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, for here we are in one of France's foremost wine regions, indeed 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: Chablis, 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. 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. 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, magnificent chateaux and charming medieval villages.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Start Dijon (accessible by rail from London, see dates and prices box).
Day 2: Cycle to Beaune. Leave medieval 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: Cycle to Nolay. Pass the villages of Pommard and Meursault and the 13th century chateau at La Rochepot and on to the lovely old town of Nolay.
Day 4: Free day. Today is free to relax and enjoy Nolay or take an optional cycle ride. The town is delightful with excellent restaurants, wine cellars and a magnificent 14th century market hall.
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, overlooking 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 medieval village.
Day 7: Cycle to Dijon. The majority of the day follows the Burgundy canal past Velars-sur-Ouche and then on to Dijon to complete the circuit.
Day 8: End Dijon. Take onward travel to London if booked.
Notes:
- Mode of travel: Average daily distance: 40km (25 miles)
- Number of days cycling: 5 days cycling (1 optional)
- Vehicle Support: None whilst cycling, luggage is transferred between hotels for you
- Terrain and route: The suggested cycling mainly follows quiet tarmac roads past villages and vineyards across undulating terrain. Occasionally a busier road is encountered, as is a longer climb, but the route is not particularly arduous.
- Recommended minimum age: 16 years.
Support
- Self guided. Luggage is transferred whilst cycling, route notes and maps are provided.
- Accommodation: 7 nights in 2 and 3 star hotels. All rooms have en suite facilities.
- Food: All breakfasts and 3 dinners included.
- Compulsory Single Supplement: from $340.00
- Trip Reference: LSQ.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
Food & Wine
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