Initially devoted to St Valerian, a Christian from Asia Minor who travelled to Tournus to convert the people in the 2C, the abbey changed patron saint in the early 9C, following the arrival of monks from Noirmoutier fleeing Norsemen. They brought wit..

The abbey is composed of a cloister, the southern buildings of which contain the town and abbey library. The chapter house, destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1239 by Abbot Bérard, has pointed Gothic arches and Romanesque bays. The 15C Abbey dwelling i..

This magnificent Romanesque church has an austere façade dating from the 10 and 11C, its warm colours and mighty walls relieved by Lombard bands. Above the narthex, St Michael's Chapel has capitals dating from the Carolinian period. The bareness of t..

This attractive folk traditions museum has been set up in a 17C treasurer's house. Scenes of the daily life of peasants in days gone by have been reconstituted using wax models dressed in regional costume. Note the interior of a Bresse farm, a Tournu..

After three centuries of good and loyal service to poor patients, the Hôtel-Dieu ceased activity in 1982. The old wards have been restored and reflect hospital life from the 17C on. The lines of traditional oak box-beds are still in place. There is a..

From the bridge over the Saône, there is a fine view of the Church of St Philibert and the town. Walk as far as the pleasure-boat harbour. In the centre of the attractive Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville stands a statue of Greuze.

This charming church stands in the centre of the old Roman town. The chevet, surrounded by old buildings, watches over the banks of the Saône. The 12C semicircular portico still remains with its slim columns, decorated with beaded braid, overlapping ..