The best cycling routes around Saint-André-Le-Désert

Areas along the river: “Hedges, forests and wetlands of the Grosne and Clunisois basins” upstream, and “Flood meadows and forests of the Saône valley between Chalon and Tournus and of the lower Grosne valley” downstream [

The ruins of the church of Saint-Hippolyte are located in the commune of Bonnay-Saint-Ythaire. The Romanesque church was built in the 11th century by the monks of the Abbey of Cluny. Fortification: In the 13th century (around 1214), the building was converted into a fortified church at the request of the monks to offer better protection. In the process, the church was partially transformed into a keep (Donjon). The building was severely damaged in the 15th and 16th centuries, and the nave of the church finally collapsed in the 18th century. Since 1913, the site has been a listed Monument historique.

In the Middle Ages, the abbey was one of the most influential spiritual and cultural centers in Europe. Cluny was the mother house of the Cluniac Reform and headed a federation of over 1,200 monasteries. The third abbey church (Cluny was the largest church in the Christian world until the construction of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome). Of the once-mighty complex, only parts of the southern transept remain today, as the abbey was largely used as a quarry and demolished after the French Revolution.

very beautiful hike Very shaded and very pleasant

Open and covered rest area at the river bend.

A flat route with many shaded sections. It was done in the middle of August, and the temperature was pleasant. Suitable for all fitness levels.

The town of Cluny developed around the Benedictine monastery (Abbey of Cluny) founded in 910. The abbey was the origin and center of the Cluniac reform at the beginning of the 10th century. Cluny reached its peak membership at the beginning of the 12th century with about 400 monks. The last abbey church (Cluny 3) was the world's largest Romanesque basilica and, until the construction of the present-day St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the largest church in Christendom. The church had seven towers. Although large parts of the structure were destroyed, the remaining relics are absolutely remarkable and make a visit to Cluny an unforgettable experience!

The town of Cluny was based on the Benedictine monastery (Cluniac Abbey), founded in 910. The abbey was the starting point and center of the Cluniac reform at the beginning of the 10th century. Cluny reached its peak membership at the beginning of the 12th century with approximately 400 monks. The last abbey church (Cluniac 3) was the world's largest Romanesque basilica and, until the construction of today's St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the largest church in Christendom. The church had seven towers. Although large parts of the building were destroyed, the remaining relics are absolutely remarkable and make a visit to Cluny an unforgettable experience!