Like a fine aged wine, savour Burgundy slowly, with time for its subtleties to penetrate. Great art, gastronomic food, and a history fermented with religion and royalty are your first tastes. Sip again and find white cows dotting green pastures embraced by hedgerows, and villages where you are greeted with a wave and friendly calls of “Bonne Route!” Self-guided cycling is the ultimate way to discover Burgundy.
Location
Beaune
Beaune, France
Day 1+2
Canal de Bourgogne
Canal de Bourgogne, France
Day 3+4
Semur-en-Auxois
Semur-en-Auxois, France
Day 5+6
Noyers
Noyers, France
Day 7+8
Vézelay
Vézelay, France
Day 9+10+11
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP
10 nights hotels
All breakfasts and 3 dinners
Luggage transfers
We require that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene reasons
Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
Detailed route instructions and map
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area manager available on call throughout the tour
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
Specifics
TRIP DATES
Start any date between May 1 and October 31
Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.
Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.
TOTAL DAYS
11 days / 10 nights, with 9 days cycling
ARRIVE / DEPART
Beaune / Vézelay
ACTIVITY LEVEL
48 km (30 miles) daily average
Some hills every day of moderate difficulty with one very challenging climb on Day 2
Extra km possible
TERRAIN
3 days gently rolling, 3 days moderately rolling
COST
Casual/B&B Accommodation: US $3,085
Single Supplement: US $770
Classic Accommodation: US $3,750
Single Supplement: US $940
Luxe Accommodation: US $4,585
Single Supplement: US $1,150
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US$440
E-Bikes: US$800
E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. If you have any questions before making your reservation, please contact us.
Getting There
You start in Beaune, about 320 km southeast of Paris.
Beaune is a famous and pleasant town in the heart of the Côte d’Or vineyards. It boasts a charming medieval quarter of narrow streets, welcoming squares and buildings topped with gleaming roof tiles. Beaune can be easily reached from Paris via Dijon. It is also close to the international airports in Lyon and Geneva.
1
Day 1
Beaune
Arrival in Beaune and stay at the hotel des remparts in the old town at the classic level or in Montagny-lès-Beaune at the Bed & Breakfast level. The luxe option, Hotel le cep a beautiful 4 stars, is located in the old part of Beaune.
2
Day 2
Beaune
Explore Beaune, with its chic cafés and wine boutiques. Admire the Hôtel Dieu, with its colourfully patterned roof. On a day ride, discover the wine villages of the Côte d’Or, home to the most famous wines of Burgundy: Clos de Vougeot, Nuits-St-Georges, and Meursault, which produces one of the best white wines in the world.
Ride Distance: 32 km, elevation gain 114 m or 49 km, gain 166 m.*
3
Day 3
Canal de Bourgogne
Today there’s a challenging climb as you cross over the Côte d’Or hills into a delightful countryside of pastures dotted with white Charolais cows and fields of sunflowers. Arrive at the poplar-lined Canal de Bourgogne, in the shadow of Châteauneuf, at Ste-Sabine, where you’ll stay for two nights.
Ride Distance: 52 km, elevation gain 460 m or 55 km, gain 548 m.*
4
Day 4
Canal de Bourgogne
Visit les châteaux today! Commarin merits a stop, with its 16th- century tapestries. You can choose to cycle up to perched Châteauneuf, a fairy-tale castle with a moat and a drawbridge, or admire its setting from the river valley!
Ride Distance: 24 km, elevation gain 152 m or 66 km, gain 381 m.*
5
Day 5
Semur-en-Auxois
Wind your way through dreamy villages, past roadside crosses, and along the Burgundy Canal to Semur-en-Auxois, with its massive brown brick bastions towering over the Armançon River.
Ride Distance: 63 km, elevation gain 244 m.*
6
Day 6
Semur-en-Auxois
Spend a second night in Semur to explore this region. Especially recommended is a pilgrimage to the Abbey of Fontenay. This oldest surviving Cistercian abbey has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ride Distance: 54 km, elevation gain 105 m or 58 km, gain 330 m.*
7
Day 7
Noyers
Head for Époisses, famous for both its cheese and its château. From there you climb up to a plateau, following it to descend into the charming Serein River valley. Your accommodation is just outside of Noyers, a delightful medieval village.
Ride Distance: 49 km, elevation gain 195 m.*
8
Day 8
Noyers-sur-Serein
Take time to visit Noyers today. Cycle to the famous vineyards of Chablis or into the Amarcon River Valley, which is famous for its castles. Visit le château at Tanlay and the great Renaissance château at Ancy-le-Franc. Return to Noyers.
Ride Distance: 56 km, elevation gain 366 m or 65 km, gain 212 m.*
9
Day 9
Vézelay
Leave the Serein River Valley for the Cousin and Cure River valleys, passing lovely Romanesque churches and the occasional château. Explore the village of Montreal and Avallon, perched on cliffs over the Cousin. Today’s destination is Vézelay, once an important pilgrimage destination and one of the most famous places in France.
Ride Distance: 64 km, elevation gain 325 m.*
10
Day 10
Vézelay
Explore Vézelay. Don’t miss the magnificent cathedral with its astonishing carvings. Stand where St. Bernard and Eleanor of Aquitaine exhorted a field of knights on to the first crusade. Cycle south and dip into the Regional Park of the Morvan, then return to Vézelay.
Ride Distance: 28 km, elevation gain 300 m or 40 km, gain 583 m.*
11
Day 11
Leave from Vézelay.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Casual/B&B
Hotel de France, Beaune
A charming, modest hotel in the centre of Beaune with rooms furnished with traditional furnishings. The hotel restaurant Le Tast'Vin is a local favourite serving regional specialities.
Hostellerie du Chateau, Châteauneuf-en-Auxois
This 3-star hotel in the center of Châteauneuf overlooks the Canal de Bourgogne and the surrounding countryside. This is one of France’s most beautiful villages with fairytale turreted towers dating back to the twelfth century.
Hôtel des Cymaises, Semur-en-Auxois
In the heart of medieval Semur-en-Auxois, this ancient mansion from the 13th and 14th century has been transformed into a comfortable casual hotel with 18 peaceful guest rooms.
Le Tabellion, Noyers
This property was an ancient relais de poste and Rita is a gracious host. Almost every TA review gives this casual 3-room B &B an excellent rating. Noyers is one the Most Beautiful Villages in France.
Le Compostelle, Vézelay
This casual inn has just 18 rooms, a quiet garden and a terrace on the village square. The breakfast room boasts panoramic views over the valley. Recommended as a Frommer guide favourite.
Classic
Hôtel des Remparts, Beaune
Situated inside the historic remparts of Beaune (hence the name), close to restaurants and cafes, this 17th century building was renovated into a traditional 3-star hotel, preserving the charm of the ancient mansion, with modern comforts. Straight Talk: This hotel’s style is more traditional than contemporary and some guests comment that it could use an updating.
Manoir de Serrigny, Vandenesse en auxois (Châteauneuf)
This intimate inn has only four rooms (all large) and the property has a swimming pool and tennis courts. The pretty village of Serigny is delightful to stay in and the host, Marie-Pascale is very welcoming. Recommended by Alistair Sawdays’ Special Places to Stay
Hôtel de la Côte D’Or, Semur-en-Auxois
Recently refurbished, this 3-star hotel is in the center of town and is our choice for comfortable stay in Semur-Auxois. Restaurants are walking distance from the hotel.
Le Tabellion, Noyers *Casual Inn
This property was an ancient relais de poste and Rita is a gracious host. Almost every TA review gives this casual 3-room B &B an excellent rating. Noyers is one the Most Beautiful Villages in France.
Hôtel de la Poste et du Lion D'Or, Vézelay
This former post office has been renovated into a 3-star hotel. The rooms have great views and the hotel restaurant has a good reputation among guests. Straight Talk: Fodor’s describes the hotel as: “A terrace out front welcomes you to this rambling hotel, which features light, bright (if somewhat staid) rooms—most with private balconies.”
Luxe
Hôtel Le Cep, Beaune
Originally built in 1442, this 5-star hotel features a magnificent tower and a beautiful stone staircase, as well as two historical courtyards and a picturesque garden. Rooms are decorated in the traditional French style. Member: Small Luxury Hotels of the World; Chateaux & Hotels Collection
Abbaye de la Bussière, La Bussière-sur-Ouche (7km from Châteauneuf)
This Relais & Châteaux hotel, once a medieval castle and Cistercian monastery offers luxurious lodgings surrounded by an 18 acre park. The one-star Michelin restaurant is superb and was recently rated one of the top 20 in France by the Sunday Times.
Hôtel de la Côte D’Or, Semur-en-Auxois *Classic Inn
Recently refurbished, this 3-star hotel is in the center of town and is our choice for comfortable stay in Semur-Auxois. Restaurants are walking distance from the hotel.
Le Tabellion, Noyers *Casual Inn
This property was an ancient relais de poste and Rita is a gracious host. Almost every TA review gives this casual 3-room B &B an excellent rating. Noyers is one the Most Beautiful Villages in France.
Hôtel de la Poste et du Lion D'Or (Classic), Vézelay
This former post office has been renovated into a 3-star hotel. The rooms have great views and the hotel restaurant has a good reputation among guests. Straight Talk: Fodor’s describes the hotel as: “A terrace out front welcomes you to this rambling hotel, which features light, bright (if somewhat staid) rooms—most with private balconies.”
Trip Reviews
“A big thanks for organizing such a wonderful Burgundian experience for us. We enjoyed every minute. Our accommodations were delightful, we really enjoyed Fare Nui in Beaune. The hosts were so engaging and managed to get all their guests involved in lively conversation. The routes were as promised – quiet country roads, little traffic, fabulous scenery, interesting towns and villages. Added details about where to shop and bank were most helpful. The bikes were fine and well tuned up.
The whole experience was a bit like being on a rally, and we loved it. All towns were interesting. A nice mix of larger and small rides were all worthwhile. Your office staff in Vancouver was most helpful. Again thank you for providing us with such a wonderful, care-free experience.”
“The tour was simply GREAT! And of course we had a great group – adding up to the trip of a lifetime. Once again I want to thank you for your patience and diligence in setting up the tour. Very good quality of bikes. Suitability of bikes with regard to type, size, gearing, tire width and accessories was also very good. Accommodations were flat-out, GREAT!”
“Well run tour with charming B&B accommodations”
“Burgundy exceeded by far over expectations. Food and wine out of this world and wonderfully welcoming people. Our best cycling tour in France from all over 6 times.”
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