Things to see and do Saône-Et-Loire

Below the tiny village of Saint-Martin-d'Auxy nestles the Jardin de Cassandra. Around their home, the Crescentini family have laid out some 7,000^m2 of land, sometimes creating complete biotopes from scratch. Meadows, orchards, ponds and ornamental gardens teem with life and invite you to take a stroll. Collections of rare hellebores, daylilies, rhododendrons, prunus, maples, old roses and hydrangeas shine all season long. Thanks to the nursery, it's possible to buy some rare specimens.

Departing from the town hall, the heritage trail has 11 stops with explanatory panels. It winds its way through the heart of Rully, and a little way out to take in the views of the village and its surrounding vineyards. The springs of the Thalie, the medieval castle, the sumptuous Château Saint-Michel and the Church of Saint-Laurent are among the jewels to be discovered. A beautiful walk, with no major difficulties, but with a slight gradient.

In the rural Bresse region, there's nothing more natural than a Maison de l'agriculture. It is organized in a space evoking the atmosphere of an old farmyard, with trompe-l'oeil decor. Step inside to discover the traditional activities of the Bresse countryside, the evolution of farming practices, including the use of the first tractors, and the various local PDOs and AOCs. Dioramas, panels and videos detail farming life, amid landscapes marked by cereal crops and poultry farming.

The Saint-Martin de Laives church is a Catholic church in the commune of Laives, Saône-et-Loire, in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1905. The Romanesque church was built in the 11th century, with a vaulted nave and two aisles ending in a cul-de-four. It sits atop a hill overlooking the village of Laives, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The church is accessible by several footpaths and was once an important place of pilgrimage. It is also known for its 16th-century hermitage. Despite periods of neglect and decay, the church has been restored and is now open to the public. It bears witness to the region's religious and architectural history. Visitors can admire its Romanesque architecture, as well as the Gothic chapels added later. The Saint-Martin de Laives church is a place steeped in history and spirituality, well worth a visit for lovers of architecture and religious heritage.

Cigar boutique Société Nouvelle Casa de Francia offers a wide range of French cigars. After an absence of fifty years, the Hecho a mano cigar tradition is back, thanks to French cigar manufacturer Edito. Two cigar ranges are available, ALLEGRO of Cuban origin and PIANO of Dominican origin, with seven different modules. The boutique also offers accessories such as cigar cutters, cigar scissors and personalized ashtrays. Special events are regularly organized, such as tasting evenings and cigar-making courses. For cigar aficionados, Société Nouvelle Casa de Francia is a must-visit venue in La Chapelle-de-Guinchay.