The area

This lovely region has lots to offer. It is renowned for its churches, châteaux, picturesque villages, beautiful countryside, wine and gastronomy.

 

St Gengoux le National is a charming little medieval town which in addition to its numerous paved streets, fascinating buildings, twice monthly market and wine cooperative, boasts an excellent craft shop, providing a showcase for local craftspeople (jewellery, pottery, hats, clothing, sculptures, paper, furniture, leather goods….) as well as a modern art gallery which hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions.

 

Château de Cormatin

The well-known wine village of Buxy is just 20 minutes’ drive away and well worth a detour, as is Cormatin, which boasts a lovely château open to the public most of the year. The villages of Chapaize, world-famous for its beautiful Romanesque church, and Taizé, which has become an international oecumenical centre attracting thousands of pilgrims every year, are both very nearby. The famous town of Cluny, with the ruins of its stunning abbey and its national stud stables, is also 20 minutes’ drive away, as is Tournus, an ancient riverside town with a beautiful abbey and many fascinating streets to explore. A little further afield, Chalon sur Saône is a beautiful old town with a wide variety of shops and restaurants.

 

For those interested in more physical activity, the voie verte cycle path is just a few kilometres away (bike hire available) and there are many footpaths in the immediate vicinity. Quad biking tours and pony riding are available locally in St Clément sur Guye, an exquisite little hilltop village with a Xth century church, an excellent restaurant and fabulous views over the surrounding countryside, and fishing is available in season on many stretches of the local rivers.