Backroads of Burgundy

Unforgettable cycling trip in Burgundy!

Canal de Bourgogne

From Montbard, we follow the quiet towpaths of the Canal de Bourgogne, built to forge a navigable route from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. We make the easy ride to the impressive Cistercian Abbaye de Fontenay, once run as a paper mill by the Montgolfier family but now restored to its former glory and designated a World Heritage site.

Chateaux & Walled Cities

Continuing our route along the canal we pause at the captivating walled city of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain - described as the Sleeping Beauty of Burgundy and the setting for the film 'Chocolat' - before we reach Semur-en-Auxois. Perched on a granite outcrop and nestling in a loop of the river Arman?on, Semur's maze of houses and cobbled streets make it one of the most picturesque towns in Burgundy. Here we can simply relax and soak up the atmosphere or alternatively cycle out to visit some of the neighbouring chateaux as well as the optional diversion to the hill top village of Alise-Ste-Reine with its Roman remains.

Vin et vélo!

Winding our way through charming medieval villages and the elegant Chateau Commarin, we head deep into the heart of the Burgundy wine growing region, which boasts such celebrated names as Pommard, Mersault, Nuits-St-George and of course the classic Cotes de Beaune. Basing ourselves in Beaune, we aim to venture out and sample some of the region's fine wines and cheeses - reputed to be the favourites of a certain Napoleon Bonaparte and a worthy reward after a day's pedalling!

Transport: 18 or 21 speed hybrid bicycles complete with pannier, water-bottle holder, lock and map holder.

What to Expect: Graded as moderate - approx. 175km/5 days (average of 45km/cycling day) plus additional optional day rides. Moderate cycling on quiet backroads and towpaths, enjoying picturesque villages, impressive historic sites and fine food and wines along the way. We cycle from village to village on 4 days, allowing for a range of day rides and other activities throughout the tour. You can ride independently or with group members. Cycling on 95% asphalt; 5% gravel tracks.

0844 499 0901

Itinerary / Highlights

Trip Highlights
Fontenay Abbey - A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Canal De Bourgogne - Cycling along the towpaths.
Semur En Auxois - Mediaeval walled town.
Chateauneuf En Auxois - Stunning hilltop village.
Beaune - Wine capital of Burgundy.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Join tour Montbard
Arrive at Montbard and check into hotel.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

Day 2: In Montbard
Having had a chance to familiarise ourselves with our bikes, we start by exploring the area around Montbard. There is the opportunity to cycle north east of the village to visit the Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay, founded 1118 by St. Bernard. Abandoned after the French Revolution, the abbey was later turned into a paper mill which was owned and run for a time by the Montgolfier family of hot air balloon fame! Now restored to its former glory, the abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Montbard itself is famous as the birthplace of the French naturalist and writer, Georges Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon, whose theories on evolution preceded those of Darwin by over 100 years. In the park we can visit his study, the Aubespin Tower or visit the museum which celebrates his life and works. Alternatively, a short cycle ride north west of Montbard brings us to the Grand Forge de Buffon, constructed by the ingenious Comte and a masterpiece of French 18th century industrial engineering. (Approx. 30km cycling).

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Cycle to Semur en Auxois
Part of our ride today follows the Canal de Bourgogne. A remarkable feat of engineering, the canal was constructed in the 19th century to link the rivers Saone and Yonne and thus forge a navigable waterway from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Our route passes through the village of Moutiers St Jean to Epoisses, famous for its cheese and chateau which is an ancient fortress surrounded by double fortifications enclosing 15th century houses, a dovecote with over 3000 nesting holes and a 13th century church all set in a beautiful flower garden. An optional diversion visits the chateau of Bourbilly set in beautiful grounds where Madame de Sevigne, letter writer to the court of Louis XIV, lived. (Approx. 47km cycling).

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 4: In Semur
For those wanting to Explore further, east of Semur is one of the prettiest villages, Flavigny sur Ozerain, a fortified village and setting for the film “Chocolat” also known for its abbey where aniseed sweets are made in the abbey crypt. It will be possible to do some wine tasting in the “Vignoble de Flavigny” before considering an optional diversion to visit the hill top village of Alise St Reine where, in 52BC, Julius Caesar defeated the last of the Gauls. Gallo Romaine remains include colonnades, a theatre, temple & forum. On our return to Semur we pass through Lantilly where we can find the “chateau of 100 windows” built by Charles de Chaugy in 1709 on the site of an ancient stronghold. (Approx. 42km cycling).

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Cycle to Pouilly en Auxois
Riding to Pouilly en Auxois today, we have the option to either follow the canal towpath via Pont Royal, a picturesque stop for barges and houseboats, or take a high level route via the delightful hilltop village of Mont St Jean. There is an option to visit the nearby chateau of Eguilly, a happy mixture of architectural styles from Gallo Romaine to 18th century. The chateau is now a centre for art and culture. At Pouilly the canal disappears into a tunnel, running underneath the city for approximately 2 miles. The town itself has many buildings of note, notably the curiously shaped tourist office housed in a 15th century dove cote! (Approx. 45km cycling).

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Cycle to Beaune
Our cycle ride to Beaune takes us southeast of Pouilly via the eye-catching village of Vandanesse, also situated on the Canal de Bourgogne. Close by at this point we can visit the lovely flower decked hilltop town of Chateuneuf en Auxois with an impressive mediaeval chateau built in 1549 by Philippe Pot, counsellor to the Duke Philippe le Bon. Here we find a series of dwellings in flamboyant gothic style surrounding the 12th century keep and 13th century walls. Leaving the canal we climb across to the famous Burgundy vineyards, descending the gorgeous valley of the Rhoin to Savigny les Beaune where we can visit the chateau which houses a fine collection of racing cars, motor cycles, aircraft and specially adapted vineyard vehicles. A visit to the elegant Chateau de Commarin is a worthwhile extension to the day’s cycle. (Approx. 45km cycling).

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 7: In Beaune
Today we suggest a walk through the cobbled streets of the old town of Beaune and to the Hotel Dieu with its brightly coloured tiled roof. This wonderfully preserved hospital was founded by Nicolas Rolin and was designed to help the poor. The town’s other attractions include the wine museum, collegiate church of Notre Dame and even a mustard exhibition! There are many optional cycling routes which follow the wine route; the “route de grand crus”. Beaune is the centre of the region’s wine industry and we recommend a cycle ride out to visit the wineries of the most sought after ‘appellations’ such as Gevry Chambertain, Fixin, Nuits St Georges or Chambrolle Musigny. Also well worthwhile is a visit the renaissance chateau of Clos Vougeot, seat of the world famous “Confrerie des Chevliers du Tastevin”. (Approx. 25km cycling).

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Tour ends Beaune
Included meals: Breakfast

Other Details

Accommodation Details

7 nights Standard Hotel (H+)

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

Sat 27 Aug - Sat 03 Sep 2011 - 1060 GBP
Sat 16 Jun - Sat 23 Jun 2012 -1100 GBP
Sat 28 Jul - Sat 04 Aug 2012 - 1100 GBP
Sat 04 Aug - Sat 11 Aug 2012 - 1100 GBP
Sat 25 Aug - Sat 01 Sep 2012 - 1100 GBP

0844 499 0901