Tournus developed on the right bank of the Saône, on a terrace protected from flooding. Its riverside landscape, Romanesque architecture and history dating back to the former Roman castrum give the town its many facets. When planning your visit, you can focus on two things: historic buildings and routes through the town, or activities along the river.
Romanesque architecture and local history
A notable highlight is Abbaye Saint-Philibert, a masterpiece of Romanesque art from the 11th and 12th centuries. The monastic complex comprises the abbey church, cloister, chapter house, refectory and cellar. These five parts illustrate the variety of the ensemble, so a visit need not be limited to the church alone.
The former Roman castrum also figures in the town's history: it is considered the oldest part of Tournus and has retained its characteristic layout. Église Sainte-Madeleine was built in the 12th century at the centre of this former castrum. Its features include a square Romanesque bell tower and a sculpted portal. Église de la Madeleine can only be viewed from the outside; check local access information before your visit.
Other buildings add their own historical dimensions. Chapelle Saint-Laurent is pre-Romanesque and dates to around the year 1000; traces of paintings remain in its nave. Eglise Saint-Valérien is considered an abbey chapel dedicated to Tournus's original patron saint. Only its nave remains.
Hôtel-Dieu de Tournus includes three hospital wards and a pharmacy. The historic wards have been restored with their original furnishings. For families, the Hôtel-Dieu offers activity booklets with puzzles and games; these visitor activities may change.
On foot through the old town, by bike along the Saône
Visitors wishing to explore the historic town on foot can follow the “Sur les pas de Gerlannus” route. This walking route passes through the old town and takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. This gives you a defined time frame for including a town walk in your day's plans; the duration is approximate.
For a longer route along the river, consider the Voie Bleue from Tournus. It follows the Saône along a former towpath and is a safe route reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. From Tournus, it leads to Chalon-sur-Saône or Mâcon; returning by train is possible. Check route and train information, as well as access conditions, before setting out. This offers a choice between a loop through the old town and a one-way route with possible destinations, to suit different day plans.
Wine and unusual bicycles
Wine-related experiences offer a range of options. The “Dégustation – Formule découverte” activity includes an informative tour of the educational area and a guided tasting of six wines accompanied by charcuterie and cheese. Les Vignerons de Mancey offers a museum-style tour about Burgundy, vines and wine, a 110 m² sales and tasting area, and themed tasting workshops. The first format combines a tour with a specific tasting; the second complements its themed approach with a sales and tasting area and workshops. Availability and programmes may change, so it is advisable to check the latest visitor information.
The Musée du Vélo offers a different way to explore cycling. Across more than 600 m², it displays a bicycle collection unique in France. Visitors can try riding a penny-farthing, a Kangaroo bicycle or another unusual bike. As visitor activities may change, check in advance whether rides are available.
Tournus therefore offers everything from Romanesque architecture and preserved historic interiors to town and riverside routes, as well as wine and cycling experiences. If you are looking for a walk with a clearly defined duration, the route through the old town is an option; if you are planning a route with destinations and the possibility of returning by train, you can consider the Voie Bleue. For either option, the stated duration, route and access arrangements are not interchangeable, so it is worth checking the details that apply to your visit.
Discover more destinations: Givry, Chalon-Sur-Saône, Anzy-Le-Duc, Digoin, Serley, La Tagnière, Ciel, Sens-Sur-Seille
For the broader travel overview: Saône-Et-Loire.
