Best things to do in Cluny

Built in a Romanesque style, Abbey of Cluny is an ancient Benedictine monastery and the seat of the greatest Medieval monastic order in the West. Stroll beneath tall Romanesque vaults and admire sculptural masterpieces. You can attend a guided tour in English, or pick up a free guide booklet, also available in English.

The rare geological phenomenon at La Roche de Solutre is situated on a limestone escarpment. Schedule a tour or individual visit to this prehistoric site of the eponymous Solutrean Paleolithic culture. View the pelouse calciole grassland with its distinctive flora and fauna. Occupied by humans for at least 55,000 years, this site is the cradle of the Pouilly-Fuissé wine appellation.

Known as the heart of the town, Saint-Philibert de Tournus is a fortress-style Benedictine Abbey established in 950 A.D. The building boasts some of the first Romanesque building styles in Burgundy, from when they began to use Romanesque and early Gothic styles at the beginning of the 11th century. In the 17th century, the 33m (108 ft) long refectory doubles as an early indoor tennis court.

Built in the early 17th century, Chateau de Cormatin boasts many original details including its impressive winding staircases and pristine antique decorations. Gardens, water features, and a wide moat add to the natural flow of the grounds. Battle armaments include turrets, a high-rusticated dungeon, gun ports, and a working drawbridge that will fascinate your and your older children's imaginations. Lavishly decorated quarters invite you to explore the prestigious lifestyle of the nobility. The famous "Gilded Rooms" provide the most authentic and brilliant testimony on the French marquis lifestyle, complete with hand-painted tapestries and refined paintings.

CNCS - Centre National du Costume de Scene has a mission to preserve the heritage of over 9,000 costumes from the drama, opera, and ballet theaters. It is the first conservation initiative that is entirely devoted to costumes and stage sets. You can view costume collections, join a guided tour, and enjoy the historical cavalry barracks dating back to the late 18th century in the Quartier Villars building that houses the museum.

As one of the most popular theme parks, Le PAL - Parc d’Attractions et Animalier entices you to visit its extraordinary natural setting on 35 acres in one of the most beautiful regions of France. Bring the whole family to this amusement park with more than 25 spectacular attractions and the zoo with over 500 animals from five continents and several unforgettable animal shows. Ride the Mine Train, the Hard Sun, and the Canadian River, or watch the Dynamik 3-D Cinema, then visit the giraffes, lions, tigers, hippos, chimpanzees, gibbons, bears, wolves, ostriches, and the Asian elephants.

Famous for its Cluniac monk inspiration and Romanesque sculptures by Gislebertus, Cathedrale St-Lazare highlights Romanesque art as the seat of the Bishop of Autun. View the column capitals and the main façade embellished with realistic sculptures and artwork that were commissioned as a means of teaching Christian ethics through dramatic scenes of heaven and hell. Complete your trip with the famous "Last Judgment" by Gislebertus located in the west tympanum.