Discover Sommant, Saône-et-Loire, Bourgogne: A Hidden Gem

Découvrez Les vestiges du passé Minier "d'Epinac les Mines". Une balade culturelle au coeur d'un site qui a gardé son authenticité

Created over twenty years ago for mountain bike enthusiasts, the Grande Traversée du Massif Central à VTT is a mythical route, a collector's item like few others in France. Today, the GTMC-VTT is back in the spotlight, bigger, more accessible, more modern. It's now a complete crossing of the Massif Central, from the great Morvan lakes in Burgundy to the Mediterranean. 1360 km to cover three regions, ten départements, four regional nature parks and one national park, and discover the exceptional succession of the Massif's great landscapes, as well as the people and heritage of these highlands. The GTMC is also becoming more welcoming. Whether it's your first experience of mountain bike touring over a few days or a long-distance raid, the GTMC now lends itself to a wide range of activities and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from the gentlest to the most committed. From the wooded curves of the north to the slopes of the Auvergne volcanoes, from the sharp relief of the Grands Causses and Cévennes to the descent through the garrigue to the sea, there's a GTMC for everyone! Especially since the new GTMC has been designed for electrically-assisted mountain biking, the new bike that brings mountain biking and roaming within everyone's reach. Whether you're a novice or an expert, you'll be able to share the adventure of mountain biking together.

Located in Gannay-sur-Loire, also called ""near the water"", during this ride you cross the Loire canal and reach ""Port des Vanneaux"". At this stop you have the chance to admire its pleasure boats. This 5,81km long loop takes both the little ones and the big ones along the water. Ride at your own pace on small tracks to reach a pretty bridge made of stone and steal that offers you a nice view on the Loire's lateral canal. Take some time to fully enjoy this landscape. Then join Gannay-sur-Loire, whose history is closely linked to the river and its canal. Today, Gannay-sur-Loire has a 3,5 meters high lock which is the eleventh of the thirty seven floodgate of this 200km long canal. The town also has its own port, ""Port des Vanneaux"", where the sailors old houseboats are now replaced by nice pleasure boats that you can admire by taking a seat on one of the many picnic tables near the port.

Follow this ride to visit four villages along the Loire canal. During this loop you cross the canal and join the Val de Loire Natural Area and then ""Port des Vanneaux"". This 32,2km long loop is recommended for cycling enthusiasts and electric bike users. Starting from Saint-Martin-des-Lais, follow the route to the ""Ecluse des Gailloux"" and continue your way to the stone and steel bridge that offers a superb view on the canal. Join Gannay-sur-Loire and the ""port des Vanneaux"" where the sailors old houseboats are now replaced by nice pleasure boats that you can admire by taking a seat on one of the many picnic tables near the port. Continue to Paray-le-Frésil. Follow the shaded roads and take the small bridge that crosses the Canal to reach Garnat-sur-Engièvre and the Val de Loire Natural Area. Take the wooded roads that follow the course of the river and shelter a unique fauna and flora. A stop is necessary to reach the river by foot.

Located on the east part of the bourbonnais area, ride this loop and discover the longest river of France, the Loire, and its protected area, the Val de Loire. This 8,61km long loop is recommended for both the little ones and the big ones. Starting from Saint-Martin-des-Lais - which takes its name from the branches abandoned by the Loire in flood when it withdraws - travel at your own pace on small roads surrounded by fields where the cows of the bourbonnais gaze quietly. Cross the town of Garnat-sur-Engièvre and join the Val de Loire Natural Area.. Take the wooded paths that follow the course of the river and support a unique fauna and flora. A stop is necessary to reach the river on foot by a small path. You may see a beaver or a frog!

Located in the east of bourbonnais, this loop invits you to discover every castle in the Val de Loire Bourbonnais natural area. This 14,3km long ride is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting from Garnat-sur-Engièvre, cross the village, cross the village to admire the majestic of bricks pavilions which announce the entrance of Château de Torcy in which King Louis VII would have received Pope Alexandre III travelling to Souvigny in 1160. Take the direction of Saint-Martin-des-Lais the neighbouring village by crossing the wooding roads along the river and enter the Val de Loire Bourbonnais natural area , which shelters a unique fauna and flora . Ride at your own pace along the beautiful castle "" Château of Saint-Martin"" which owns the particularity to be in U form, and take the road to the village with its beautiful houses. Then, return to Garnat-sur-Engièvre.

Three villages made this loop which drives you cross the Loire Canal to join the Loire river and its protected area, the Val de Loire Natural Area. This 16km long loop is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting from Paray-le-Frésil - also known under the name ""Saint-Fiacre"" thanks to the writer Georges Simenon who tells there the adventures of his hero, ""Commissaire Maigret"" - ride on small roads until the Seguins bridge overlooking the canal. Take some time to admire the place. Then cross Garnat-sur-Engièvre to reach the Val de Loire Natural Area. Take the wooded roads along the river where you discover a unique fauna and flora. A stop is necessary to reach the river on foot by a small path. You may see a beaver or a frog! Then join Saint-Martin-des-Lais and cross the canal again to reach Paray-le-Frésil.

A ride to be immersed in the Sologne bourbonnaise area. Discover its beautiful and typical half-timbered houses, and its landscapes full of forest, meadows and ponds. This 24,7km long loop is recommended for children over the age of ten, occasional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. Starting from La-Chapelle-Aux-Chasses, take the small roads to the residence of Ferrières, beautiful half-timbered house of the sixteenth century. Continue your way to the village of Chevagnes. The village preserves several remarkable examples of half-timbered houses and polychrome bricks typical of the area. Take a moment to admire them. Then follow the roads along the many woods of ""Sologne bourbonnaise"" and reach the village of Paray-le-Frésil, also known as ""Saint-Fiacre"" thanks to the writer Georges Simenon who tells there the adventures of his hero ""Commissaire Maigret"". Then come back at you own pace to La-Chapelle-Aux-Chasses.

Explore the Pierrefitte-sur-Loire circuit. From the START sign: join the road from Pierrefitte to Saligny, turn left towards the village, cross the Canal, cross the Departmental 779 and continue straight; - Go along the Degands, turn right towards the wastewater treatment plant; - At the crossroads, go to the Moulin de Loddes then Les Boisseaux; - Near Les Boisseaux, turn left then right to cross a few boires; - Turn right to join the old path of the Bac de la Bourse; - Turn right then take the Perré des Boisseaux straight ahead, admire the Chevrette viewpoint and at Les Cornus turn right towards the Chevaliers; - Turn left on Chemin de la Loire and turn right before Les Mouilleaux; - After Les Buissons, turn left on Chemin des Boisseaux, walk along the church square, cross the D779 and join the Voie Verte straight ahead via the rue du canal; - Take the green lane to the right as far as the Saligny road bridge; - After the bridge, go up on it then join the ARRIVAL: the beach car park.

The National Center of Stage Costume is the first preservation structure, in France and abroad, to be entirely dedicated to the material heritage of theaters. Twice a year, exhibitions enhance this heritage collection of 10,000 theater, opera and ballet costumes. With a collection of 10,000 opera, theatre and ballet costumes, The National Center of Stage Costume (CNCS) is a shrine to costume making know-how and the creation of theatrical settings. There is a permanent exhibition about Rudolf Nureyef and temporary exhibitions, which are housed in the former cavalry barracks (18th century) in the Villars district, which is classified as a historical monument.

Large character house situated in the centre of 40 wild ha, close to its owners's farm. Perfect to practise outside activities and share friendly family moments.

Departure from the Pont-de-Vaux marina. 2-hour guided cruise on the canal from Pont-de-Vaux and the Saône to Jean-de-Saône and back. Passage of the Pont-de-Vaux lock.

Based at the Pont-de-Vaux marina, this boat offers day cruises with or without meals and lock passages on the Pont-de-Vaux, Saône or Seille canals.

Reception, information, promotion and management of the passenger boat "Ville de Pont de Vaux 2". Sale of fishing cards.

In the heart of the town, it offers 225 moorings equipped with water and electricity, and can accommodate boats up to 22m. A launching ramp, fixed quay for craning, repair shop and chandlery.

A fun, interactive tour: discover sand dunes, prairie birds, freshwater fish... using touch screens. From April 2025, a new app for an immersive visual and audio journey. In the interactive exhibition: a new app for an immersive visual and audio journey! A new Explor'games adventure trail on the Oignons site in Boz! Free admission. Detailed program to come. The interactive exhibition takes you on a playful journey of discovery, immersing you in the region's natural sites through a host of innovative interactive applications, touch-screen terminals and interactive games: fish for fish in our rivers using the interactive floor, hear and observe birds in the Val de Saône floodplain, unravel the mysteries of the Boz peat moor, have fun protecting the Charmes sand dunes, test your knowledge of the water cycle... From age 3, booklet for children. 2 Explor'games complete the outdoor offer. These adventure courses allow you to solve enigmas while discovering the trees around the structure, and to take on challenges on the natural site of the sand dunes at Sermoyer. 4 natural sites within an 8km radius. The Bresse and Val de Saône region boasts some exceptional natural environments, which were awarded the Espaces Naturels Sensibles label by the Ain department in 2014 and 2015. The Maison de l'Eau et de la Nature invites you to discover them through regular and varied activities.

In a beautiful 18th-century mansion, exhibition of fine art collections featuring the pre-impressionist painter Chintreuil, history around General Joubert, hero of the French Revolution, ethnology and a cabinet of curiosities. Temporary exhibitions. Founded in 1866 around a gallery of the illustrious men of Pont-de-Vaux, the Musée Chintreuil is housed in a handsome late 17th-century townhouse. It boasts a fine art collection featuring Antoine Chintreuil's luminous, intimate landscapes, a forerunner of Impressionism, and a room devoted to calligraphy and works by Jacques Le Roux. Finally, there's a cabinet of curiosities, featuring animals and minerals, objects brought back from faraway lands and exotic birds. The museum organizes temporary exhibitions every season. The museum offers a range of activities for children: a workshop for little artists for 6/12 year-olds; a free treasure hunt booklet for curious 4-7 year-olds; and a fun way to discover the museum for 8-12 year-olds. Game booklet for children (readers and non-readers), escape game for teens and audio guides on reservation.

Situated at 10 km from Lapalisse, this quiet, green and shady campsite is next to a lake (fishing possible). Nearby : swimming-pool, tennis, hiking paths.

Situated at 10 km from Lapalisse, this quiet, green and shady campsite is next to a lake (fishing possible). Nearby : swimming-pool, tennis, hiking paths. 3 chalets of which one for disabled people.

Free visit of the exterior on the path along the moat and the park. Guided tour of the interiors on prior request from 7 people. Sitting at the entrance to the village coming from Diou, the Château de Saligny (ISMH) welcomes you. Once you have crossed the bridge which spans the moat, which is still in water, your gaze is on the oldest part, the Lourdins tower dominating the castle which dates from the 14th, 17th, 17th and 19th centuries. Renaissance pink sandstone dormers adorn the facade overlooking the moat. Beautiful outbuildings.

Free visit. The village developed around a priory of Cluniac foundation which disappeared in the 15th century. The neo-Romanesque church was built at the end of the 19th century (1876-1878) and replaces a Romanesque church demolished in 1862. It is dedicated to Saint Martin in memory of the former priory which depended since 1268 on the Saint Martin de Nevers abbey.

Free admission to the park of the 12th, 15th and 16th-century château from April to October. Set in woods and lawns, the château is an irregular pentagon flanked by five towers of varying angles. The enclosures and walkways are intact. ISMH.

Free visit of the exteriors. Beauvoir is discovered at the bend of a path. A beautiful French garden (ISMH) is the setting for this 14th century castle (ISMH), built in the 15th century. It was occupied by the English truck during the Hundred Years War, then taken over by Louis II of Bourbon. The 18th century orangery and the pavilion have been restored into reception rooms which can respectively accommodate up to 300 and 90 seated guests as well as 450 people under the cocktail awning (access to the garden is closed during receptions).

The church is dedicated to Saint-Honorat of Arles or Lérins (died in 430). Coming from the Gallo-Roman aristocracy, he decided, as a young man, to convert to Christianity. He undertook a journey of several years in the East before returning to Gaul and founding a monastery, around 410, on the island of Lérins, off Cannes. Very quickly, the fame of Saint-Honorat led to the influence of the community. In 427, he was elected bishop of Arles where he tried to fish for as many people as possible. During the Ancien Régime, Avrilly was part of the diocese of Autun and depended on the priory of Anzy-le-Duc. The church has preserved, from the Romanesque period, its semi-circular apse as well as the transept crossing. These two parts are built with limestone rubble, whose yellow color reminds the churches of the Brionnais. In 1885, the departmental architect Moreau built the entire nave as well as a high bell, placed in the façade. Inside, the nave is barrel vaulted, supported by double arches and pilasters made of red brick. The crossing is delimited by 4 large arches in the center plain that support a dome on trumpets. The choir is decorated by an arcature formed by columns with sculpted capitals.

Labeled a Sensitive Natural Area since 2015, Ile de la Motte is located on the Saône River off Saint-Bénigne. It is home to colonies of herons: black-crowned night heron, grey heron and cattle egret. The Île de la Motte was awarded the "ENS" label by the Département de l'Ain in 2015. Real natural and landscaped jewels of the Ain department, the sites benefiting from the ENS "Espaces naturels sensibles" label are managed in such a way as to preserve the biodiversity they host and developed for opening to the public (barring exceptions due to the fragility of the environments). Located on the Saône River off Saint-Bénigne, Ile de la Motte is home to colonies of herons: black-crowned night heron, grey heron, heron and little egret, sometimes sensitive to disturbance during the breeding season. Information signs indicate that the island's frequentation disturbs the breeding of these remarkable birds from March to July. The existence of the island in the river is also an asset for maintaining fish diversity. Visits and educational events are organized to discover the natural riches of the site. You can consult the dates of these events on the Nature events calendar "sCENe ouverte sur le patrimoine naturel de l'Ain". Nearby, don't miss a visit to the Maison de l'Eau in Pont-de-Vaux. From the banks, you can observe the spring nesting season.

The "Dunes des Charmes" sand dunes offer an astonishing landscape far from the sea, shaped by floods and wind. Open spaces rub shoulders with wooded areas and some wetlands. The Dunes des Charmes site was awarded the "ENS" label by the Département de l'Ain in 2014. True natural and landscaped jewels of the Ain department, sites with the ENS "Espaces naturels sensibles" label are managed to preserve the biodiversity they host, and developed to be open to the public (with some exceptions due to the fragility of the environments). The site's very dry areas are punctuated by ponds and the banks of the Seille river, which add a touch of freshness and originality to the site. The site is open to the public. A parking lot has been set up in the commune of Sermoyer. Information panels on the site's history and challenges have been installed near the parking area. A pedestrian loop allows you to visit this atypical site and discover its treasures, thanks to signposting on a 2km trail (approx. 1h-1h30). Notable species observed: Flora: reindeer lichen, false heather, corynephorus (or sand hedgehog), mosses... Fauna: anteater, tiger beetle, broom azure, green lizard, hoopoe... 3 picnic tables and attractive play area

Guided tour (except on Sundays) and by reservation only. Romanesque building with a large nave ending in the east with a projecting transept on which opens a semi-circular apse lit by three windows framed by columns. The triangular tympanum, in the form of a frame, presents the Paschal Lamb surrounded by plant motifs, notably foliage. The whole is surmounted by a cross. It may be an emblem of the Templars. The porch has been classified as MH since 1933.

On the left bank of the Saône, it forms an original landscape that is home to endangered avifauna (corncrake, curlew, black-tailed godwit) and wetland flora (guinea fowl).

Moulins, capital of the Duchy of Bourbonnais from the 14th to 16th centuries, was brought to its apogee by the Dukes of Bourbon, ancestors of the last crowned heads of the French kingdom! Welcome to their homeland! Originally a family settled in the present-day spa town of Bourbon-l'Archambault, 26 km west of Moulins, the Sires de Bourbon owed their patronymic to the Celtic god Borvo, revered in Gaul for the curative springs that gushed from the land. The earliest known occupation of these lands near Moulins dates back to the 10th century. However, it was in 1276 that the Bourbons entered the royal family through the marriage of their heiress Beatrix of Burgundy to Louis IX's sixth son, Robert de Clermont. Bourbonnais was elevated to a duchy in 1327, and it was the couple's first son who became Duke of Bourbon under the name of Louis I de Bourbon. Moulins was chosen as the capital of the duchy by Louis II de Bourbon, third Duke of Bourbon. On a promontory overlooking the Allier, he began construction of a new château, culminating in the Malcoiffée tower, which was first erected in 1374. Enlarged by his successors to become a true ducal palace in the early 16th century, the Château des Ducs de Bourbon symbolizes the flourishing era when the Bourbons had established a powerful and influential court in Moulins. Today, although partially destroyed, the Château des Ducs de Bourbon will be the starting point for your strolls through the historic heart of Moulins. Opposite the château, the majestic Notre-Dame de l'Annonciation cathedral rises gracefully and serenely into the Moulins sky. The collegiate church, whose construction was initiated by Duke Jean II de Bourbon in the second half of the 15th century, corresponds to the flamboyant Gothic chevet of today's cathedral. The building houses the famous triptych by the Master of Moulins, a true masterpiece of Flemish sacred art from the early 16th century.

Restaurant in Tournus (71) - Fine dining in Burgundy

Let yourself be tempted by the chef's preparations! Make yourself comfortable in our renovated, air-conditioned dining room and savor our home-cooked cuisine prepared with fresh, local produce. Treat yourself to our daily menus from Tuesday to Friday lunchtime. We also offer à la carte menus on Friday evenings and Saturday lunchtimes, all of which vary each month according to the chef's inspiration. Theme evenings one Saturday a month. To ensure an authentic taste, all our recipes are homemade, concocted with local, seasonal produce. Private dining available. Grocery store with all the essentials, fresh produce and local products (honey, fruit, vegetables direct from the market gardener, meat boxes to order direct from the producer, yoghurt, goat's cheese, etc.) and homemade products (cookies, charcuterie, ready-made meals, etc.). Bar, bread depot, newspaper.

Restaurant located on the banks of the Saône in a quiet, leafy setting, where you can enjoy fried bleak, frog fricassee or excellent Bresse poultry!

Bresse farmhouse with Saracen chimney, where you can enjoy Bresse-style dishes based on products from the farm (Bresse PDO poultry). Gratins and tarts baked in a wood-fired oven. Warm atmosphere guaranteed! Bresse farmhouse with Saracen chimney where you can enjoy Bresse dishes based on Bresse PDO poultry raised on site. Christian bakes gratins and Bresse tarts in his bread oven. In a cosy atmosphere by the fireplace, enjoy a purely Bresse moment! BY RESERVATION ONLY During the meal, for groups of 30 or more, the farmer can offer a presentation on Bresse poultry. You can also discover a range of old farming tools in an adjoining building. Ferme-auberge with the "Bienvenue à la Ferme" label.

Real meeting place between consumers and local producers, the restaurant proposes beef meat specialities from the "sensiculture". On site, pond, hiking and accomodation.

Near the town centre, this 1854-mill by the river Besbre welcomes an inn. Its rooms decoration and local and seasonal cuisine will seduce you. Fishing on site, walks and hikes from the hotel.

Restaurant with simple lines and a natural feel. Specialties: poultry liver cake, quenelles, snails, fried fish, frogs to order, gaudrioles (sweet shortbread made from gaude flour). Culinary specialties: Gaudrioles (sweet shortbread), chicken liver cake, chicken aiguillettes with Bleu de Bresse, quenelles with shallot sauce and Mâcon villages, snails, Bréchets, fresh fried Saône fish in season, frogs to order. Family meals, birthdays...

Frédéric Martin has been welcoming diners to the former capital of Bresse since 1994, with updated traditional menus and a local influence: pomme Anna frogs, sautéed like in Dombes, with garlic butter cream. Having worked in the kitchens of Georges Blanc, the Palais de l'Elysée and Le Gavroche in London, the chef now welcomes you with his traditional menus, updated to reflect local influences, including their specialties, pomme Anna de grenouilles, sautéed as in Dombes with garlic butter cream. Cyril Degluaire's Bresse poultry with morel cream and vin jaune, crêpes parmentières and a more modern cuisine, the palette du berger in three variations, filet de boeuf au cœur de foie gras, le confidentiel pour foiegrasphile, chaud froid d'agrumes are there to intoxicate your taste buds, all served with, essentially, proprietary wines. Since 1999, La Table Bâgésienne has been awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide, making it one of the oldest Bib Gourmand restaurants in France! We can also cater for special events (weddings, cocktails, takeaways). Cooking courses (will be posted on the site).

Elegant building of the 19th century near the castle. Local cuisine.

Situated near the acstle, this bar restaurant snack proposes takeaway salads, hamburgers, platefuls, pizzas, meat, local products.

Opening 03/04/2020 > 18/10/2020 Treat yourself to a break in the countryside between Morvan forest and the most beautiful vineyards in Burgundy at the fully-renovated Huttopia Etang de Fouché campsite! Open-air sports, gastronomy, activities throughout the summer, or relaxing by the pool… take your pick!

Opening 03/04/2020 > 01/11/2020 NEW! Camp in the midst of the Burgundy vineyards at Huttopia Meursault Campsite. A beautiful 5ha woodland site, offering a relaxing holiday escape. The ideal destination to discover everything the region has to offer… Completely renovated, the living areas and new accommodation overlooking the vineyards will seduce you in any season.

In a very pleasant setting on the edge of a stretch of water, this quiet and partially shaded campsite offers 20 flat and spacious pitches (100m²) delimited by hedges and lawns. Ideal for family vacations with the proximity of the lake, games for children, bowling alley, and fishing all year round. Walks on the greenway, on the towpath of the lateral canal to the Loire at 300 m, grocery stores at 500 m and the amusement and animal park Le PAL at 15 km.

Free natural area, without reservation and free. Shaded in the countryside with panoramic view and orientation table. Free camping.

Large character house situated in the centre of 40 wild ha, close to its owners's farm. Perfect to practise outside activities and share friendly family moments.

Castle built in 1571, entirely renovated with taste. Nearly 1.000m2 of living space + outbuildings. Situated in a very beautiful enclosed park of 7 hectares, with private fishing pond. Heated pool, sauna, fitness, billiards...10 rooms, 10 bathrooms. Castle built in 1571, entirely renovated with taste. Nearly 1.000m2 of living space + outbuildings. Situated in a very beautiful enclosed park of 7 hectares, with private fishing pond. Located 3 minutes from the medieval village of Romenay (all shops) and 15 kilometers from Tournus, capital of gastronomy in Burgundy (with its many Michelin starred restaurants). Castle completely renovated in 2015/2016, quality furniture. Heated swimming pool open from April 1st to October 31st. Wellness area in the outbuildings with fitness and weight room, sauna, steam room, massage room. Leisure area in the castle with Play-station 3, ping-pong, petanque table, darts, various games, poker table, billiards, baby-foot... Each of the 10 rooms has its own bathroom.

Situated at 10 km from Lapalisse, this quiet, green and shady campsite is next to a lake (fishing possible). Nearby : swimming-pool, tennis, hiking paths.

Situated at 10 km from Lapalisse, this quiet, green and shady campsite is next to a lake (fishing possible). Nearby : swimming-pool, tennis, hiking paths. 3 chalets of which one for disabled people.

Situated at 10 km from Lapalisse, this quiet, green and shady campsite is next to a lake (fishing possible). Nearby : swimming-pool, tennis, hiking paths.

Free machine for draining and water.