Burgundy Vineyard Trails

The first night is spent in a chic establishment just outside the historic area of Beaune. The 4* hotel has been renovated preserving the character of the building and a perfect balance has been found between the charm of past times and the comfort of today. Dinners (not included) can be taken in its refined restaurant or in the garden in fine weather. Numerous restaurants are conveniently located nearby as well.

The village of Meursault is 10 km / 6.2 miles southwest of Beaune in the middle of the vineyards. The virtually flat walk is easily done in 4 hours including a stop over at the café in the famous village of Pommard. We have designed this short first day in order to have time to visit the Hospices de Beaune and perhaps have an early lunch in Beaune before setting off to Meursault. Accommodation: For two nights, unpack your bags and make yourself at home in this comfortable hotel in the heart of the village. This contemporary hotel, housed in a traditional Burgundy building, is renowned for its gourmet cuisine (dinners not included). You will experience a quiet blend of rustic charm and understated elegance, which offers a warm and intimate retreat for food and wine lovers.

The standard walk from here is a 16 km / 10 mile loop to the beautiful village of Saint Romain. The ruins of the chateau include Roman foundations and the XII century church was an old ‘prieuré’ or small monastery. The restaurant in the village provides the best lunch break. There is approx. 220m of ascent and descent during the day but nothing too steep or demanding; there is plenty of time to take the walking at a gentle pace.

Today leave the vineyards and after a steady climb of 140m, meet the GR76 and walk in the shade of the typical oak forests of Burgundy. Coming out of the woods, see the village of La Rochepot with the stunning château of the same name. There is a good local restaurant in the village although the chateau is currently closed. From La Rochepot, follow the GR7 before descending to the old market town of Nolay. Accommodation: A simple hotel on the old market square in Nolay provides a convenient nights stop on the route.

Over the first 6 km, gradually ascend 200m through lovely pastures shared with the Charolais cows, (of which Burgundy is very proud). Once on top of the ridge and before going down to the village of Santenay, there are wide reaching views of the Saone plain with the Alps in the distance. Then follow the GR7, walk across the Canal du Centre, walk up and down the Hermitage Mountain before descending through the vineyards up to Chassey le Camp. Accommodation: Spend the nigth in a 3* hotel with spa and swimming pool in Chassey le Camp. Dinner is included both nights.

A very pretty walk on the Côte Chalonnaise. There is a mixture of vineyard, field and forest walking. You could visit any ‘Caves’ - wine cellars that you find open en route, but as long as you are not too late back for dinner, you can normally visit one in Rully from where it is not so hard to stagger back to Chassey le Camp! Clockwise loop to the villages of Mercurey, Rully and Nantoux. A very pretty walk on the Côte Chalonnaise.

Arrangements end after breakfast.