Cluny can be explored through a wide range of discoveries: the abbey, founded in 910; a museum in a flamboyant Gothic mansion; and walking tours of the medieval town each offer a different perspective. There is also a viewpoint, routes for non-motorised travel and equestrian competitions. You can therefore focus your stay on architectural history, exploring the town or getting active.

Abbey, Architecture and Views

Cluny Abbey was founded in 910. The Farinier provides a tangible architectural landmark from a later century: it has preserved its original 13th-century roof structure. Alongside the founding date, this surviving architectural feature offers a glimpse into the abbey’s long building history.

The Musée d'Art et d'Archéologie de Cluny is also housed in a distinctive building. It is located in the Palais Jean de Bourbon, a rare example of a flamboyant Gothic mansion. The abbey and the museum thus differ not only in function, but also in the buildings with which they are associated. The abbey and museum can be explored freely in the monuments and gardens.

The Tour des Fromages is a destination in its own right for views over the abbey town. The tower is part of the abbey enclosure; the panorama awaits after a climb up 120 steps. This makes the viewpoint distinct from the routes through the town: the focus here is on climbing up for a view over Cluny.

Town Walks and Routes for Getting Active

In the medieval town, walking tours lead through Cluny using bronze studs set into the ground and information panels. The markers and texts accompany you along the route through the town, making this form of exploration a series of stops. Those interested in the history of the urban landscape will find a different approach here than at a single building or from the tower.

The Voie Verte offers another way to get around: it is fully signposted and secured, has a consistently easy-to-use surface and is reserved for non-motorised vehicles. Walking, cycling and inline skating are mentioned. The choice between a town walk and the Voie Verte therefore depends on different features: the walking tours lead through the medieval town using bronze studs and information panels; the Voie Verte is designated for several forms of non-motorised travel.

Haras national de Cluny and Equivallée

The Haras national de Cluny is another historic landmark. It was established in 1807 on the site of the former Cluny III abbey church. The Haras park is open to the public free of charge, except during paid activities and/or when groups are being hosted. As seasonal opening hours and event-related exceptions apply, it is best to check these details before your visit.

Equestrian competitions take place at the Equivallée site from March to October; access to the riding arenas is free of charge. If you are planning to attend a particular competition, it is worth checking the annual calendar before arranging your visit. This helps distinguish the seasonal period from a specific event date.

A Local Speciality

La Gaufrette de Bourgogne is part of Cluny’s culinary character. This pastry is made by hand in Cluny and flavoured with marc. Alongside its buildings and walking tours, it is a distinct local product that reflects the town’s artisanal side.

Discover more destinations: Beaubery, Champforgeuil, Céron, Saint-Vincent-En-Bresse, Romanèche-Thorins, Montmelard, Lucenay-L'évêque, Igé.

For the regional travel overview: Saône-Et-Loire.