Ferme de la Corbette

Cluny’s a very handsome place, and well worth a wander. The Benedictine Abbey has been famed across Europe since the Middle Ages, and the whole town’s been well preserved for an atmospheric stroll (although the small sorts may be more interested in hearing that it’s also well endowed with cafés and ice cream shops). Blanot, 15 minutes’ drive away, is another pretty place for a stroll, or you could rack up the history lessons with visits to the medieval Château de Berzé-le-Châtel (10 minutes), the lavish gold-flecked rooms of 17th-century Château de Cormatin (15 minutes) and the prehistoric Caves of Azé (20 minutes). Kids rolling their eyes at such endeavours? Perhaps their good behaviour could be rewarded with a trip to see the exotic beasts at the excellent Touroparc zoo (half an hour away), or an exciting clamber through the treetops at Acrobath adventure park (15 minutes). If, meanwhile, it’s more fresh air you fancy, take your bikes or boots out onto one of the traffic-free voie verte routes that run from Cluny. Head north towards Givry or south towards Macon; either way is mighty scenic, with plenty of picnic spots en route and the odd vineyard for a restorative tipple.