The best MTB trails around Saint-Laurent-Sur-Saône

An idyllic, paved cycle path directly on the riverbank. It is a section of the well-known French long-distance cycle route „La Voie Bleue - Moselle-Saône Radweg" (Route V50) along the Saône. The entire long-distance cycle route covers around 700 kilometers from the Luxembourg border town of Apach (near the tripoint) to Lyon. The Saône section follows the natural meanders of the Saône, passing meadows, historic villages, and well-known wine-growing regions such as Mâcon. The route is mostly flat on former towpaths.

An idyllic, asphalted cycle path right on the riverbank. This is a section of the well-known French long-distance cycle route "La Voie Bleue - Moselle-Saône Radweg" (Route V50) along the Saône. The entire long-distance cycle route runs for around 700 kilometers from the French border town of Apach (near the tripoint) to Lyon. The Saône section follows the natural meanders of the Saône, passing meadows, historic villages, and well-known wine-growing regions such as Mâcon. The route runs mostly flat on former towpaths.

The Plan d'Eau de Fleurville (also known as Gravière de Fleurville) is a beautiful recreational and natural lake in the Saône-et-Loire department. The body of water is located directly on the border of the municipalities of Saint-Albain and Fleurville on the Saône. It is a former gravel pit that has been renatured and is today an important refuge for biodiversity as well as a popular excursion destination. The lake is equipped with picnic tables, fishing piers, and observation points. It is an excellent place for hiking, cycling (near the Voie Bleue cycle path), and birdwatching (e.g. for storks and migratory birds).

The historic old town of Tournus, a French town in the Burgundy region (Saône-et-Loire department). Main attractions: Saint-Philibert Abbey Church: One of France's most significant Romanesque structures from the 11th and 12th centuries. Picturesque streets: The old town is characterized by narrow, right-angled streets, colorful facades, and Mediterranean-style flat roofs with round tiles. Hôtel-Dieu: A historic hospital with a well-preserved, ornate 17th-century pharmacy. Greuze Monument: A statue in honor of the famous painter Jean-Baptiste Greuze, born in Tournus in 1725.

The Abbey Church of Saint-Philibert in Tournus is one of the most important examples of early Romanesque architecture in Central Europe. The mighty west facade, with its embrasures and massive walls, is reminiscent of a medieval fortress. The nave features unique, transversely running barrel vaults, which create an extraordinary play of light inside. An ancient crypt lies beneath the choir, while the upper church, dedicated to Saint Michael, is located above the narthex.

From up here, there is a sweeping panoramic view over the wide Saône valley and the typical, gently rising vineyards of the Mâconnais. The area is a popular destination for hikers and mountain bikers who enjoy the view along the winding paths through the vineyards.

The circular route is about 10.8 kilometers, with an average walking time of around 3 to 3.5 hours. There are approx. 267 meters of elevation gain to overcome. The route leads through quiet, dense coniferous forest sections (as seen in the photo) as well as typical Burgundian bocage landscapes and offers beautiful views.

The Maison de Bois (Wooden House) is located at Place aux Herbes in the center of Mâcon. It is the oldest and most famous residential building in the city. It was built between 1490 and 1510. The ground floor is made of masonry, while the three floors above are built entirely of wood. The wooden structure is famous for its countless, partly grotesque and suggestive carvings. Mythical creatures, monkey masks, and naked and winged figures can be seen. Today, a popular bar-restaurant is located on the ground floor.