Cluny Abbey & Medieval Village: Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour

4.7
(3 reviews)
Mâcon, France

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1 hour 15 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Discover why Cluny is said to have more Romanesque houses than the whole of England. Narrated by Claire Matrat, a local guide with 32 years’ experience in Burgundy.
This self-guided audio walk leads from the gates of Cluny Abbey, once the heart of Europe’s most powerful monastic order, through the medieval lanes that grew up around it. Climb the Cheese Tower for views over the bell towers, read the carved façades of 12th-century merchants’ houses, find the rare shutter that explains the origin of the hygiaphone and hear the story of the “little brothel”.

GPS-triggered audio plays as you walk, even offline, so start any time and go at your own pace. Stop for a coffee at any time. The walk takes about 1 hour and covers 2 km, ending 5 minutes from the start.

Highlights:
- A local guide’s stories at your own pace, any time of day or evening.
- See the Cheese Tower, Romanesque houses and hidden village secrets.
- Great value: lifetime access for a fraction of the cost of a private guide.

What's Included

Directions to the starting point so that when you're in the right place, the tour will start
Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
The VoiceMap App for Android and iOS
Smartphone & Headphones
Food/Drink
Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
Any form of transportation

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Ladestation Cluny

The tour begins at Le Prado, the large parking area beside the main road, near the tourist information office. Download the VoiceMap App before the day you plan to do the tour. Enter your confirmation code. Please note that the tour ends at 23 Rue de Republique - about 370m from the start

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What to expect

Start at the Portes d’Honneur of Cluny Abbey, founded in 910 and once home to the largest church in Christendom (abbey entry not included). Step into the Cour des Hôtes, where pilgrims and princes were received, then see how the abbey’s 18th-century buildings became the Arts et Métiers engineering school. Pass the Tour du Moulin on the old abbey walls and climb the Cheese Tower for views over the bell towers and rooftops. Walk Rue Joseph Desbois, lined with 12th- and 13th-century Romanesque townhouses, and learn to read their façades at Maison Dufoureau. Meet medieval Cluny’s craftsmen at the Shoemaker’s House, then explore the Quarter of the Aldermen, with its rare original shutter and the house nicknamed the “little brothel”. Finish at the chevet of the 13th-century Église Notre-Dame, the townspeople’s own church, a short stroll from the cafés of Rue de la République.

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by VoiceMap Audio Tours

Tags

Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.7 Based on 3 3 reviews
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