Lavish decoration and setting
The Château de Cormatin: a Renaissance treasure
The Château de Cormatin is perfectly located alongside the Greenway cycle route, on the way to the Rock of Solutré and between the two prestigious abbeys of Tournus and Cluny. This is a great place to stop while you're staying in Southern Burgundy: the gardens, moat, reflections on the waters, and sumptuous apartments are all worth a visit!
A must-see in Southern Burgundy
This château was built to impress, and it still does just that today! It is one of the unmissable châteaus along the Southern Burgundy "Route des Châteaux" which is lined with medieval fortresses and elegant residences, all listed among the châteaus of Southern Burgundy.
The gardens
Natural beauty
The monumental Château de Cormatin is surrounded by wide moats and set in beautiful gardens dotted with ponds.
Plant maze, sylvan theatre, ponds... all spread over more than 10 hectares. The garden stretches out before your eyes and resembles a Renaissance-style park.
It is a perfect example of the gardens of its era! that is why it is today listed among the most beautiful parks and gardens of France.
The château
Flamboyant decoration
The Marquises of Huxelles built the Château de Cormatin at the beginning of the 17th century, as a symbol of their power and prestige: the château needed to impress. It still does just that today.
Its magnificence is particularly thanks to the lavish decoration in the apartments: painted, sculpted and gilded from floor to ceiling... this is the most all-round and most well-preserved example of decorative art from the time of Marie de Médicis. You are in for a treat!
Les douves du château de Cormatin Catherine DEMOLY/Bourgogne-Franche-Comte Tourisme
Medieval fortresses and Renaissance-style châteaus
Along the Southern Burgundy "Route des Châteaux"
Thanks to its strategic location, the history of Southern Burgundy has been rich and eventful, and brought about a plethora of fortresses and noble estates. Each one has its own unique atmosphere and setting, and they are all definitely worth a visit!
Stay a while longer
What is there to see and do nearby?
Start pedalling!
Along the Greenway cycle path
While you're in Southern Burgundy, why not cycle along the 120 km, Greenway protected cycle path? For an eco-friendly way of exploring the area.
When you leave Cormatin, head south towards Cluny, the Abbey-Town, then carry on further south to Val Lamartinien and the Rock of Solutré...
Or you could choose to head north and go to Tournus on the banks of the river Saône, to explore the Romanesque abbey, Michelin-starred restaurants and to just take your time wandering around the area!
The Greenway cycle path
Pearl of the south
Tournus
Tournus is on the banks of the river Saône, and you'll feel like you're in the South of France here. The pink, rounded tiles, and colourful facades all create a sun-kissed, Mediterranean atmosphere.
Make sure you take a tour of the Church of Saint-Philibert, an unmissable masterpiece of Romanesque art!
The Church of Saint-Philibert in Tournus
The Abbey-Town
Cluny
The little town of Cluny is an unmissable stop along your way. You'll be impressed by the ruins of the abbey, the sheer beauty and sheer size of them... we recommend you take your time visiting this "pioneer of Europe".
Visit the Abbey-Town of Cluny
Climb up to a "Grand Site de France"
The Rock of Solutré
The hike up to the top of the Rock of Solutré is an unmissable experience in Southern Burgundy. It is a steep climb on the way up, but it is well worth the effort: from the top you can admire the breathtaking 360° view.
Climb up to the Rock of SolutréSee these places on the map
Grand Site de France The Rock of Solutré: explore this remarkable place
Lavish decoration and setting The Château de Cormatin: a Renaissance treasure
A thousand years of history Saint-Philibert's Church in Tournus, an unmissable Romanesque masterpiece
A charming place Visiting Cluny Abbey and the Town
