Attractions and Places To See around Bonnay - Top 20

Bonnay and its surroundings are rich in history. You can explore the remarkable fortified Chapaize Church, known for its early Romanesque architecture and Lombard influences. The village of Saint-Gengoux-le-National offers medieval streets and Renaissance residences. Don't miss the 17th-century Cormatin Castle, famous for its preserved Louis XIII apartment and extensive gardens. Additionally, the Sainte-Marie-Madeleine Church in Taizé holds historical significance as the final resting place of Frere Roger, founder of the Taizé community.

Yes, several attractions around Bonnay are suitable for families. Cormatin Castle offers a large boxwood labyrinth, a green theater, and ponds in its gardens, which delight both children and adults. The charming village of Saint-Gengoux-le-National is pleasant for a stroll through its historic streets. The Church of the Assumption of Ameugny is also noted as family-friendly.

The area around Bonnay is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find marked hiking and equestrian trails on local paths, including the green track from Morlay towards Cluny or Saint-Désert. There are also various routes for mountain biking and cycling with admirable viewpoints. For specific routes, explore the guides for Hiking around Bonnay, Cycling around Bonnay, and MTB Trails around Bonnay.

Yes, there are easy hiking options available. For instance, you can find routes like the 'View over the Vallée de la Guy loop from Salornay-sur-Guye' (approx. 5.8 km) or 'Le Grosne rest area, Cormatin – Bridge at Village loop from Cormatin' (approx. 4.9 km). These are generally considered easy and offer pleasant walks. More options can be found in the Hiking around Bonnay guide.

The 'circuit des doyennés' is a pilgrimage route that connects various Cluniac sites in the region. It offers a unique way to explore the historical and religious heritage of the area, often following scenic paths suitable for hiking or equestrian rides. You can find sections of this route on local paths around Bonnay.

The region is known for its annual daffodil festival, the 'Fête des jonquilles,' which takes place on the local heights in March. This suggests spring is a beautiful time to visit, with blooming flowers and pleasant weather for hiking and cycling. Summer and early autumn would also be suitable for outdoor pursuits, offering comfortable temperatures for exploration.

Beyond the Sainte-Marie-Madeleine Church in Taizé, you can visit the Chapaize Church, a former priory church known for its Romanesque architecture. The Church of the Assumption of Ameugny is another impressive Romanesque parish church from the 12th century. Additionally, the Église de Saint-Hippolyte, a remarkable fortified church dating back to the late 11th century, is located in Bonnay-Saint-Ythaire.

Visitors particularly enjoy the castle's beautiful gardens, which include a large boxwood labyrinth, a green theater, ponds, and flowerbeds. The interior, with its monumental stone staircase and well-preserved Louis XIII apartment, also receives high praise. Many recommend taking 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the castle and its well-maintained grounds.

Yes, several cycling routes are designed to take you past key attractions. For example, the 'Cormatin Castle – Saint-Gengoux-le-National loop from Bonnay-Saint-Ythaire' is a moderate 35.9 km route. Another option is the 'Saint-Gengoux-le-National – Cormatin Castle loop from Cortevaix' (43.8 km). You can find more detailed routes in the Cycling around Bonnay guide.

The Taizé community is an ecumenical monastic order founded by Frere Roger. The Sainte-Marie-Madeleine Church in Taizé is the original village church where Frere Roger founded his brotherhood. It is a simple place of worship and serves as his final resting place. The community is known for its focus on reconciliation and attracts many young people from around the world.

Beyond Bonnay, you can visit Cluny, famous for its historic abbey, located about 13 km away. Brancion, an important regional center in the 15th century, is now a quiet area 14 km from Bonnay. Tournus, about 22 km away, is known for the Abbey of Saint-Philibert. These nearby locations offer additional cultural and historical exploration opportunities.