France - Cycling the Vineyards of Burgundy (7 days)
Enjoy fine food and wine whilst exploring a heritage stretching from the Gauls to the Romanesque in the beautiful Bourgogne countryside.
Burgundy styles itself 'The Land of Great Art and Good Living'. The landscape is an attractive patchwork of lush pastures and broad-leaved woodlands, interspersed with extensive vineyards. This is one of France's foremost wine regions and we will be passing some of the most valuable vines in the world. For those who enjoy some classic wines the names of the towns and villages will have a distinct resonance: Pommard, Beaune, Nuits Saint Georges.
The architecture, too, is distinctive, with many fine old half-timbered buildings whose steeply pitched roofs are patterned in multi-coloured tiles. The lattice of quiet lanes and tracks follows rivers and meandering canals and climbs into the hills to explore the enchanting countryside, ancient abbeys, historic towns and magnificent chateaux. This itinerary enables an appreciation of the food, wine and the countryside but also provides some healthy exercise to justify a little indulgence at the end of each day. As well as guiding you between the charming mediaeval villages we will recommend a number of possibilities for you to taste the fine wines of Burgundy en route.
- Day 1: Start Dijon.
- Day 2: Cycle to Beaune. Leave mediaeval Dijon and pedal via Nuits St Georges, the capital of the Cotes de Nuits vineyards, to Beaune. The fascinating old town is a great place to explore and eat with plenty of shops and restaurants.
- Day 3: Free day. Today is free to relax and enjoy Beaune's many attractions or take an optional cycle ride. The town is delightful and it is possible to visit the Hospice de Beaune museum, one of the finest examples of French 15th centure architecture.
- Day 4: Cycle to Nolay. Pass the villages of Pommard and Meursault and the 13th century chateau at La Rochepot and cycle on to the lovely old town of Nolay.
- Day 5: Cycle to Chateauneuf en Auxois. Leave the vineyards behind and cycle through the forested uplands to the hilltop village of Chateauneuf en Auxois, with beautiful views over the surrounding countryside.
- Day 6: Free day. A day to relax, take an optional cycle ride or explore the tiny streets and chateau in the mediaeval village.
- Day 7: Cycle to Dijon. Most of the route follows the Burgundy Canal past Velars-sur-Ouche and then on to Dijon to complete the circuit.
Operated by Exodus Travel (LSQ)
Departures: March to October
- Contact us for more information, current costs and to make a booking on this tour