Burgundy Canals and Vineyards

Beaune is an exquisite French town, a source of art and history. It is one of France's key wine centres and a major hub for Burgundy's wine production and business. It is home to the famous Hotel-Dieu and Wine Museum, and has many shops, cafe-studded squares and a huge outdoor market to explore. Dinner is at leisure, you can choose from the many restaurants in town. We can also assist with booking pre-tour accommodation if you'd like to spend more time in Beaune before cycling.

Today's excursion is devoted to discovering the famous wine area "Côte de Nuits", known for the "Grands Vins de Bourgogne" and more, especially the red wines: Chambolle Musigny, Vosne Romanée and the most expensive wine of Burgundy, Romanée Conti. You can also appreciate famous sights such as the Château du Clos Vougeot or the Château of Gevrey Chambertin. On your way back to Beaune you can detour to discover the historic Château Savigny-les-Beaune. Overnight in Beaune. Ascent/descent 382m/1253ft

Today's cycle takes you via the vineyards of the “Côte de Beaune", where prestigious white wines such as Meursault and Montrachet are made from the Chardonnay grape. Cycle through the famous wine villages of Pommard, Meursault and Chassagne-Montrachet on an easy route with many changes of scenery, to the small town of Nolay and its impressive market building next to the church. From Nolay, you will follow a pleasant cycling path along a former railway. Continue to Chassey-le-Camp in the heart of the small valley. 489m/1604ft ascent, 395m/1296ft descent

Cycle along the "Voie Verte", a former railway track, among the undulating vineyards of the "Côte Chalonnaise". You can take a look at the Chateau de Rully, just before arriving in Mercurey. Here you can stop and visit a local wine producer, and sample a glass of "Mercurey" red wine. Pedal through vineyards via Buxy, a typical medieval town, to your hotel. 290m/951ft ascent, 367m/1204ft descent

Continuing along the "Voie Verte" you can admire the beautiful landscapes of southern Burgundy. Today's treasures include the Chateau de Cormatin and its gardens, unique in France for exceptionally well-preserved interiors from the reign of Louis XIII (1628). Your day ends in the beautiful town of Cluny, known for its prominent town ramparts and Roman Abbey founded in the 10th century. 102m/334ft ascent, 94m/308ft descent

On the last cycling day the terrain becomes hillier until you reach Europe's longest underpass (a disused railway tunnel). On the other side is the majestic fortress Berze-le-Chatel, surrounded by “Mâconnais" vineyards. In Mâcon you cross the beautiful bridge Saint Laurent then follow the “Voie Bleue” route on the banks of the Sâone. You pass charming villages built around the typically Roman churches and eventually reach medieval Tournus. 169m/554ft ascent, 231m/758ft descent

The trip concludes after breakfast in Tournus. If you'd like to stay an extra night, please ask for our rates.