Discover Cluny

Cluny combines abbey history with medieval town architecture and a range of ways to explore the area. If you’re looking for a hotel in Cluny, the focus of your stay can guide your choice: abbey history, walks through the town, or an event related to equestrian sports.

The Abbey and its architectural history

Cluny Abbey was founded in 910. You can explore it and the Musée d’Art et d’Archéologie de Cluny among the monuments and gardens. The museum is housed in the Palais Jean de Bourbon, a rare example of a flamboyant Gothic mansion. The Farinier offers a different architectural feature: its original 13th-century roof structure has been preserved. The abbey, mansion and roof structure thus represent distinct, tangible aspects of Cluny’s history. As you explore, it’s worth looking beyond the foundation date to notice the preserved architecture.

Viewpoint and walking tours

The Tour des Fromages is a tower in the enclosure surrounding Cluny Abbey. After climbing 120 steps, you can enjoy panoramic views over the abbey town. The number of steps gives you a clear idea of the climb in advance and a practical reference point when planning your visit to this viewpoint. In the medieval town, walking tours also lead through Cluny using bronze studs set into the ground and information panels. This offers two distinct perspectives: views over the abbey town from the tower, and navigation by markers and information panels on a walk through the town.

Routes and outdoor activities

The Voie Verte is fully signposted and secured, has a consistently smooth surface, and is reserved for non-motorised vehicles. It is suitable for walking, cycling and inline skating. These three activities give you a clear choice of how to use the route: you can explore it on foot or travel along it by bike or inline skates. The signage, safety measures and surface are specific features of the route that you can take into account.

The Haras and equestrian competitions

The Haras national de Cluny was founded in 1807 on the site of the former Cluny III abbey church. The Haras grounds are open to the public free of charge, except during paid activities and when groups are being hosted. Check the seasonal opening hours and event-related exceptions 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’d like to attend a particular competition, check the annual calendar before planning your trip. This lets you plan your stay around a specific event date rather than relying solely on the general period.

A local product

La Gaufrette de Bourgogne offers another facet of the area: this speciality is made by hand in Cluny and flavoured with Marc. Alongside architectural history and equestrian sports, a locally made product is another distinctive feature that can add a culinary theme to your stay.

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Return to the main travel overview: Saône-Et-Loire.