Ride through the Heart of Burgundy

Overview

Prestigious vineyards and the Canal du Centre on this tour of beautiful Burgundy, the heart of one of the richest areas in France hides a myriad of quiet country lanes and pleasant cycle tracks that weave their way through vineyards and rolling hills. A great area for discovery, relaxation and laid back cycling… Beginning in Beaune, we discover the best portions of the Canal du Centre (which connects the Saone to the Loire), the prestigious vineyards of the Nuits-Saint-Georges (Vosne Romanée, Vougeot, Gevrey Chambertin, Chambolle Musigny…), and the “Voie des Vignes” that leads to Santenay (the home of great wines such as Pommard, Volnay, Meursault, Chassagne Montrachet). Our Burgundy tour offers a strong gastronomical theme with numerous opportunities  to visit vineyards and wine cellars, as well as selected restaurants.

Itinerary

Day 1  -  Arrive in Dijon (0km) - explore the cityWhile famous for its mustard and medieval history, Dijon is one of the best-kept secrets in France. The beautiful city has retained the friendly atmosphere of a much smaller town and is brimming with museums, galleries, shops and cafés.

Day 3 Beaune - Rully (35km)

Before we start cycling we have the time to discover the town of Beaune. Underground Beaune has a myriad of historical cellars, dating back several centuries, as well as those of the many private mansions that stretch for dozens of kilometres under the streets and alleys. Heading off on our bikes once again, we continue south, through the extension of the Côte d'Or crossing a succession of "grand cru" vineyards and classified village

Day 4  Rully - Nolay (30km)

Today's route takes us through the Burgundy countryside. After two days of riding through vineyards, and past prestigious châteaux we head into a more subtle, but no less charming part of Burgundy. On a superb network of back roads that wind their way between the vineyards, then between the fields and pastures, we set off west to the valley of the Dheune, tributary of the Saone. We descend the Dheune, crossing numerous pretty villages, with the beautiful Burgundy countryside as a backdrop

Day 5 Nolay - Bligny sur Ouche (30-45km)

Today we take plenty of time to enjoy the sights along the way and head due north to join the River Ouche, a typical Burgundy river that meanders gently through the countryside. After a further visit to Nolay (Saint Pierre quarter, museum of paleontology, town hall), our route leads us towards the cliffs of Saint Romain. We follow the river for a short time, before heading to Bligny, where we stay the night.

Day 6  - Bligny sur Ouche - Pont de Pany (45km)

Today's ride is a little longer than yesterday, but with plenty of descending. Our route sees us descend the Ouche Valley, a favourite destination for the residents of the Dijon area.

Now only a few kilometres away from the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy. Today’s we have a well-earned breather after a full week of riding, as well as plenty of time to visit the many interesting natural and architectural sites of the city of Dijon

for those who appreciate fine cuisine, the opportunity to indulge in some local gastronomy.

Includes.

• Standard Hybrid bike & helmet hire (suitable for path and trail)

• Bike repair kit

• Daily luggage transfer between accommodations (20kgs per person)

• All tour nights accommodation in guest house and 2*/3* hotels in double/twin rooms with en-suite facilities

• All breakfasts

• All evening meals (3 - 4 course menu)

• GPx Files and Route Maps.

• Tour host support and some historical interpretation

• France based backup if required

Excludes

• Flights and Travel Insurance, N.B. comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory.  You must disclose to your insurer that you are on this bike tour.

• Transport to and from Dijon

• Trains, buses or boats

• Lunches on the tour (which we usually select from a boulangerie before setting off for the day), though a secret source has informed me that someone in the group may have a baguette, cheese and salami!

• All alcoholic and other drinks

• Costs of medical treatment on tour

• Costs of visits to any museums, monuments or other attractions when on tour

• Additional travel or costs related to change in the programme due to adverse weather or other unavoidable issues

• Local sim card or roaming costs

Optional Extras:

• Single room supplement

• E-bike supplement

• Pre and post tour accommodation options are available.

You will need to get yourself to Dijon by Monday 14th August to start the tour on Tuesday 15th. From Sunday 20th August at the end of the tour it is your own arrangements (from Dijon).