Burgundy and the Beaujolais

Day One: Mâconnais
You will be arriving by TGV from Paris or Marseille in Mâcon, where your guides will be waiting to whisk you off to your luxury hotel in the vines of southern Burgundy. After a refreshing glass of Crémant (the sparkling wine of Burgundy) you will venture out into the hills overlooking the vines of the Saone.  As we ride along, watch for a glimpse of the Alps afar and notice that we are being watched in turn by the white Charolais cattle. We ride into the vines, stopping at a local winery where we will have a chance to taste the wonderful whites (and maybe a delicious red) of the Mâconnais and returning through the village of Chardonnay (the home of the famous grape variety) we will stop along the way to see what can be done with the fruit of the region, before returning to our hotel for a welcome cocktail. Tonight you are treated to a well deserved gourmet meal in our luxury hotel’s restaurant.

Meal: Dinner
Accommodation: Château d'Igé
Destinations visited: Aze, Lugny, Chardonnay, Viré, Clesse
Distance cycled: 45km

Day Two: Abbey de Cluny
After a wonderful breakfast, we will depart from our hotel for a ride alongside the hills and a glide downhill to the historic village of Cluny, site of the famous abbey and its church, at one time this church was the largest in the world. The road winds through the ruins of the abbey into a village steeped in history and culture including gastronomy. Visit the chocolaterie at your own risk! We will continue onward along an ancient rail line through a spectacular tunnel, being quiet so as not to wake the bats sleeping above to emerge on the other side near the town of Chevagny-les-Chevrieres, where we will be greeted by our friends the Bourdons for a visit of their goat farm accompanied by a cheese and wine tasting, both home-grown on the farm. Then you will enjoy a picnic lunch prepared as only DuVine knows how. On the return trip we’ll be passing pre-historic sites and beautiful medieval villages. Admire the views across the plain of the river before we arrive back to our hotel before a sumptuous dinner.

Meal: Breakfast/Gourmet picnic/Dinner
Accommodation: Château d'Igé
Destinations visited: Cluny, Chevagny les Chevrieres
Distance cycled: 40km

Day Three:  Roche de Solutre
You will want to be ready early today, because we will be heading for the famous villages of Pouilly and Fuisse, which have given their names to the most well known of the whites of the Mâconnais. High above Pouilly sits the majestic Roche de Solutre.  In prehistoric times, it is likely that game herds followed the ravine that separates the Roche of Solutré from the Mont Pouilly in their seasonal migrations between the alluvial Plain and the Uplands.  The arched shape of the southern flank of the Roche would then have formed a natural trap where Paleolithic hunters could capture their prey. French President Mitterand was known for his annual hike to the summit of the rock to honor his Gallic roots. After having lunch in town, we continue into the Beaujolais, passing through the villages of Julienas, St. Amour, Chenas, Fleurie and Morgon before arriving at our hotel, a restored chateau with a wonderful cuisine for our delectation.

Meal: Breakfast/Dinner
Accommodation: Château de Pizay
Destinations visited: La Roche Vineuse, Pouilly, Solutre, St. Verand, Julienas, St. Amour,  Chenas, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon
Distance cycled: 45km
                   
Day Four: Golden Villages of the Beaujolais
Have an extra croissant at breakfast today, for we will be heading into the hills for spectacular views of the famous “golden villages of the Beaujolais”. The climbs will test you, but the views will be worth the effort and the villages are without rival for their beauty. One of the towns you will spend some time in is called Oingt. It is perched on a hill and surrounded by the Beaujolais vineyards, Oingt is known as being the most beautiful town in France. This medieval village has kept from this time period the ancient chapel of the castle, the fortified door of Nizy, and a dungeon from which you will have a splendid vista on the valley of the Azergues river. In the heart of the village, ocre yellow facades houses are home of craftsmen and artists, enjoy walking around since this will be where you have lunch today..After a short climb to work off the calories, its back downhill to the hotel and relaxation in the spa or a dip in the pool before dinner in one of the regions most well known restaurants.

Meal: Breakfast/ Gourmet Lunch
Accommodation: Château de Pizay
Destinations visited: Odenas, Vaux-en-Beaujolais, St. Saurin, Cogny, Oingt, Lacenas, St. Julien, Charentay
Distance cycled: 55km

Day Five:  Beaujolais Nouveau
Today we head back to Mâcon via Romaneche-Thorins, home to the restored Hameau du Vin and Maison Georges Duboeuf, the birthplace of the Beaujolais Nouveau phenomenon. The charm of the old buildings is complemented by the quality of the wine and gives a chance to explore the France of old. A visit to the cuverie to see how wine is made in the grand style and a stop to admire the museum and its collection of wine making artifacts before lunch and heading to St. Amour, our final destination. There will be time to explore the vineyards with an extra ride, sip some of the crus of the Beaujolais, or to just relax in fine style at our hotel. Tonight we celebrate this great region in style, toasting our experiences with Crémant while sharing memories.

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Auberge du Paradis
Destinations visited: Romaneche-Thorins, St. Amour
Distance cycled: 35km

Day Six: Lyon – Your next destination!
After breakfast, say goodbye to the Beaujolais however you see fit. With your last few hours here, you may choose to go for another loop ride to the hills or into the plains. Or perhaps finish your shopping in town and enjoy a final coffee at a café in town before we see you off as you head on to your next destination.

Meal: Breakfast
Accomplished: Total Satisfaction!

TRIP TOTAL: 220KM/ 138 MILES averaging 44km/28 miles per day. Optional longer rides available each day.