The best road cycling routes around Malay

This place and its atmosphere have been a magnet for millions of people for decades. I was there for the first time in 1974 and am always fascinated by the surrounding landscape. I was particularly taken with the small Romanesque churches in the villages of the region and places like Cluny and Brançion.

The Tour des Fromages is a preserved defensive tower from the 11th century, which originally belonged to the ramparts of the powerful Abbey of Cluny. In the Middle Ages, the structure was still called Tour des Fèves (Bean Tower), as supplies were stored there. It got its current, curious name in the 19th century because a merchant used the tower to dry her homemade cheeses. Today, the tower is a popular attraction. Visitors can climb the 120 steps to the top. From up there, you have a beautiful 360-degree panoramic view over the entire medieval monastic city and the surrounding Burgundy landscape. Access to the tower is directly through the local Cluny tourist office.

The castle has been officially protected as a Monument historique (historic monument) since 1946. The estate has a main building with a hip roof. The complex is flanked by two striking round towers with conical roofs and embrasures. The building combines medieval defensive elements with Renaissance decorations, such as a decorated door in the courtyard. First mentions of the noble family on the grounds date back to the 14th century.

The Saint-Martin church in Chapaize is a beautiful, old church. Its huge, 35-meter-high tower can be seen from afar. The church was built almost 1000 years ago in the Romanesque style, it has thick stone walls and round arches.

The Château de Cormatin is a magnificent moated castle from the early 17th century. The castle was built between 1606 and 1625 by the Marquises d'Huxelles. It houses the best-preserved state rooms from the Louis XIII era in all of France. Famous are the "Gilded Rooms" (Salles Dorées) with lavish paintings, sculptures, and gilded ceilings. The extensive grounds, covering around 12 hectares, are among the most beautiful gardens in France. Highlights in the outdoor area include a large boxwood labyrinth, an open-air Baroque theatre, water features, and a historic vegetable garden. This spot only offers a brief glimpse of the rear grounds.

The Abbey of La Ferté (also known as the Abbey Palace of La Ferté) is the very first daughter foundation of the famous Cistercian Order from the year 1113. It is located in the idyllic South Burgundy, in the municipality of Saint-Ambreuil. The original medieval abbey was heavily destroyed during the Wars of Religion. The present magnificent building was constructed at the end of the 17th century as a stately abbey palace for the abbot. After the French Revolution, the abbey church was demolished and the building was converted into a private residential castle. A long, elegant stone building is visible, flanked by two large pavilions.

The station no longer serves trains. The historic site has been transformed into a vibrant leisure zone (Aire de loisirs de la gare). The building is located directly on the Voie Verte de Bourgogne du Sud, a well-known 77 km cycle path on a former railway line. Travelers will find a bicycle rental service for regular and electric bikes, a tool station for repairs, picnic tables, public restrooms, and a children's playground. It also serves as a starting point for excursions, for example to the nearby Château de Cormatin.

Mont Grémoi is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is a hilly, rural area that is ideal for hiking.