Visit Southern Burgundy: 50 must-see places around Brancion
Visiting Southern Burgundy means discovering a remarkably rich region between Cluny, Tournus, Mâcon and the landscapes of the Mâconnais. From the medieval village of Brancion, you can easily reach an exceptional selection of castles, Romanesque abbeys, characterful villages, renowned vineyards, natural sites and family activities.
Why visit Southern Burgundy from Brancion?
Located in the heart of Saône-et-Loire, Brancion is an excellent base for visiting Southern Burgundy for a day trip or a longer stay. Within less than an hour’s drive, you can combine medieval heritage, Romanesque art, walks through the vineyards, gourmet discoveries and family outings.
History lovers can explore major sites such as the Château de Cormatin, the fortress of Berzé-le-Châtel, the Abbey of Cluny and the Abbey of Saint-Philibert in Tournus. Romanesque art enthusiasts will also enjoy Chapaize, Paray-le-Monial and several remarkable sites in the Cluny area.
For a more natural escape, the Roche de Solutré, the Azé Caves, the La Truchère-Ratenelle Nature Reserve, Mont Saint-Romain and the Greenway cycle route offer plenty of ideas for days out. Families can also enjoy Touroparc, the Hameau Dubœuf wine park or scenic trips along the Saône.
Ultimately, visiting Southern Burgundy also means discovering a way of life: wine cellars, markets, small villages, local produce, wine routes and rolling landscapes. From Brancion, you can enjoy a concentrated blend of culture, nature, heritage and gastronomy.
Visit Southern Burgundy: ideas for outings, heritage and villages
This selection brings together places around Brancion that are well worth seeing if you are planning a weekend in Southern Burgundy, a stop on the holiday route or a longer stay in Saône-et-Loire. You will find plenty of inspiration for what to do in Southern Burgundy, what to see around Cluny, what to visit around Tournus and which are the most beautiful villages in Southern Burgundy.
The surroundings – filters and cards
Our favourite places to visit
Château de Cormatin
A Renaissance jewel in Southern Burgundy: state rooms, grand staircase, formal gardens and water features. Around 15 minutes from Brancion.
Tournus Abbey – Saint-Philibert
A masterpiece of Romanesque art, with crypt, cloister and museum nearby. Tournus also offers pleasant quaysides, good restaurants and a bicycle museum.
Roche de Solutré
One of France’s designated Grand Sites: marked trails and sweeping views over the Mâconnais vineyards. Ideal for families, with suitable footwear.
Mâconnais Wine Route
Pouilly-Fuissé, Saint-Véran and Viré-Clessé: winery visits, tastings, hillside landscapes and wine villages.
Azé Caves
An underground river and prehistoric remains make this a fascinating natural and scientific site for all ages.
Hameau Dubœuf
A playful wine-themed park with museum, activities, gardens and a miniature train. Perfect for a family day out.
Greenway cycle route
A former railway line converted into a cycling route, ideal for discovering vineyards, villages and landscapes in complete safety.
Basilica of Paray-le-Monial
A masterpiece of Cluniac Romanesque architecture, and an important place of pilgrimage in Burgundy.
Fortress of Berzé-le-Châtel
An impressive medieval castle with thirteen towers, curtain walls and spectacular panoramic views over the Mâconnais.
Abbey of Cluny
Once the spiritual centre of medieval Europe, the Abbey of Cluny is fascinating for both its monumental remains and its history.
Château de Couches
A mighty medieval fortress traditionally linked to Margaret of Burgundy, with towers, underground passages and a pleasant landscaped park.
Château de Germolles
A ducal pleasure residence with rare decorations, a rich history and a high-quality guided visit.
Château de Pierreclos
A beautiful medieval estate overlooking the vines, with a visitor trail and tastings at the winery.
Château de La Clayette
A picture-postcard castle on the water, with lovely views over the lake and the village.
Château de Drée
A splendid 18th-century residence with impeccably maintained formal gardens and refined guided visits.
Saint-Martin Church, Chapaize
An icon of Cluniac Romanesque art, with a sober nave, striking tower and a stone-built village full of charm.
Lancharre Priory
A secluded Romanesque site in the heart of the Cluny region, with evocative ruins and a peaceful atmosphere.
Blanot Caves
Underground passages, a chasm and impressive formations make for a refreshing outing in summer.
La Truchère-Ratenelle Nature Reserve
Surprising landscapes of dunes, peat bogs and ponds, with family-friendly educational trails.
Laives Lakes
Supervised swimming in season, water sports facilities and walks around the lakes, ideal for families.
Mont Saint-Romain
An accessible viewpoint with sweeping panoramas over the Cluny and Mâconnais areas, with marked trails.
Bois-Clair Tunnel
One of the longest cycle tunnels in France, offering a cool and unusual experience on the Greenway route.
Touroparc Zoo
A zoological park with activities and a seasonal water area, perfect for a family day out.
Lab71 (Dompierre-les-Ormes)
Science and nature discovery centre with workshops and playful exhibitions for children in the heart of the Cluny area.
Cave de Lugny
A major Mâconnais cooperative winery, with welcome desk, shop and tastings of emblematic Chardonnays.
Viré-Clessé appellation
Characterful white wines, welcoming estates and luminous landscapes of limestone hillsides.
Vignerons de Buxy
A benchmark in the Côte Chalonnaise, with a large wine cellar, tastings and discovery of local appellations.
Saint-Gengoux-le-National
A medieval small town full of character, with old streets, historic houses and a friendly market close to the Cluny area.
Louhans and its arcades
The famous 157 arcades, the old apothecary and the Bresse market create a unique atmosphere, especially on Monday mornings.
Medieval site of Brancion
Castle, hilltop village and Romanesque church form a remarkable medieval ensemble with fine views over the surrounding hills.
Maison de Lamartine – Saint-Point
The home of the poet and statesman Lamartine, with intimate collections, a romantic garden and a valley steeped in literary memory.
Chapelle des Moines – Berzé-la-Ville
Renowned 12th-century Romanesque frescoes offer a precious testimony to Cluniac art.
National Stud of Cluny
Demonstrations, tours and equestrian heritage in a historic setting right in the heart of Cluny.
Musée des Ursulines – Mâcon
Fine arts, history and archaeology of the Mâcon region presented in a beautifully restored convent.
Musée Greuze – Tournus
Fine art collections and local heritage housed close to the abbey of Saint-Philibert.
Centre Eden – Cuisery
A nature and science museum with exhibitions, workshops and a sensory garden. Excellent for families.
Roche de Vergisson
The “sister” of Solutré, with panoramic paths above the Mâconnais vineyards and a distinctive mineral landscape.
Abbey of La Ferté – Saint-Ambreuil
One of the first four Cistercian abbeys, set in peaceful grounds south of Chalon.
Romanesque church of Malay
A small Cluniac church with restrained architecture in the heart of a stone-built hamlet.
Apothecary of the Hôtel-Dieu – Tournus
An exceptional historical pharmacy with woodwork, glassware and apothecary jars.
Voie Bleue – Saône by bike
A safe route along the Saône River, between nature, gourmet stops and charming bridges.
Cruises on the Saône – Mâcon/Tournus
Guided river trips with views of quaysides, historic bridges and wildlife along the Saône.
Canoe and kayak on the Seille – La Truchère
Nature trips on the water, with birdwatching and passages through preserved wetland areas.
Maison des Vins de la Côte Chalonnaise – Chalon
A broad overview of Côte Chalonnaise wines, with tastings and helpful food-and-wine pairing advice.
Village of Chardonnay
Birthplace of the world-famous grape variety, with tasting cellars, vineyard trails and peaceful views.
Cluny – historic centre
Medieval streets, Romanesque houses and a lively atmosphere around the abbey remains.
Keep of Sigy-le-Châtel
Medieval remains on a hilltop with valley views, ideal for a short but rewarding walk.
Écomusée de la Bresse – Domaine des Planons
A traditional Bresse farmhouse, exhibitions and activities dedicated to Bresse traditions.