Attractions and Places To See around Buffières - Top 20

The large work of art on the narrow building facade directly above the fountain is a monumental, historical sundial (cadran solaire). The faded, artistic lines and Roman numerals show the classic grid system of an old vertical sundial, which the townspeople could use to read the time of day. Such large astronomical mural paintings were widespread in the Burgundy region as well as on the outbuildings of the powerful abbey, in order to synchronize the monastic and urban daily routine.

The neoclassical fountain directly on the building wall was built in the 18th century and is also known today as Fontaine Prud'hon. It was named in honor of the famous French painter and draftsman Pierre-Paul Prud'hon, who was born in Cluny in 1758. The fountain is integrated into the wall like a "water cabinet" (buffet d'eau) and features a fluted basin on a pedestal. In the past, a lion's head spout fed the basin. Today, a modern tap serves cyclists and pedestrians as a public drinking water source.

The current complex was built in the 15th century, after a predecessor had been destroyed on the orders of the French king. The irregular quadrilateral encloses a central courtyard. The striking north entrance, visible in the picture, is flanked by two mighty round towers equipped with gun loops (archères-canonniers) and was formerly protected by a drawbridge. The complex has been a listed Monument historique since 1967. Parts of the castle have been restored and are privately used as a charming guest house (Le Gros Chigy Château) for travellers in Burgundy.

In the Middle Ages, the abbey was one of the most influential spiritual and cultural centers in Europe. Cluny was the mother house of the Cluniac Reform and headed a federation of over 1,200 monasteries. The third abbey church (Cluny was the largest church in the Christian world until the construction of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome). Of the once-mighty complex, only parts of the southern transept remain today, as the abbey was largely used as a quarry and demolished after the French Revolution.

The town of Cluny was based on the Benedictine monastery (Cluniac Abbey), founded in 910. The abbey was the starting point and center of the Cluniac reform at the beginning of the 10th century. Cluny reached its peak membership at the beginning of the 12th century with approximately 400 monks. The last abbey church (Cluniac 3) was the world's largest Romanesque basilica and, until the construction of today's St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the largest church in Christendom. The church had seven towers. Although large parts of the building were destroyed, the remaining relics are absolutely remarkable and make a visit to Cluny an unforgettable experience!

The Tunnel du Bois Clair is a former railway tunnel and at 1.6 km the longest tunnel in France now open to a greenway. It takes 4 to 6 minutes to cross by bike, 6 to 10 minutes on rollerblades and 15 to 20 minutes on foot, horse riders are not allowed to pass. The temperature is around 11 °C. There is a lighting system, but it is best to bring extra lighting on your bike... As this tunnel is home to protected species of bats, it is closed during hibernation (from October to April). In this case, a route is offered to bypass the tunnel, taking the circular trail n°14 (4 km, level: expert). A picnic area is located above the tunnel if you are coming via Cluny.

Please note that the Bois Clair tunnel has closing periods: https://www.cluny-tourisme.com/visites-incontournables/le-tunnel-du-bois-clair/#ouverture If it is closed you will have to go through the Bois Clair pass which has the same name but not the same height difference. Good luck!

Check the mural above the fountain - a number of profound sayings to do with windows, looks like they're all attributed to Jacques Brel.