The best road cycling routes around Martailly-Lès-Brancion

The Col de Beaufer is located in the Monts du Mâconnais, west of Tournus in the Saône-et-Loire department. With a height of only 303 meters, it is more of a gentle transition between the hills of the Tournugeois than a distinct mountain pass. The surrounding area is characterized by forests, meadows, and the typical wine landscapes of southern Burgundy. The pass is the starting point for several hiking and mountain biking trails, which lead through Plottes and the surrounding hills, among other places. The area "Le Cra et Col de Beaufer" is also designated as an ecologically valuable nature zone and covers around 982 hectares.

The Tour des Fromages is a preserved defensive tower from the 11th century, which originally belonged to the ramparts of the powerful Abbey of Cluny. In the Middle Ages, the structure was still called Tour des Fèves (Bean Tower), as supplies were stored there. It got its current, curious name in the 19th century because a merchant used the tower to dry her homemade cheeses. Today, the tower is a popular attraction. Visitors can climb the 120 steps to the top. From up there, you have a beautiful 360-degree panoramic view over the entire medieval monastic city and the surrounding Burgundy landscape. Access to the tower is directly through the local Cluny tourist office.

The Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Burgy (Church of St. John the Baptist), a small, charming village church, is a typical Romanesque building from the 11th to 12th century. It is known for its stocky, solid construction. It has a massive square bell tower and a roof covered with traditional limestone slabs (laves). Inside, the church has a single nave. Due to its historical significance, it was officially protected as a French historical monument (Monument Historique) in 1979.

The Romanesque church originally dates from the 11th to 12th centuries. It is a classic example of the early Romanesque art of the Haut-Mâconnais region. The nave, the choir, and the distinctive square bell tower are entirely preserved in this style. Over the centuries (in the Gothic period as well as in the 19th century) there were minor architectural changes. Monument protection: The building has been classified as an official French cultural monument (Monument historique) since 1979.

The Abbey of La Ferté (also known as the Abbey Palace of La Ferté) is the very first daughter foundation of the famous Cistercian Order from the year 1113. It is located in the idyllic South Burgundy, in the municipality of Saint-Ambreuil. The original medieval abbey was heavily destroyed during the Wars of Religion. The present magnificent building was constructed at the end of the 17th century as a stately abbey palace for the abbot. After the French Revolution, the abbey church was demolished and the building was converted into a private residential castle. A long, elegant stone building is visible, flanked by two large pavilions.

The classic ascent from Mancey is considered a tough short climb in Category 3. Over a distance of 2.2 kilometers, 166 meters of altitude must be overcome. The average gradient is 7.55%, with peak sections of up to 14%. The path junction leads to various hiking trails and gravel paths through the wooded and wine-rich hilly landscape of the Mâconnais.

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.

The Saint-Laurent Bridge (Pont Saint-Laurent) is a historic stone bridge that spans the Saône River. It connects the town of Mâcon in the Saône-et-Loire department with the municipality of Saint-Laurent-sur-Saône in the Ain department. Initial wooden structures were already built by the Romans. The current stone bridge dates back to the 11th century in its core and is considered the oldest bridge over the Saône. The structure consists of twelve stone arches. On one of the pillars, there is a statue of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of boatmen. It is one of the few historic structures in the region that survived the demolitions of World War II unscathed.