Cluny Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

Cluny Cluny is a picturesque medieval town in Saône-et-Loire in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, renowned for its extraordinary Benedictine Abbey. Cluny boasts charming Romanesque houses, a 15th-century Museum of Art and Archaeology, the historic Hôtel-Dieu, and the Tour des Fromages, offering panoramic views of the area.

The Benedictine Abbey of Cluny was founded in 910 by Duke William I of Aquitaine. Cluny Abbey became a major center of monastic reform, influencing over 1,000 monasteries and 10,000 monks across Europe by the 12th century. Although much of the grand abbey was destroyed during the French Revolution, its striking remains and bell tower still dominate the townscape.

• 46.433924.6578311 Cluny Tourist office (office de Tourisme decCluny et du clunisois), 6 Rue Mercière, ☏ +33 03 85 59 05 34, [email protected]. Daily 09:30-12:30, 14:30-18:30. (updated Jul 2025)

• TER station of Mâcon City and TGV of Mâcon-Loché, then serving by bus via the Mobigo network

• Line 701 of the Mobigo network runs daily to Mâcon or Chalon-sur-Saône, and line 709 to Digoin via Charolles and Paray-le-Monial. Info and timetables on mobigo.fr

• road RN79

• 46.4331744.6634681 Parking du Prado, Rue du Prado. Paid. (updated Jul 2025)
• 46.4348464.6573582 Parking Place du Marché, Place du Marché. Paid. (updated Jul 2025)

• 46.4348434.6594741 Abbaye de Cluny, Place du 11 Août 1944. The abbey was constructed in the Romanesque architectural style, with three churches built in succession from the 4th to the early 12th centuries. The earliest basilica was the world's largest church until the St. Peter's Basilica construction began in Rome. Cluny was founded by Duke William I of Aquitaine in 910. He nominated Berno as the first abbot of Cluny, subject only to Pope Sergius III. The abbey was notable for its stricter adherence to the Rule of St. Benedict, whereby Cluny became acknowledged as the leader of western monasticism. In 1790 during the French Revolution, the abbey was sacked and mostly destroyed, with only a small part surviving. (updated Jul 2025)

• 46.4339664.6578652 The Cheese Tower (La Tour des Fromages), 6, rue Mercière (entrance is via the Tourist Office). Formerly known as the “Tour des Fèves”, it dates back to the 11th century. It was part of the fortified enclosure of the Cluny Abbey, reflecting the importance and influence of this monastic complex during the Middle Ages. This defensive tower, at the southwest corner of the abbey, was built to protect the site and control access. The name, “Tour des Fromages”, emerged in the 19th century: at that time, a woman used the tower to dry the cheeses she produced, giving rise to the popular name used today. The tower has kept this name although this activity has ceased. The tower is open to the public through the Tourist Office, offering exceptional panoramic views of Cluny and its abbey, as well as an exhibition on the site’s history and preservation. €2.8. (updated Jul 2025)
• 46.4358314.6581383 Museum of Art and Archaeology (Musée d'Art et d'Archéologie de Cluny), Palais Jean de Bourbon, Parc abbatial. It houses the most significant works of medieval sculpture from Cluny, from the town and the abbey. Reconstruction of part of the Grand Portal of Cluny III €11. (updated Jul 2025)

• 46.434514.6581791 Brasserie du Nord, Place de l'Abbaye. French cuisine (updated Jul 2025)
• 46.4321084.6615332 Café de Paris Bar-Brasserie, 1, Place du Commerce, ☏ +33 3 85 59 21 40. M 07:30–17:00, Tu W F 07:30–01:00, Sa Su 08:00-01:00, Th closed. French cuisine, salads. Terrace. Mains €11-15. (updated Jul 2025)

• 46.4308114.6681421 camp site Saint-Vital, 30 Rue des Griottons, ☏ +33 03 85 59 08 34, [email protected]. (updated Jul 2025)