Brancion

Visit Brancion, Burgundy

Brancion is situated between Cluny and Tournus in the southern part of the Saone-et-Loire department of Burgundy. In recent years the village (called Martailly-les-Brancion) has undergone a great deal of improvements and renovations, and is now recommended if you are visiting the region.

From the 13th to the 15th centuries Brancion was an important regional centre for the Dukes of Burgundy, and the interesting buildings in the village date from that epoch.

Later the village lost its importance and Brancion became a quiet backwater for the following five centuries. At the turn of the millennium the village made a conscious decision to make the most of its important buildings and attractive character, and spent several years on renovations and improvements.

Exploring Brancion

Pass through the gateway in the original village fortifications and inside you will find several attractions, not least of which is simply the chance to stroll through the streets of the historic village itself. The main monuments of historical importance in Brancion are a medieval church and market hall, and the castle above Brancion.

The traditional market hall with its magnificent carpentry work dates back as far as the 14th century and is unusual because it is also has low walls on all sides.

Another listed historic monuments in Brancion village is the Church of Saint-Pierre. Located on the rocky ridge above the village it dates from the 12th century. The chevet and tower are the most imposing elements outsiden while inside you can see the impressive murals inside the church, added several hundred years after the church was originally built.

The most important monument here is Brancion castle that stands above the village itself. The oldest section of the castle, a part of the original logis, dates from the 10th century, while the other parts (quite extensive and substantial ruins) and the donjon were added in the 12th - 14th centuries.

In the castle you can see the living accommodation, two towers and the donjon - from here you can see the best views across the Grosne valley, and there is a sign to explain what you are looking at.

The raised position of the village mean it also has extensive views across the Grosne valley and the Burgundy countryside.

Practical Information

Various guided tours of Brancion are available (summer only), and there is parking available below the village.

Suggested places to visit near Brancion, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Chalon-sur-Saone 28km; Bourg-en-Bresse 49km; Brou Royal Monastery 50km; Paray-le-Monial 53km; Beaune 55km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Brancion

Brancion tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Eglise de Saint Pierre de Brancion (Martailly-les-Brancion) - religious monument (2km) : Eglise de Saint Martin (Chapaize) - religious monument (6km) : Abbatiale eglise de Saint Philibert (Tournus) - religious monument (9km) : Abbaye de Cluny (Cluny) - religious monument (15km) : Eglise de Saint Denis (Massy) - religious monument (16km) : Eglise de Jalogny (Jalogny) - religious monument (18km) : Eglise de Saint Blaise (Mazille) - religious monument (21km) : Chapelle aux Moines (Berze-la-Ville) - religious monument (21km) :

French version: see Brancion (Francais)