The best traffic-free bike rides around Brandon

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.

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!

A view that is worth it at the top of the hill!

A 1600m tunnel, an experience to be had!

perfect for a Sunday outing without too many people

Berzé is a family-owned castle, built by the ancestors of the current owners to protect the Abbey of Cluny. It dominates a magnificent panorama over the vineyards of the Solutré valley. Built between the 11th and 15th centuries around its Carolingian chapel, the castle retains its entire defensive system, thirteen towers including two keep, its impressive entrance castle and its medieval halls. This makes it the largest and best preserved fortress in Burgundy. The castle is made up of three ring walls. Each houses various gardens, orchards and vegetable gardens, as well as a French garden with box trees, statues, hornbeams and large yews cut like chess pieces. From the terraces, there is a magnificent view of the Lamartinien valley with its vineyards in the background.