The best traffic-free bike rides around Vendenesse-Lès-Charolles

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 abbey was founded in 910 by Duke William I of Aquitaine. In the Middle Ages, Cluny was the starting point of a huge monastic reform (the "Cluniac Reforms"). At its peak in the 11th and 12th centuries, around 1,500 monasteries and over 20,000 monks throughout Europe were under its jurisdiction. The main church of the abbey (Cluny III or Major Ecclesia), over 187 meters long, was the largest house of worship in Christendom until St. Peter's Basilica in Rome was built. During the French Revolution, the monastery was closed. Under Napoleon's rule, the gigantic church was almost completely demolished and used as a quarry. Today, only about 8% of the original vast complex remains.

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

The town of Cluny developed around the Benedictine monastery (Abbey of Cluny) founded in 910. The abbey was the origin 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 about 400 monks. The last abbey church (Cluny 3) was the world's largest Romanesque basilica and, until the construction of the present-day St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the largest church in Christendom. The church had seven towers. Although large parts of the structure were destroyed, the remaining relics are absolutely remarkable and make a visit to Cluny an unforgettable experience!

Founded in 910, Cluny Abbey was a powerful centre of the Benedictine order and influenced the spiritual and cultural life of all of Europe at its height. Today, although much of the abbey was destroyed during the French Revolution, you can still explore the remaining parts of the vast complex, including the majestic bell tower and restored cloister.

Attractive church to visit

Main reason for visiting Cluny - but well worth the time.

Cluny Abbey was at its time the largest Romanesque church in the world. The parts that remain today following its dismantling remain impressive, notably its immense tower. The Cluny City Museum of Art and Archeology adjoins the main entrance to the church ruins.