The best cycling routes around Sailly

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 time of Louis XIII 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 maze, an open-air baroque theatre, water features, and a historic vegetable garden.

The church of Saint-Valentin de Jalogny is a historic Roman Catholic church in the municipality of Jalogny in the Saône-et-Loire department. Built in the Romanesque style, the structure was erected in the 12th century. It replaced an earlier place of worship from 969, which had been built by the famous monks of the nearby Cluny Abbey. The striking, four-story bell tower with a pyramidal tent roof was built directly next to the choir. The lower part is preserved in its original state, while the upper floor was raised in the 19th century.

Founded in 910, the Benedictine abbey developed into the starting point of the Cluniac reform movement. In the High Middle Ages, it was one of the most influential religious and political centers in Western Europe. At its peak, the Cluny congregation comprised around 1,200 monasteries with over 20,000 monks across the continent. Cluny was independent of secular rulers and local bishops. It was directly subordinate to the Pope in Rome.

The famous French National Stud Haras National de Cluny in Burgundy was established by decree under Napoleon I in 1806 to secure the army's need for cavalry horses. It thus looks back on over 200 years of equestrian history. It is located in the immediate vicinity and at the foot of the historic Abbey of Cluny. The first breeding stallions were housed in the former stables of the abbey from 1807 onwards. Today, the facility belongs to the Équivallée organization. It serves to promote equestrian sports, hosts riding tournaments and shows, and is a renowned training center (including for animal osteopathy).

Le Papyllon is a cozy bar and café in Ameugny in the Saône-et-Loire department. A cozy place primarily known as a "Tea Time & Cosy Beer Bar" with an inviting outdoor area/terrace. Travelers appreciate the large selection of beers and the relaxed atmosphere in the green surroundings.

The imposing church was originally built in the 12th century by the monks of the Abbey of Cluny. It officially belongs to the Cluniac sites and is on the candidate list for UNESCO World Heritage. The building combines different architectural eras. While the striking transept and the octagonal bell tower date from the Romanesque era, the three-aisled choir visible in the background shows Gothic features. A central eye-catcher in the sanctuary is the large, colorful neo-Gothic church window, which casts a soft light into the elongated interior. Along the mighty pillars of the nave, detailed sculptures and reliefs on the capitals can be seen in the foreground.

The recreational facility is located directly on the popular Voie Verte de Bourgogne du Sud, a scenic cycling route on a former railway line. The area offers numerous amenities for cyclists, hikers, and families: There are several shaded picnic tables and benches in a green setting. Directly at the old train station, there is a bicycle rental for classic bicycles and e-bikes, as well as a small repair station. A children's playground with 15 play structures, installed in April 2024, provides entertainment for younger visitors. Public toilets, a water point, and a large, free car park are available.

This route is part of the famous Voie Verte de Bourgogne du Sud, France's oldest car-free railway path. The section runs on a perfectly asphalted, flat former railway line. It passes directly under a classic old stone arch bridge and is lined with wooded embankments. The stretch directly between the old train station in Saint-Gengoux and Cormatin is about 8 kilometers long. It is ideal for families, cyclists, and inline skaters without any significant gradients.