Classic bike (AT)
£119 for 7 days
Highlights
Description
This loop through Southern Burgundy starts on the Voie des Vignes, the spectacular route through the Cote de Beaune's vineyards and its authentic, deeply rooted winemaking villages. From there it settles into the quiet, traffic-free green cycle paths that make this part of Burgundy so relaxing to explore.
It's a tour built for slow travel, with gentle cycling as the excuse for good food, good wine, and a region that's largely untouched by mass tourism. No stress, no crowds, just Southern Burgundy at its own pace.
Arrive in Beaune and check in to your hotel. Briefing meeting, with delivery of bikes, maps and route notes.
Example accommodation: Hostellerie de la Bretonnière, Beaune ***
Ride through the vineyards on a path passing through wine-making villages including Pommard, Volnay, and the Grand Cru vineyards of Montrachet and Batard-Montrachet. A short stretch alongside the canal leads you through the forest to your hotel in Dracy.
Example accommodation: Hôtel Le Dracy ***
Join the Green Way in Givry, built on an old rail line, the first cycle path in France. Enjoy the Romanesque architecture of Buxy, St-Gengoux-le-National and Malay, with the option to visit the Castle of Cormatin, before continuing up to Cluny, home to the famous Abbey and stud farm.
Example accommodation: Hôtel de Bourgogne, Cluny ***
The landscape gets a little hillier today, though the path remains easy. Pass the Castle of Berze-Le-Chatel, worth a short detour, and ride through the longest European tunnel open to non-motorised vehicles before finishing with views of the Solutre Rock.
Example accommodation: Ibis Mâcon Centre ***
Charming villages built around Romanesque churches line this stage, which follows a bike path along the Saone River between Macon and Tournus. A fairly easy day, shaped by centuries of river navigation.
Example accommodation: Hôtel du Rempart, Tournus ***
From Tournus, ride along the Marine Quay to join the Blue Way, a flat route through the Saone plain. In Chalon, take time to wander the narrow streets of the town centre and visit the museum dedicated to Nicephore Niepce, the inventor of photography.
Example accommodation: Hôtel St-Georges, Chalon-sur-Saône ***
The final leg leaves the Blue Way for the Voie du Tacot, entering Beaune via the Wine and Climats Cite, where you can stop for a visit and a tasting before reaching your hotel for one last night in Beaune.
Example accommodation: Hostellerie de la Bretonnière, Beaune ***
Depart after breakfast.
We recommend flying to Paris or Lyon and returning from Paris or Lyon.
£119 for 7 days
£273 for 7 days
Included with bike hire
Getting to the start (Beaune)
By plane: Fly into Paris CDG, which has a TGV station directly in the terminal. There is one direct TGV daily between CDG and Dijon (about 1 hour 55 minutes), then a short regional train to Beaune. Alternatively, take the RER B into Paris and connect via Gare de Lyon — allow around 1 hour 30 minutes for the cross-Paris transfer.
By train: The fastest connection from Paris to Beaune runs via Dijon and takes around 2 hours 10 minutes, departing from Paris Gare de Lyon. From London, take the Eurostar to Paris and connect from there — total journey time is around 4 to 5 hours. Beaune station is a 15-minute walk from the town centre; there is no taxi rank so arrange a transfer in advance if needed.
By car: Paris to Beaune is around 193 miles and takes about 3 hours via the A6 motorway. Beaune has several free car parks around the town ramparts.
Getting back from the tour (Beaune)
By train: This is a round trip finishing back in Beaune, so your return journey is the reverse of your arrival. TGV trains from Beaune (via Dijon) to Paris take around 2 hours 10 minutes, with several departures daily from Gare de Lyon.
By plane: Head back to Paris CDG by train (via Dijon or direct TGV from CDG to Dijon) for onward international flights. Alternatively, Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport is around 1 hour 30 minutes from Beaune by car or train and has good UK connections.
By car: The drive from Beaune back to Paris takes around 3 hours via the A6 motorway.
Bikes are not included. You are welcome to bring your own bike or hire one. Please see our bike hire section for details.
Flights are not included. Please refer to the what's included section for full details.
We will confirm your booking within 48 hours of receiving your enquiry. Please wait for confirmation before booking flights or making other travel arrangements.
Most itineraries include cycling on most days, with some rest or shorter days built in. Please check the itinerary for day-by-day details.
The latest you can book is 9 days before departure. This gives us enough time to confirm arrangements and accommodation.
You will receive full travel details, including accommodation, meeting points and local contacts, 3 to 5 weeks before departure.
