Cormatin brings together the extensive gardens of the château, historic interiors, a symbolic sculpture and cycling routes through rolling countryside. There is also Romanesque architecture in Chazelle and Burgundian cuisine. This offers a choice of different focuses when planning your trip: the château and gardens, a route towards Chazelle, or a look at local gastronomy.
Château de Cormatin: Architecture and Gardens
The Château de Cormatin was built by the Marquis d’Huxelles in the early 17th century. Its architectural features include wide moats, towers, a high rusticated base, loopholes and a drawbridge. The guided tour takes visitors through the 17th-century apartments, the grand staircase, the 1900 library and the kitchen. It is listed as lasting one hour. Tour formats may change; check the latest information in advance.
The château’s gardens were redesigned across 11 hectares. The individual areas and features include flower beds, a boxwood maze, an aviary, groups of trees and shrubs, an open-air theatre, a kitchen garden, fountains and bodies of water. The gardens thus provide a distinct focus alongside the interiors: landscaped flower beds, trees and shrubs, and water shape the experience here, while the guided tour draws attention to the rooms and staircase.
Sculpture and Cycling Routes
La Pyramide de Cormatin is a monumental sculpture featuring Pharaonic and mythological motifs as well as numerous symbols. It can be visited independently or as part of a tour arranged in advance. This makes it a different kind of visit from the guided tour of the château: visitors can choose between an independent visit and a tour arranged beforehand.
The cycling routes also offer different points of reference. The Cluny–Lys–Cormatin cycling route reaches Cormatin via the D187. The “Patrimoine et paysages de la vallée de la Grosne” route runs from Cormatin to Chazelle along scenic country roads through hilly terrain; along the way, there are views of the surrounding hills. The two routes therefore differ in their stated direction and landscape. Conditions may change seasonally, so it is advisable to check the latest route information before setting off.
A Look at Chazelle
Chazelle is home to the Church of Notre-Dame de Chazelle, which dates from the early 12th century. It was part of a small priory built by monks from Cluny; the priory house stands beside the church. The church has Romanesque features in its apse, bell tower and façade, with the exception of the tympanum. This visit adds a different historical theme to the château’s architecture: the Romanesque features of a church and its connection with a small priory.
Burgundian Cuisine and Local Produce
The restaurant La Table d’Ancelin in Cormatin serves traditional Burgundian cuisine featuring local specialities and Charolais beef. Menus and service may change. For visitors who want to include food in their stay, the restaurant offers a connection to regional cuisine, without implying any particular menu or a permanent offering.
The Galerie Artisanale et Gourmande La Filaterie includes an exhibition space for gourmet and gastronomic products from 30 represented producers. The producers may change. Unlike the restaurant, the focus here is on the exhibition space and the products of the represented producers. Together, the two places showcase different culinary aspects of Cormatin: served Burgundian cuisine and displayed gourmet and gastronomic products.
Choosing Activities for Your Stay
When planning your time, it is helpful to distinguish between the visits: the guided tour of the château lasts one hour; La Pyramide can be visited independently or as part of a tour arranged in advance. Anyone considering Cormatin as a main destination for their stay can combine these options with a visit to the gardens, a cycle ride, or the food and local produce on offer. This gives you a choice of specific cultural and landscape experiences without prescribing a set order.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Julien-De-Civry, La Chapelle-De-Guinchay, Azé, Igé, Bouzeron, Montcenis, Torpes, Saint-Aubin-en-Charollais.
Back to the regional travel overview: Saône-Et-Loire.
