Tournus

Visit Tournus, Burgundy

Tournus is on the Saone River in the Saone-et-Loire department of southern Burgundy.

With a history dating back to the romans, when the raised position above the river made the location easy to defend. With an attractive and vibrant centre, Tournus is a pleasant town to explore - especially the medieval centre, with its narrow alleys, old stone houses, artsy shops and restaurants.

There are also a couple of monuments of particular importance to see - principal among these, and the highlight of a visit to Tournus, is the 10th century benedictine Abbey of Saint-Philibert de Tournus.

Abbey of Saint-Philibert de Tournus

The town has long been associated with Saint-Philibert, whose relics were brought here in the 9th century when vikings attacked western France, and in whose honour the abbey was built - but earlier than that, in the 2nd century, it was here that Valerien preached christianity (and was beheaded by the romans, hence becoming a martyr), so Tournus has been an important religious centre from a very early time.

The abbey church  is probably the oldest Roman style church of its kind in existence, and is a very fine building, approached towards the west facade by way of a passage between two oversized defensive towers (which conceal much of the facade until you are quite close). An understated interior contains some very interesting features to discover, including some 12th century mosaics, an early (10th century) crypt and some carved figures on the capitals.

Other sites in Tournus

There are several other notable sites in Tournus, including various other religious monuments such as the Church of Saint-Valérien. The Church of Saint-Valérien is believed to be especially ancient, perhaps 10th century, and is a little way north of Tournus town centre.

Heading further south into the town centre, there are also a few medieval / half-timbered buildings that you will come across as you stroll through the town centre - eg in Place Carnot, in the 'Narrow Street' (Rue du passage Etroite) off the western end of the square, and the surrounding streets.

It is here that we also find the original city hospital (Hotel-Dieu), dating from the 17th century and now in part a museum (the Musee Greuze) featuring a wide range of items relating to the history of the region, and also a good collection of paintings by the 18th century artist Jean-Baptiste Greuze, born in the town in 1725 (and other artists).

Continuing southwards you will pass the town Hall and some more quiet old streets and reach the Church of Saint-Madeleine. The part of Tournus along the river Saone, which is the eastern edge of Tournus, is also worth a stroll.

The Tourist Office in Tournus (in the place de l'Abbaye) have an informative plan of the town with a suggested walking route to follow).

Note; being a cyclist I was fascinated by the Museum of the Bicycle, which has a fascinating collection of bikes dating back to the early 19th century - before pedals had been invented! (entry charge payable, afternoons only)

Region around Tournus

There are lots of picturesque villages and hamlets that you will come across in the countryside around Tournus, many very small but all with their own particular charm - perhaps a particularly quaint church, or a tranquil setting, or far reaching views across the region.

Tourist classifications for Tournus: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 2*; 'Historical protected town centre' (secteur sauvegardé);

Suggested places to visit near Tournus, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Macon 29km; Bourg-en-Bresse 47km; Brou Royal Monastery 48km; Lons-le-Saunier 51km; Beaune 52km; Baume-les-Messieurs 59km; Chateau-Chalon 59km;

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

Tournus tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Abbatiale eglise de Saint Philibert (Tournus) - religious monument (0km) : Eglise de Saint Pierre de Brancion (Martailly-les-Brancion) - religious monument (9km) : Eglise de Saint Martin (Chapaize) - religious monument (13km) : Abbaye de Cluny (Cluny) - religious monument (24km) : Eglise de Saint Denis (Massy) - religious monument (25km) : Eglise de Jalogny (Jalogny) - religious monument (27km) : Chapelle aux Moines (Berze-la-Ville) - religious monument (28km) : Eglise de Saint Blaise (Mazille) - religious monument (30km) :

French version: see Tournus (Francais)