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Semur-en-Brionnais
Saône-et-Loire
Cluny – an outstanding heritage
Situated in southern Burgundy, this former fiefdom of Saint-Hugues, the founder of Cluny, was once the historic capital of the Brionnais region. This charming market town boasts a rich heritage, including a fortified castle with a square keep dating back to the 9th century, a magnificent Romanesque church featuring eight arches and columns in its bell tower, and old houses with an almost pinkish hue.
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asso Vieilles Pierres
Word of Mouth
In 1024, Hugues was born at Semur Castle; he would go on to become the sixth Grand Abbot of the Order of Cluny. For 60 years, until his death, he led the Order, which was present throughout Christendom with more than ten thousand monks, and commissioned the construction of the great abbey church – which was, sadly, destroyed after the Revolution – which was the largest church in Christendom before the construction of St Peter’s in Rome.
Ideas for everyone, all the time
From March 10, 2026 to Oct. 31, 2026
Les Chevaliers en Culotte Courte
Children can explore St Hugues Castle with a fun tour leaflet, disguised as a knight, tunic, headdress or sword in hand. At the end of the tour, their bravery will be rewarded!
Next dates:
- From 03/10/2026 to 10/31/2026
Open every day - From 03/10/2026 to 10/31/2026
Open every day
From Sept. 19, 2026 to Sept. 20, 2026 from 10 a.m.
JEP - Château Saint-Hugues
As part of the European Heritage Days, the Château Saint-Hugues welcomes you to discover its powerful 10th - 15th century keep. This was the birthplace of Hugues de Semur, the famous 6th Grand Abbot of Cluny and builder of Cluny III. Self-guided tour with leaflet.
Next dates:
- From 09/19/2026 to 09/20/2026
Open every day
From Sept. 19, 2026 to Sept. 20, 2026
Atelier "Message du futur"
How does a château survive the centuries? After learning about its history, its transformations and the restorations that have enabled it to stand the test of time, children are invited to imagine the future of Château Saint-Hugues. By means of a drawing and/or a short message, they will reinvent the château as it might look in 100 years' time: its appearance, its inhabitants, its uses and the new lives it could accommodate. This creative, participatory workshop is designed to raise youngsters' awareness of the notion of time passing and our constantly changing heritage. By imagining how the château could be preserved, transformed and passed on to future generations, they in turn become players in its history. The creations produced can be exhibited or incorporated into a symbolic time capsule.
Next dates:
- 09/19/2026
- 09/20/2026
From Sept. 19, 2026 to Sept. 20, 2026
Journées Européennes du Patrimoine : Du château en ruines à l'ouverture du site culturel
What remains of a castle when it is threatened by time and neglect? This guided tour invites participants to discover the contemporary history of the château, from the time it was abandoned in a state of ruin in the 19th century, to the many restoration campaigns that have brought it back to life since 1965. With the help of old and contemporary photographs, the tour highlights the remains that have been found, the restoration choices made, the challenges faced and the work of those who have helped to save it. From the outer courtyard to the keep, via the exhibition rooms, the murals and the archaeological finds, this tour reveals how an endangered heritage can be preserved, enhanced and passed on. It's an opportunity to understand that protecting our heritage is a collective endeavour, essential if future generations are to continue to make it their own and reinvent it.
Next dates:
- 09/19/2026
- 09/20/2026
The Sept. 20, 2026
Les Musicales de Semur - Traveling bag
Irish music Domitille Audras: diatonic accordions Stéphane Ducros: guitar Florentin Desaunay: flute, tin-whistle, clarinet Pierre-Yves Gaillot: fiddle and bagpipes Immerse yourself in the soundscape of the Celtic peoples, in the atmosphere of the holds of the Titanic. The group's infectious energy will take you into the frenzied atmosphere of traditional Irish tunes.
Next dates:
- 09/20/2026
The Sept. 26, 2026 from 10 a.m.
Atelier mon Blason
Set off to discover the secrets of the castle’s coats of arms during a workshop combining observation, history and creativity! After exploring the coats of arms on the façade and learning how to interpret their symbols, colours and meanings, the children will create their own coat of arms on a piece of recycled cardboard. Guided by the workshop leader, they’ll choose designs, colours and emblems to create a unique piece that reflects their personality. A fun and immersive activity that invites them to journey into the fascinating world of heraldry whilst developing their imagination. Ages 6 and over Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Next dates:
- 09/26/2026
Open every day
Map of Semur-en-Brionnais
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Office de Tourisme de Marcigny Semur-en-Brionnais
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Semur-en-Brionnais
