"Tournus, Cormatin & Brancion-Lesser known Burgundy" Bourgogne by Adagio1

If you are driving, from Chalon-Sur-Saone, that wonderful old city on the Saone, take the N6 for Tournus, it's about 30kms away. En-route on your left you will see the home of the inventor of photography Nicephore Niepce (1765-1833). There is a dedicated museum to him in Chalon SS well worth a visit if Chalon SS is your base.

Now that you have arrived in Tournus, on the lovely Saone river, you will find this smallish town worth at least a few hours of discovery. Of major historical importance is Abbaye Saint-Philbert a Romanescue sancturary built here in the 11th century by Lombard masons. Of course only remnants of that first structure exist.

Chateau Cormatin

On the way to Cormatin you may want to visit the Church of Chapaize just 5kms before Cormatin on the D14. Its of early Mediterranean style by the Lombard craftsmen. In this example some architectural errors were made causing the walls to be pushed outwards. Arriving in Cormatin you will find ample parking across the road from Chateau Cormatin's entrance gate where a fee is charged for visits. If there is a tour going do join in as the history of this grand chateau is significant.

Col de Brancion view

The privately owned village of Brancion can be easily incorporated in this day's drive. It is just off the D14. A reasonable entry fee is charged.

The walled village of Brancion whose origins are dated back to the 10th century. Jocerand de Brancion took part in the Crusades, I think his tomb can be found in the chapel. If you need to stay overnight there is the Auberge du Vieux Brancion which has six rooms for guests. During your stay a guided tour can be arranged.

• Pros:Rural scenery at its best. Away from the maddening crowds
• Cons:A car is needed but cycling could be fun
• In a nutshell:One of France's most enthralling departments