Attractions and Places To See around Saint-Point - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Saint-Point include a blend of historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural features. This region in France offers visitors opportunities to explore significant historical locations and enjoy picturesque natural landscapes. Notable sites range from ancient castles to expansive lakes, providing diverse points of interest.
Best attractions and places to see around Saint-Point
- The most popular attractions is Vergisson Rock, a natural monument that offers an unmissable viewpoint at 485 meters above sea level. From its summit, visitors can observe a unique panorama of the Beaujolais valley and the village of Vergisson below.
- Another must-see spot is Roche de Solutré, a natural monument culminating at 495 meters. This site is located within the Grand Site de France and provides spectacular views over the Mâconnais vineyards.
- Visitors also love Cluny, a settlement historically centered around the Benedictine monastery. The town's remaining relics from the Cluniac Abbey, founded in 910, are remarkable and showcase its significant role in the Cluniac reform.
- Saint-Point is known for its natural monuments, historical settlements, and cultural sites. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient abbeys to scenic viewpoints.
- The attractions around Saint-Point are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 200 upvotes and 87 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Cluny
Highlight • Settlement
The last abbey church (Cluniac 3) was the world's largest Romanesque basilica and, until the construction of today's St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the largest church in Christendom. The church had seven towers.
Although large parts of the building were destroyed, the remaining relics are absolutely remarkable and make a visit to Cluny an unforgettable experience!
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Roche de Solutré
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Tunnel du bois clair
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Vergisson Rock
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Saint-Jacques-des-Arrêts
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The village also has a communal campsite. Inquire at town hall.
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In the Middle Ages, the abbey was one of the most influential spiritual and cultural centers in Europe. Cluny was the mother house of the Cluniac Reform and headed a federation of over 1,200 monasteries. The third abbey church (Cluny was the largest church in the Christian world until the construction of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome). Of the once-mighty complex, only parts of the southern transept remain today, as the abbey was largely used as a quarry and demolished after the French Revolution.
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Magnificent view across the countryside all the way to Mâcon
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A perfect complement to the Solutré rock and Mont de Pouilly.
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The town of Cluny was based on the Benedictine monastery (Cluniac Abbey), founded in 910. The abbey was the starting point and center of the Cluniac reform at the beginning of the 10th century. Cluny reached its peak membership at the beginning of the 12th century with approximately 400 monks. The last abbey church (Cluniac 3) was the world's largest Romanesque basilica and, until the construction of today's St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the largest church in Christendom. The church had seven towers. Although large parts of the building were destroyed, the remaining relics are absolutely remarkable and make a visit to Cluny an unforgettable experience!
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Several paths lead to the summit. A very pretty hike, which can be extended by climbing its big sister, Solutré, for the more athletic.
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The Tunnel du Bois Clair is a former railway tunnel and at 1.6 km the longest tunnel in France now open to a greenway. It takes 4 to 6 minutes to cross by bike, 6 to 10 minutes on rollerblades and 15 to 20 minutes on foot, horse riders are not allowed to pass. The temperature is around 11 °C. There is a lighting system, but it is best to bring extra lighting on your bike... As this tunnel is home to protected species of bats, it is closed during hibernation (from October to April). In this case, a route is offered to bypass the tunnel, taking the circular trail n°14 (4 km, level: expert). A picnic area is located above the tunnel if you are coming via Cluny.
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Please note that the Bois Clair tunnel has closing periods: https://www.cluny-tourisme.com/visites-incontournables/le-tunnel-du-bois-clair/#ouverture If it is closed you will have to go through the Bois Clair pass which has the same name but not the same height difference. Good luck!
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This tunnel is impressive in its length!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Saint-Point?
The region boasts several impressive natural features. The most prominent is Lac de Saint-Point, France's third-largest natural lake, offering picturesque landscapes and various water activities. You can also visit Vergisson Rock and Roche de Solutré, both natural monuments providing spectacular panoramic views.
Are there any significant historical or cultural sites to visit?
Yes, Saint-Point is rich in history and culture. The town of Cluny, centered around its historic Benedictine monastery, showcases remarkable relics of the Cluniac Abbey. Additionally, the village of Saint-Jacques-des-Arrêts is a charming stop with pilgrim connections. The Château de Saint-Point, once the residence of poet Alphonse de Lamartine, offers a glimpse into his life and works, complete with his tomb and a Romanesque church nearby.
What kind of outdoor activities are available near these attractions?
The area around Saint-Point is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. Lac de Saint-Point is ideal for non-motorized water sports like canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and stand-up paddleboarding, as well as fishing. There's also a 23 km path encircling the lake, perfect for walking. For cycling, you can explore various routes, including Road Cycling Routes, Gravel biking, and MTB Trails.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints in the Saint-Point area?
For breathtaking views, head to Vergisson Rock, which offers a unique panorama of the Beaujolais valley. Another must-see is Roche de Solutré, providing spectacular vistas over the Mâconnais vineyards from its 495-meter summit.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities around Saint-Point?
Yes, Lac de Saint-Point is very family-friendly, featuring two supervised beaches, Les Grangettes and Oye et Pallet, during the summer months. The 23 km path around the lake is also suitable for family walks. The Tunnel du bois clair, Europe's longest bicycle tunnel, offers a unique and fun experience for families with bikes.
What is the best time to visit Saint-Point?
The best time to visit depends on your interests. Summer is ideal for enjoying the supervised beaches and water sports at Lac de Saint-Point. Autumn is particularly beautiful around the lake, known for its shimmering colors as the leaves change, making it perfect for scenic walks.
Are there any unique or 'hidden gem' spots to discover?
Beyond the main attractions, consider visiting Port-Titi on the edge of Lac de Saint-Point. This picturesque former fishing port is an ideal spot for a picnic and offers a charming, tranquil atmosphere. The Communal Orchard (Le Verger Communal) also provides a local, natural experience.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Saint-Point?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning panoramic views from natural monuments like Roche de Solutré and Vergisson Rock. The historical significance of Cluny and the beauty of Lac de Saint-Point are also highly appreciated, with many enjoying the diverse outdoor activities and serene environment.
Can I find places to eat or stay near the attractions?
Yes, in the charming village of Saint-Jacques-des-Arrêts, you'll find the rural inn of the Stops, known for its copious and tasty dishes, and a communal campsite. The area around Lac de Saint-Point also offers various options, and La Pimenterie is mentioned as a local place to discover in Saint-Point.
Are there any unique cycling experiences in the area?
Cyclists can enjoy the Tunnel du bois clair, which is Europe's longest bicycle tunnel, stretching 1600 meters. It's open seasonally from April 14th to June 30th and offers a memorable ride. The region also features numerous Road Cycling, Gravel biking, and MTB Trails.
What is the significance of the Château de Saint-Point?
The Château de Saint-Point is historically and literarily significant as the residence of the renowned French Romantic poet Alphonse de Lamartine from 1820. Visitors can explore the restored castle with its original furnishings, objects, and memorabilia from Lamartine's life, and see his complete literary works. His tomb is also located in the English-style park near a Romanesque church.
Can I go swimming in Lac de Saint-Point?
Yes, Lac de Saint-Point offers opportunities for swimming. During the summer months, there are two supervised beaches, Les Grangettes and Oye et Pallet, making it a safe and enjoyable spot for a refreshing dip.
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