South Burgundy

Arrive in Chalon-sur-Saône during the afternoon and settle into your hotel. Take the opportunity to explore the city's charming riverside setting by strolling along the quays of the Saône, where the reflections of historic buildings dance on the water. Venture into the picturesque streets of the old town to admire the beautifully preserved half-timbered houses and discover hidden courtyards. Don't miss Saint-Vincent Cathedral, a stunning mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, or the vibrant Place Saint-Vincent, often alive with cafes and local markets. It's the perfect introduction to the rich history and relaxed ambiance of this riverside gem.

The walking and cycling path (‘Voie Verte’) starts in the city and goes to the north-west towards Givry. Then  continue to  the south-west, to  the  beautiful  fortified  town  of  Buxy. The town still has a large cooperative with its historical heritage and garden, and developed wine tourism.   

Still through  the vineyard, you’ll go through St Bolland St Gengoux le National, a medieval town, to finally arrive in Cormatin and its 17th century castle, its maze,  its old vegetable garden and  ponds.

The Marquis of Huxelles built it  in the early 17th century to demonstrate his power and prestige: wide moat, turrets, stand up to bosses, gunboats and drawbridge… the castle impresses its guests till now. 

Further, the ‘Voie Verte’ will lead you to Taizé (a monastic community).Surrounded by rolling pastures and scenic vineyards, the village is home to only about 100 people.  But as a contrast, during the height of the summer, there are up to 6,000 people in Taizé at the same time, gathering for worship services held three times a day in its church. 

Keep pedaling 13 km further, to the beautiful Benedictine abbey of Cluny, founded in 910. Between the 10th and 12th centuries, Cluny Abbey became the center of a European monastic empire that extended over 1100 priories and more than 10 000 monks. It is a gigantic building that impresses with the harmony of its spaces. 

In addition to his abbey, the town has an exceptional heritage as houses of the 12th and 14th centuries and a remarkable Hotel Dieu.

Let's discover its wonderful scenery, not forgetting to stop at the craft bars to taste local cuisine.

After Cluny, you’ll dive into the spiritual world for French romanticism.

The French poet and historian Alphonse de Lamartine was born in Macon. The childhood in this landscape combining nature, castles and monuments left a mark on his pieces of art. To go there, you’ll cross the longest cycling tunnel in Europe, secured over 1600m, which leads to the castle of Berzé le Chatel, in full light. If you climb there, you’ll be rewarded with a unforgettable view on the Mâconnais.

Mâcon is a former frontier between the Kingdom of France and Holy Germany Empire  (from 843 to 1600) and has a really beautiful ancient town. It is located by the River Saône, has a southern style, with colorful facades and roofs of round tiles. 

The historical center invites us to the charming Herbes square and its magnificent Renaissance wooden house the Old Saint-Vincent, remains of the former Saint-Vincent cathedral, the religious buildings that are the Saint-Pierre church and the Saint-Vincent cathedral, the pharmacy shop of the Hôtel-Dieu hospice and the Saint-Laurent bridge with its beautiful embankment. Don't miss to visit the Ursulines museum, which houses collections of archaeological objects, paintings and sculptures.

You will leave Mâcon via the ‘Voie Bleue’ path. It follows the Saône river to Fleurville and the castles of Marigny and Marfontaine. The route is well laid out and signposted ‘Voie Bleue’ all the way along the river. 

The town of Tournus is perfect for wandering by its streets and traboules  and enjoying the ambiance of the Burgundy Region. The hidden passages cross buildings and connect streets to each other.

Paths and small roads will lead you to our destination of the day - the 10th century abbey of St Philibert, a wonderful example of Romanesque architecture. Founded in 616 A.D., it shows by its exterior - the narrow slits - that at one time this was a fortified town. On the ceiling of the Abbey are beautiful frescoes dating to the 10th century. Dedicated to St Valerian and built around his tomb, the 10th century crypt has 12 ft tall ceilings.

The streets around Tournus Abbey offer lots of opportunities to shop for antiques, crafts and chocolates. The sidewalk cafes abound so you have lots of choices to stop for a cool drink in the heat of the day.

You will go along the Saône river, before getting away from it a little bit by crossing Gigny. You’ll go through the flood plain between the Saône and Grosne. Further, you’ll visite St loup de Varennes, where Joseph Nicéphore Niepce, the inventor of photography, lived.

Then, there is St Rémy, where you’ll get back to the Saône banks to Chalon-sur-Saône, which is very close. In the large open square in front of the Town Hall (the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville) you can see various buildings with baroque style facades dating 11-th century.

The adventure is over! Time to enjoy extra nights in France, or moving for another trip of the season.