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  • BE: +32 (0) 2 588 76 91
Voyage vélo Cycling holidays in France
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Burgundy

The Canal of Burgundy by bike

Get on your bike for a 7-day trip along the canal of Burgundy! Discover the region of Auxois with its rich cultural and historical sites and the Ouche valley, between traditional villages and relaxing atmosphere.

Reviews (5) :
4.50 / 5
Reference BG0703
  • Itinerant trip
  • 7 days
  • Easy
  • from March to October
  • Minimum age 8 years
GPSGPS-app available
From
Prices
839€ / pers.
Book here
  • Itinerary
    • You will cycle mostly along the canal of Burgundy for this bike trip in a region, full of surprises! Discover the must-see sites of the area such as the abbey of Fontenay, the castle of Commarin or the battle site of Alesia between the Gauls and Romans. On your own pace, explore the traditionals hamlets of Semur-en-Auxois, Châteauneuf or Flavigny-sur-Ozerain and ride through the locks of the canal enjoying a view over the countryside.

    These biking holidays start in Montbard, the city of Buffon and end in Dijon, the city of a hundred churches. You will have all the time to enjoy the heritage and the art of life of the region with its wines and local specialities!

    Day 1
     
     

    Arrival in Montbard

    Welcome in the city of Buffon, a famous French naturalist! Montbard is a lively cultural and historical city you can explore at your own pace. You meet the canal of Burgundy : your travel companion for this adventure!

    Day 2
     
     

    Montbard - Semur-en-Auxois

    Bike
    28km
    Bicycle path
    Get on your bike to ride along the canal of Burgundy with a view over the countryside! Today, you will discover some of the most impressive tourist sites. To learn more about the history of the region, you can visit the Forge of Buffon, an industrial work of art. For history buffs, do not miss the Abbey of Fontenay, the oldest Cistercian abbey preserved in the world and listed in the UNESCO world heritage. You leave the canal in Pouillenay to reach the medieval city of Semur-en-Auxois.

    Day 3
     
     

    Loop tour Semur-en-Auxois

    Bike
    46km
    Countryside roads
    After strolling into the lively streets of Semur, you board for a journey through time and space in Alesia region, which is famous for beeing the battle site between the Gauls and Romans. The park-museum and the statue of Vercingetorix will certainly remind you the comic books with Astérix and Obélix. The adventure goes on in the hamlet of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain and its famous anis factory, a perfect place for food-lovers! Then, you reach back the canal and its quiet banks before getting back to Semur-en-Auxois.

    Day 4
     
     

    Semur-en-Auxois - Pouilly-en-Auxois

    Bike
    42km
    Bicycle path
    Say goodbye to the historical capital of Auxois region and ride through small countryside roads of Burgundy. In Pont-et-Massène, swim into the lake to cool down before cycling along the Armançon river. The canal of Burgundy is here. You arrive in Pouilly-en-Auxois, a perfect nautical place to discover and enjoy the specialities of the area.

    Day 5
     
     

    Pouilly-en-Auxois - Vandenesse-en-Auxois

    Bike
    23km
    Countryside roads
    For this short step, you will enjoy plenty of tourist and cultural sites you can discover at your own pace. In Commarin, you will admire the architecture of the 14th century castle with all pieces of preserved traditional furniture. In Châteauneuf, listed as most beautiful village of France, stroll into the medieval streets before exploring the castle and its exhibitions. Unless you prefer to relax onto the beach of the lake of Panthier and taste a delicious wine of the region?

    Day 6
     
     

    Vandenesse-en-Auxois - Dijon

    Bike
    52km
    Bicycle path
    It is time to say goodbye to Auxois region and hello to the valley of Ouche! You ride along the peaceful canal of Burgundy and discover typical hamlets. Take the time to taste the regional products and make a stop around one of the lively lock. After passing the lake of Kir, where you can swim or look at the sailing boats, you arrive in Dijon. Enjoy the typical art of living and do not miss the visit of the palace of the Dukes of Burgundy.

    Day 7
     
     

    Dijon

    Described as the "city with the hundred bell towers" by François 1er, Dijon was the capital of the powerful Dukes of Burgundy. The city has inherited architectural gems such as the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, Notre Dame church with its famous carved owl or the mansions of the old city center. Dijon is also well-known for its food specialties such as gingerbread, mustard, blackcurrant liquor or nonette (pastry).
  • Accommodation

    • Category A

    You’ll enjoy staying in these clean and cozy 2-3 Star hotels that give you a pleasant rest after your day biking. Breakfast is included when you spend the night in these friendly and family-run hotels.
    * Example of the type of accommodation

    Category B

    You’ll get a good night’s sleep staying in these 2 or 3-Star hotels or Bed and Breakfasts. All properties have been selected for their cleanliness, style and the friendliness of the staff. Some pieces of accomodation have a swimming-pool. A hearty breakfast is included!
    * Example of the type of accommodation
  • Bikes, luggage and documents
    • Bikes

    On your arrival day, we provide you with:

    • a touring bike adjusted to your size or a tandem
    • equipped : front rack pack with an integrated file compartment, saddlebag, helmet (on demand), reflective vest, repairing toolkit with patches etc.

    We also provide you with the appropriate equipment for your children : baby seat, bike trailer or trailer bike depending on their age and size.
    Electric bikes are also available for adults (+1m55).

    You can of course also bring your own bikes, in this case a reduction will be applied (see the Tarif tab)


    Luggage

    Our services include luggage transport in order to let you enjoy your trip comfortably and without stress :
    • We transport your luggage from one accommodation to the next using a private vehicle.
    • Your luggage is directly delivered in your accommodation before you arrive.
    • We provide a saddlebag for the things you shall need during the day.

    Our word of advice : as we know from experience, we strongly recommend you to avoid wearing a backpack during your cycling trip.
    If you expect to arrive at the next accommodation before 5 p.m., we recommend that you take an extra set of clothes with you in your bicycle bag.


    Travel documents

    A cycling holiday is the best way to explore a region and discover its culture, landscapes and local traditions.

    Your tour is self-guided to give you the freedom to ride at your own pace. You will be provided all the information you need to enjoy the itinerary and its points of interests.

    We can provide you with travel documents in paper format (for a supplement of €15 for printing and postage), which include:
    • a roadbook with maps that we drew at the easiest scale to follow on a bike
    • a roadbook with step-by-step description giving the direction to follow at each intersection and highlighting the points of interest

    Example of a map and of a step-by-step description


    Our GPS App

    For this trip, you can also use our smartphone app featuring GPS guidance (without extra fee).

    You will find in the app all the information given in the map and step-by-step roadbooks. You will be located on the itinerary with the GPS device of your phone. The route and directions to follow will be both viewable on the screen of your phone and announced aloud. As you ride along the itinerary, you will be given information about visits, restaurants, services and useful alerts on the way.

    -> You need to have a smartphone and download Le Velo Voyageur app on your Apple or Android store before the trip. All details concerning the downloading and the use of the application will be given after we have confirmed the booking and the balance is paid. Once the trip is downloaded, the GPS guidance can be used off-line.
  • Practical information
    • To get to departure point:

    • By plane: flight to Paris, then train to Montbard.
    • By train: TGV (fast trains) from Paris Lyon station or TER (regional train) from Paris Bercy station. The duration of the trip varies from 1h00 to 2h30. To plan your trip, https://en.oui.sncf/en/

    Parking

    If you drive to Montbard, you can park your car for free in an open car park located in the city center. The location and contact details of the car parks will be given in your travel documents.

    To get back to starting point (Dijon-Montbard) :

    Regional trains take you back to your starting point from Dijon if you wish (about 40 min). They are accessible without booking in advance and bicycles are free. You have to buy your ticket on spot (full rate €7.5/adult). There are several trains per day. You will find the timetable in your travel documents.

    Meeting time:

    The first day is an arrival day without cycling. You arrive whenever you want depending on from where you come. Please note that rooms are usually available in the middle of the afternoon depending on your accommodation. We thank you to advise us if you plan to arrive late.


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  • Reviews
    • 5 bike travelers reviews 4.50 / 5

    “ Bonne expérience avec quelques réserves ”

    On the 2023-06-10 by Normands
    Circuit intéressant mais un peu difficile avec de simples VTC (dénivelé). De très bons hôtels mais aussi de moins bons…

    “ Une semaine au vert! ”

    On the 2022-05-24 by Marjorie
    Un super périple

    “ Excellent séjour en Bougogne ”

    On the 2021-08-04 by Frédérique
    Très bonne organisation, bien rodée, pour ce séjour le long du canal de Bourgogne qui permet de découvrir un coin magnifique. Nous n'avons rencontré aucun souci matériel. Les vélos étaient très bons et adaptés aux tailles indiquées. Le nombre de km à parcourir laisse largement le temps pour les visites. Nous avons été gâtés par le temps. Nous sommes enchantés de notre périple et n'hésiterons pas à faire appel à Vélo Voyageur de nouveau à l'avenir.

    “ Superbe randonnée ”

    On the 2020-10-03 by Michelle
    Beaux paysages, parcours très bien choisi, hôtels également. Tout était bien

    “ Amateurs de vieilles pierres ”

    On the 2019-07-30 by GHISLAIN
    Un parcours de rêve pour les amateurs de vieilles pierres. Nous retournons au temps des templiers et même au temps des romains à Alesia. Des étapes dans de superbes petites villes de campagne des de jolis petits hôtels toujours très bien situés.
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