Tournus

Tournus is a commune nestled along the right bank of the Saône River, featuring a compact medieval town core surrounded by quieter residential areas. The town center includes public squares, traditional stone buildings, and a riverside setting that draws visitors year-round.

The town grew around the Saint-Philibert Abbey in the early medieval period, which became its religious and economic center. Over centuries, this monastic foundation transformed into a trading post where river commerce shaped the town's prosperity and layout.

The Abbey Church of Saint-Philibert dominates the town's character, standing as the visual and historical heart that shapes daily life and visitor experience. Walking through the streets, you sense how deeply this religious structure has influenced the community's identity and gathering spaces.

The town is best explored on foot, with the river serving as a natural guide for orientation. Several accommodations and dining options are distributed throughout, making it convenient to spend a full day visiting the main sites and local restaurants.

The birthplace of painter Jean-Baptiste Greuze, this town celebrates its connection to the 18th-century artist through local displays and heritage recognition. Visitors often discover this artistic link while exploring the town's cultural institutions.

Location: Saône-et-Loire

Location: arrondissement of Mâcon

Inception: March 11, 2001

Elevation above the sea: 216 m

Shares border with: Boyer, Lacrost, Mancey, Ozenay, Plottes, Préty, Simandre, Vers, Le Villars

Website: https://tournus.fr

GPS coordinates: 46.56167,4.91222

Latest update: December 19, 2025 23:33