and 12th centuries, around 1,500 monasteries and over 20,000 monks throughout Europe were under its jurisdiction. The main church of the abbey (Cluny III or Major Ecclesia), over 187 meters long, was the largest house of worship in Christendom until St. Peter's Basilica in Rome was built. During the French Revolution, the monastery was closed. Under Napoleon's rule, the gigantic church was almost completely demolished and used as a quarry. Today, only about 8% of the original vast complex remains.

The Château de Cormatin is a magnificent moated castle from the early 17th century. The castle was built between 1606 and 1625 by the Marquises d'Huxelles. It houses the best-preserved state rooms from the Louis XIII era in all of France. Famous are the "Gilded Rooms" (Salles Dorées) with lavish paintings, sculptures, and gilded ceilings. The extensive grounds, covering around 12 hectares, are among the most beautiful gardens in France. Highlights in the outdoor area include a large boxwood labyrinth, an open-air Baroque theatre, water features, and a historic vegetable garden. This spot only offers a brief glimpse of the rear grounds.

Peaceful village with a lake and campsite, a detour that is worth it.

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.

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.