There are over 80 road cycling routes around Cluny, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. You'll find everything from easy rides to challenging ascents through the region's diverse landscapes.
Road cycling around Cluny features a varied landscape of gentle hills, extensive vineyards, and limestone cliffs, particularly in the Mâconnais area. Routes often include well-paved surfaces and dedicated greenways, with options for both moderate rides and more challenging ascents with significant elevation gains.
Yes, Cluny offers several routes suitable for beginners. While many routes involve some elevation, there are 8 easier options available. These routes typically feature smoother paths and less demanding climbs, allowing new cyclists to enjoy the scenic Burgundy countryside.
For experienced road cyclists seeking a challenge, Cluny offers 27 difficult routes. One notable option is La Côte de Château - loop from Cluny, a 56.8 km path with over 1,000 meters of elevation gain, requiring very good fitness.
Yes, the Cluny area is known for its 'voies vertes' or greenways, which are often converted railway lines providing smooth, traffic-free paths. A significant feature is the Tunnel du Bois Clair, Europe's longest tunnel open to cyclists, which is part of a popular cycling route from Mâcon to Cluny.
The Tunnel du Bois Clair is closed seasonally from October 15th to March 31st for bat hibernation. An alternative route is available during this period, so cyclists should plan accordingly if visiting in winter or early spring.
Many road cycling routes around Cluny are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the moderate Col des Enceints - loop from Cluny and the Col du Bois Clair - Bois Clair tunnel loop from Cluny, which takes you through varied terrain.
The region around Cluny is rich in history. You can cycle past the remnants of the great medieval Cluny Abbey, or visit the splendid Château de Cormatin with its lavish Louis XIII apartments. Other historical sites include the Medieval fortress of Berzé-le-Châtel and various Romanesque churches like the one in Charnay-lès-Mâcon.
Absolutely. Road cycling routes around Cluny offer stunning natural beauty. You'll encounter the striking landscapes of the Mâconnais area with its limestone cliffs and vineyards, as well as the picturesque rolling hills of Burgundy and Beaujolais. The prominent natural landmark, the Rock of Solutré, is also within cycling distance.
The best time for road cycling in Cluny is generally from spring to early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, ideal for exploring the vineyards and countryside. Be aware that the Tunnel du Bois Clair is closed from mid-October to late March.
Yes, Cluny is a key point for longer cycling adventures. It is a starting or passing point for stages of the CycloRoute71 and La Boucle de Bourgogne du Sud. Additionally, Cluny is an important historical rallying point for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, integrated into the official European pilgrimage route.
The road cycling routes around Cluny are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 30 reviews. The Cheese Tower, a tower within the abbey's enclosure, formerly known as the Bean Tower, will allow you to keep unforgettable memories of your visit to Cluny. From the top of its 120 steps, discover an extraordinary panorama of the abbey town as well as a photography exhibition showcasing the achievements of the Friends of Cluny (heritage preservation association), throughout your climb. Enjoy the activities offered in the Cheese Tower according to the seasons: Haut'Le Printemps, Contes & Choc'Haut là!, Apér'Haut, …Entrance via the Tourist Office. We speak: French, German, English, Spanish Open all year round, according to the opening hours of the Tourist Office. Closed on Sundays from November to March, on Mondays in January as well as on 01 and 27/01/2026, 11/11/2026, 24, 25 and 30/12/2026.
FranceBurgundyHome to the largest Benedictine abbey in Europe, Cluny retains all its medieval charm thanks to its rich architecture surrounded by vineyards. The enchanting medieval town of Cluny offers visitors numerous monastic buildings, a Museum of Art and Archaeology housing exceptional works of Romanesque sculpture, a town centre full of ancient houses and buildings, two churches, a majestic Hotel- Dieu and a superb panorama from the top of the Tour des Fromages.
One of the original remains of Cluny Abbey is its imposing tower, formerly known as the Tour des Fèves. From the top of its 120 steps, you can admire an extraordinary panorama of the city-abbey and an exhibition of photographs. By downloading the CluneTour app on your smartphone, you will have access to a digital tour of the city of Cluny with unprecedented virtual reconstructions.
In Cluny, interest in horses dates back to the Napoleonic Empire and the national stables are located at the foot of the famous abbey. Guided tours and sightseeing circuits are organised to allow you to discover the emblematic places of the Haras, passing by the stables where the horses are housed. During the visit, you will learn about the history of these emblematic buildings, from the time of Napoleon to the present day, passing through the great period when the Haras were dedicated to horse breeding. There are also wonderful shows, treasure hunts and activities for the whole family.
In the heart of Burgundy, Cluny is easily accessible via a dense transport network. By plane, The nearest airport to the village of Cluny is Lyon Airport, which is only 107 km away. Once you land, you can rent a car and drive to the medieval village and its enchanting vineyard-covered countryside.
By car, Cluny can be reached via the A6 motorway, exits no. 26 - no. 29: Dijon: 1 hour 45 minutes Paris: 4 hours Strasbourg: 4 hours 30 minutes. For those coming from the A40 - A406 motorway, the times are: Bourg-en-Bresse: 50 minutes Geneva: 1 hour 50 minutes.
To get to Cluny by train, the nearest TGV station is Mâcon-Loché and Mâcon-Ville station. The most important connections are: Paris: 1 hour 30 minutes Annecy: 2 hours Avignon: 2 hours 10 minutes Montpellier: 2 hours 40 minutes.
The medieval village of Cluny is located in the Burgundy region, about 2 hours from Dijon and Geneva and 4 hours from Paris. Plan your visit in Cluny in minutes!
Tour des Fromages, the abbey's enclosure tower, formerly known as the Tour des Fèves, will give you unforgettable memories of your visit to Cluny. From the top of its 120 steps, you can enjoy an extraordinary panoramic view of the abbey-city, as well as a photographic exhibition showcasing the work of the Friends of Cluny as you climb the tower.
Opening: From 11/07/2026 to 20/09/2026, etc. (visitation details and dates omitted for brevity in this article)
