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Burgundy

The large tour of Burgundy by bike

Burgundy welcomes you! From Chalon, ride onto the cycle path and discover Tournus, Macon and Cluny before getting on your bike to explore the wine route peacefully.

Reviews (2) :
5.00 / 5
Reference BG1001
  • Itinerant trip
  • 10 days
  • Easy
  • from March to October
  • Minimum age 10 years
GPSGPS-app available
1279€ / pers.
  • Itinerary
  • This 10-day trip in the heart of Burgundy will please both cycle enthusiasts and travellers in search of peacefulness. Castles, abbeys but also renowned vineyards and canal are the main components of this large tour of Burgundy. Every new day is an adventure!

    You discover typical cities and villages of the region such as Cluny, Dracy or Beaune and its hospices. What Burgundy would taste without its local specialities and wines? Ride through the vineyards and stop for a wine tasting, you have the choice: Pommard, Montrachet, Gevrey-Chambertin, etc.

    The daily steps have been planned so as to cycle peacefully onto the bike paths and countryside roads and enjoy the treasures of the region as well as your accomodation!

    Day 1

     
     

    Arrival in Chalon-sur-Saône

    Discover the historical center and the beautiful cathedral of St. Vincent. Then stroll on the banks of the Saône river to enjoy the view over the bridge and the St. Lawrence Island. Châlon is also the birthplace of the photography. You can learn everything about it at the fascinating museum Nicéphore Niepce.

    Day 2

     
     

    Chalon - Tournus

    Bike
    33km
    You bike the Saône river banks out of Chalon and further the quiet, country roads through the villages. Take time to visit the historic town of Tournus, with its wealth of old buildings. It is one of the oldest monastic centers in Burgundy, featuring the remarkably preserved Abbey of Saint-Philibert. The Hotel-Dieu is a museum inside a former hospital with an apothecary.

    Day 3

     
     

    Tournus - Mâcon

    Bike
    24/29/34km
    Cycle path
    Today, you have two possibilities to be entertained:

    - full bike option: Your bike path goes along the banks of the Saone River. Follow the scenic path which is part of an acient towpath. The entire ride is tranquil as you pass quaint villages and charming vistas on your way to Mâcon. As you enter Mâcon, admire the Saint-Laurent bridge. Take time to catch a glimpse at the Saint-Pierre church and the medieval Wood House. You can also enter the Ursulines Museum which presents the local history and an art collection.

    - canoe + bike option: You need to be at least 5 years old and be able to swim. You begin your day by a canoe ride (you have two distance choices). The Saône river is your guide, relax and enjoy the journey. You can even take a swim! After the canoe, our partner will meet you and will give you back your bikes. You will then continue your ride by bike on the cycle path up to Mâcon.
       

    Canoe on the Saône - 5km journey 1h

    Enjoy a canoe ride to discover the lush and wild countryside from the river side. Easy canoe ride with no particular difficulty.
    25,00 € / child
    35,00 € / adult

    Canoe on the Saône - 10km journey 3h

    Enjoy a canoe ride to discover the lush and wild countryside from the river side. You can make a stop during the journey to take a swim or have a picnic.
    30,00 € / child
    40,00 € / adult

    Day 4

     
     

    Mâcon - Cluny

    Bike
    30km
    Bike lane
    You bike out of Mâcon and find quickly again the dedicated bike path through well-maintained vineyards. If you want a good warm-up, ride to the birthplace of the famous French writer, poet and politician, Lamartine. Otherwise, keep on the bike path to Berzé-la-Ville. Enter the Chapelle des Moines to see its magnificent mural paintings from the Middle Ages. At the foothill of the majestic fortress of Berze-le-Chatel, you ride 1.6km through the longest bike-only tunnel in Europe. This tunnel is closed in the winter to protect a colony of bats! The bike path takes you finally to Cluny. End your day by discovering the history of the Abbey of Cluny, the largest monastic order of the medieval western world.

    Day 5

     
     

    Cluny - Dracy-le-Fort

    Bike
    49km
    Bike lane
    The bike tour goes further on the quiet bike lane and then leads to the Castle of Cormatin, known for its 17th Century unique murals. Stroll across the massive drawbridge and view the gardens and water features. You’ll continue riding on the dedicated bike path through cool forests, vast vineyards and pastoral fields. Be sure to stop in the villages of Buxy, Givry and Dracy-le-Fort and enjoy the wines and the atmosphere of Burgundy!

    Day 6

     
     

    Loop tour Dracy

    Bike
    34km
    It is time to discover the vineyards of Cote Chalonnaise! First, you reach the castle of Germolles, the most-preserved residence of the Dukes of Burgundy where you can make a stop. You reach then Mercurey and its famous wines before cycling through the vineyards. A bit of climbing to have a magnificient point of view over the countryside and you reach back Dracy passing by Jambles and Givry.

    You can also choose to relax and enjoy all services of your hotel.

    Day 7

     
     

    Dracy-le-Fort - Meursault

    Bike
    38/44km
    Drive slowly on the towpath of the Canal du Centre to Santenay. You can visit the castle of Rully on the way (+6kms). Then you definitely enter the wine region by visiting the spectacular vineyards of the Côte de Beaune and leisurely stroll around the winehills of Chassagne-Montrachet or Puligny-Montrachet before stopping in Meursault. A real treat!

    Day 8

     
     

    Meursault - Nuits Saint Georges area

    Bike
    30km
    You can look forward to another day of biking through vast, lush vineyards, passing Pommard before reaching the town of Beaune. Take time to stroll the streets through the town sqaure where a labyrinth of wine cellars are hidden under the city streets. You’ll especially want to visit the Hospices de Beaune, a medieval hospital, with distinctive Gothic architecture and colorful tiled roofs. The museum gives well-laid out historical information on the Hospice’s history from the 15th century until today. End your day by riding through vineyards and reach Nuits-Saint-Georges or one of the surronding villages.

    Day 9

     
     

    Nuits Saint Georges - Dijon

    Bike
    26km
    This morning discover the vineyards of the Cotes de Nuits area, a 20km strip of land running south from Dijon to Nuits-Saint-Georges. Stop at the doorstep of the Chateau de Clos Vougeot, a highly symbolic building founded by the monks of the Abbaye de Citeaux. You’ll learn about the distinct castle architecture, as well as the rites of the brotherhood of the Chevalier du Tastevin. This organization, sometimes known as the Brotherhood of the Knight’s Tasting Cup is a bacchanalian society committed to enjoying and promoting the wines and food of the Burgundy region of France. Continue the ride to Dijon, former capital to the powerful Dukes of Burgundy. This lively city has open and welcoming atmosphere. End your day with a delightful stroll through the remarkable well-preserved city center.

    Day 10

     
     

    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 of 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 when you stay in these 3-4 Star hotels or Bed and Breakfasts. All properties have been selected for their cleanliness, style and friendliness of the staff. 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 Lyon and then train to Chalon-sur-Saône.
    • By train: direct inter-regional trains from Paris-Bercy station. The duration of the trip is 3h45. Or TGV (fast trains) from Paris Gare de Lyon and connection in Lyon/Le Creusot-Monceau/Dijon to take a regional train to Chalon-sur-Saône. The duration of the trip varies from 2h50 to 3h45. To plan your trip, https://en.oui.sncf/en/


    Parking

    If you drive to Chalon-sur-Saône, you can park your car in a secured car park located in the city center. The weekly rate is about 30€.

    You can also park for free along the river banks.

    All details park will be given in your travel documents.


    To get back to starting point:

    Regional trains take you back to your starting point if you wish. They are accessible without booking in advance and bicycles are free. You have to buy your ticket on spot. You will find the timetable of the day 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
  • 2 bike travelers reviews 5.00 / 5

    Colin

    On the 2023-09-23 by Colin
    We have now been on 6 trips with Le Vélo Voyageur & every one has been well organised. The hotels have been good, the routes have been interesting, the scenery has been wonderful and, with only one exception, the quality of the e-bikes has been great. We think that we get good value for our money. We have recommended Le Vélo to many people.

    Wonderful experience

    On the 2023-04-02 by Debra
    We had an amazing trip through Burgundy. Vélo Voyageur did a great job of organizing all the details and the routes so we could enjoy our ride.
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