The Monks' Path

It is a mythical ridge path "chemin faîtral" between Tournus and Cluny on GR 76, 76A, and 76C. It is said to derive its name from the links uniting the abbeys of Cîteaux and Cluny in the 12th century. Following the ridges of the hills, adapting to the terrain to avoid ascents and descents as much as possible, this path was also the most frequented by the Cluny monks who traveled it time and time again. It traces the great backbone of the Monts du Mâconnais, from Laives to Cluny where it joins the Camino de Santiago. Its ridge line offers panoramic views of the deciduous forests and the plain. The route crosses attractive sites: the Romanesque church of Saint-Martin-de-Laives, the rock of Aujoux, Etrigny, Balleure, the medieval and picturesque village of Brancion, Mont Saint-Romain, Blanot, Donzy-le-Pertuis, the abbey city of Cluny. The trail crosses many passes: col de Navois (446 m), Roche d'Aujoux, col des Chèvres (419 m), col de Brancion, col de la Pistole, Mont Saint-Romain (550 m), col de la Croix, col de la Percée.
For information on this itinerary, contact the tourist offices of Sennecey-le-Grand or Cluny.