The best MTB trails around Cluny

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.

The historic Chapelle Saint-Laurent is located in the small hamlet of Collonges, which belongs to the municipality of Lournand. The origins of the chapel date back a long time and are estimated to be from before the year 900. For centuries, it was closely linked to the famous Abbey of Cluny, located only about 7 kilometers away. The building is located directly on the well-known long-distance hiking trail GR 76. For generations, it has served as a historic stopping point for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago and the Way of Saint Francis of Assisi.

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 historic town of Cluny, located in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, can best be admired from the viewing platform of the famous Cheese Tower (Tour des Fromages), from which you can enjoy a striking 360-degree view over the historic rooftops and the gentle, green hills of Southern Burgundy. Cluny is world-renowned for its Benedictine abbey, founded in 910 AD. In the High Middle Ages, the abbey was the starting point of the pioneering Cluniac reform movement and developed into the head of a Europe-wide monastic order with over 1,200 monasteries.

The large work of art on the narrow building facade directly above the fountain is a monumental, historical sundial (cadran solaire). The faded, artistic lines and Roman numerals show the classic grid system of an old vertical sundial, which the townspeople could use to read the time of day. Such large astronomical mural paintings were widespread in the Burgundy region as well as on the outbuildings of the powerful abbey, in order to synchronize the monastic and urban daily routine.

The neoclassical fountain directly on the building wall was built in the 18th century and is also known today as Fontaine Prud'hon. It was named in honor of the famous French painter and draftsman Pierre-Paul Prud'hon, who was born in Cluny in 1758. The fountain is integrated into the wall like a "water cabinet" (buffet d'eau) and features a fluted basin on a pedestal. In the past, a lion's head spout fed the basin. Today, a modern tap serves cyclists and pedestrians as a public drinking water source.

The restaurant La Halte de l'Abbaye in Cluny has some culinary, structural, and historical features that make it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike: Traditional Burgundian Cuisine: The restaurant is deeply rooted in the region. Classic specialties include Burgundy snails (often refined in a Cassolette d'escargots with Saint-Véran wine) and tenderly braised meat dishes such as Joue de bœuf (beef cheeks) or the classic Boeuf Bourguignon. Modern Influences: Alongside hearty home-style cooking, creative elements of French Nouvelle Cuisine are incorporated into the menu.

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.