Cluny Travel Guide

 PierreZA Says:  The Market in Cluny was of the better ones we attended in Burgundy. Very good fresh produce were on sal, and the whole town came alive.Saturdays are market days. 

 hquittner Says:  Careful models of how Cluny III looked before its devastations, were made by Conant and his helpers. These are now exhibited with the recovered stonework in the Fariniere. They help a visitor to visualize the size and magnificence of the buildings and their protective... 

 hquittner Says:  It is important to realize that the carving of capitals began shortly after 1050 after centuries of an absence of sculptural technic. It began in a workshop (or two) in the Moissac and Toulouse area. These monasteries and churches were in very close affiliation with Cluny... 

 hquittner Says:  The 13C Flour Store being utilitarian was not destroyed during the Revolution. It retains its original chestnut roof on the upper story and today houses most of the sculptural finds (capitals and other decorations), models plus a few pieces of columns and an altar... 

 hquittner Says:  The area of the stud overlaps the monastery grounds and part of it was built of stone quarried from the destroyed church. Guided tours occur during the February-June period but we did not enter. 

 hquittner Says:  The Chapel of Jean de Bourbon was added to the South side of the shorter eastern second transept in 1456-85 and is in late Gothic style. Jean was the first commendatory Abbot and with his appointment , the monastery began its slow decline and loss of power. The12 carved... 

 hquittner Says:  Essentially built between 1088 and 1130 (with additions) , Cluny III was at the time the largest Catholic church in Europe, 600 feet long and 100 feet high in the South Tower. The remains of the church are minimal but the giant transept is worth the visit. This great... 

 PierreZA Says:  Do give yourself enough time to visit the abbey. The 'tour' starts at the museum - you will find directions all over town 'abbey-tickets'. The tours are only in French, although you will pay the same entrance fee despite the fact that you will not understand a word of... 

 reenby Says:  Take the guided tour of the abbey. Our guide was very enthusiastic even if his english was not always up to the task.The abbey was huge, you can only get an idea of its size from todays remains. The abbey grew in power until it rivalled Rome and was unimaginably rich. It was... 

 PierreZA Says:  Beautiful buildings. They have organized tours during the afternoons.The ticket office is only open as from a few minutes before the tours.Unfortunately it is only in French. 

 PierreZA Says:  Do visit this important archeological site. It is only about 30 minutes drive from Cluny. The museum is well designed and very informative. Audio is available in English.After visiting the museum, you can take a hike to the top of the rock of Solutre. 

 PierreZA Says:  Besides the amazing visit of the abbey, it is worth walking along the old walls. You will find original entrances, wash-houses, the other towers, the Hotel-Dieu de Cluny, and many other interesting sights.You will also find a view point which gives great views of the town... 

 PierreZA Says:  This tower is apparently the oldest of all the surviving buildings of the abbey. Climb the stairs for an amazing 360 degree view. It also gives a better idea of how the abbey was built.You buy tickets from the desk at the tourist info. 

 PierreZA Says:  Take a few minutes to visit this beautiful old cathedral. The crucifixion is a focus point as you walk into this old building. 

 0 Opinions

 christine.j Says:  The old part of Cluny is the most interesting, but it's a nightmare to drive there. There's no need to, as there is a good road leading all around it and a large,free parking lot. Inside there are a few parking spaces, but several times I saw the police walking around and...