The surroundings of the city of Cluny and the south of Burgundy are full of exceptional places and cultural heritage of great importance preserved through the centuries. At the heart of a spiritual and humanistic renewal in Europe during Middle Age, the city bears the remains of a tormented and rich past. L’Hostellerie d’Héloïse and it gourmet restaurant are a sweet and cozy step for Cluny visitors.
A christian, artistic and intellectual heritage
Cluny’s history remains tied to the construction of its abbey in 909. It founder Guillaume 1stof Aquitaine, Comte d’Auvergne, was then able to completely renew monastic life. Meanwhile, the building became a top-notched intellectual centre. During Middle Age, the Order of Cluny became the greatest spiritual capital of Europe. Nowadays, prestigious schools are settled within the abbey.
Around Cluny, villages hold to this rich history and support the region’s religious heritage in a bucolic setting and nice landscapes. This Roman heritage is notably visible inside the Chapel of Moines in Berzé la Ville, where frescoes done by monks back in the twelfthth century shows a major breakthrough in Christian arts. Older than the abbey stands Mazille’s monks deanery, a gigantic building built in 893 and then given to the Benedictines.
Between Tournus and Cluny can be found the greatest amount of Roman churches in France. You can discover this rich historical background by car, starting at Cluny and L’Hostellerie d’Héloïse located right next to the greatest points of interest of this French department. Hikers, bike, roller and horse riders can also wander on the Green Path which starting point is right in front of the hotel. Bikes can be rented on demand.
South Burgundy holds a great amount of local treasures to be discovered in family, as a couple, alone or between friends, visitors are offered with a wide range of activites adapted to everybody’s taste. From Middle Age to Prehistory including the French Belle Epoque, Cluny takes its visitors for a trip back in time.
The most famous places around Cluny Abbey:
- Religious buildings : Monks Chapel, Monks Deaner
- In Cluny : medieval city, national stud farm, l’Hôtel-Dieu, Cheeses Tower.
- Archaeological sites : Blannot and Azé caves, Quary of La Lie
- Castles of Berzé-le-Châtel, Cormatin, Pierreclos,
Castle of Brancion : sensations packed !
Classified as a French Historic Monument, this building was built between the XIth th and the XIIIth siècle. Véritable château fort qui domine la vallée de la Grosne, ses ruines, appartenant à un propriétaire privé, restent ouvertes au public. Durant trois cents ans, ce château appartenait à la famille Gros, des seigneurs particulièrement enclins aux batailles et aux pillages. En 1259, l’héritier de la famille, criblé des dettes de son père, vend ses seigneuries au duc Hugues IV de Bourgogne. Le château de Brancion devient le logis permanent du duc durant deux cent dix-huit ans.
Castle of Brancion offers many attractive points for a business events. Combining, pleasure with business, Cluny is the ideal setting for a seminar. Blending nature and culture, L’Hostellerie d’Héloïse has all the necessary infrastructures for seminars : meeting room, private dining rooms and a covered veranda right alongside the river.
The place for culture and terroir
Monuments are not the only attractive features of this French department at the gates of Beaujolais. Lovers of culture will enjoy the many museums and exhibitions available as well as visiting local craftspeople. Gourmets will love Cluny’s gastronomic specialties, paired with authentic and generous wines.
