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BICYCLE FRANCE |
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Burgundy, cycling through La Côte d’Or
Day One: Meursault Loop/ Côtes de BeauneWelcome To Beaune. Nestled inside massive 14th century ramparts, it is not only a center for outstanding Flemish-Gothic architecture, but also the wine capital of Burgundy. Start with a brief walking tour through the narrow cobblestone streets before toasting your arrival with a Crémant de Bourgogne (Burgundy-method champagne) during your bike fitting, safety talk and map review. Our first ride is a slow, scenic spin through the vineyards of Côte de Beaune. At an introductory tasting, enliven your senses while noting the region’s varietals - a hearty Château de Pommard, an elegant Volnay, and a buttery Meursault at the Cave de Pommard. Pedal onward to Savigny-lés-Beaune along a leafy, wooded path to our exclusive villa, a restored stone hunting lodge, where every detail - the luxurious bath, exposed beams, and fruit by your bedside - has been thoughtfully planned. Unwind in your marble salle de bain before a gourmet French feast at a Michelin-star restaurant.
Meal: Dinner Destinations visited: Beaune, Pommard, Volnay, Meursault & Savigny-lés-Beaune Distance cycled: 22 km/16.2 miles
Burgundy Bike Tour Photo: Day 1 ride through vineyards of Volnay and Meursault Day Two: Savigny-lés-Beaune – Côtes de Nuits Enjoy an outdoor breakfast overlooking a hillside of wildflowers before pedaling along tranquil roads through golden wheat and sunflower meadows, and vineyards of the famous – and Charlemagne’s favorite - Corton grapes. Continue through Aloxe-Corton and Comblachien, past exquisite examples of Burgundian tile work and a moated château before arriving in the celebrated village of Nuits-Saint-Georges. Here you will meet our friend and exceptional storyteller, La Comtesse de Loisy, who will fascinate you with tales of historic ancestors, wine making, and the WWII German occupation of her gorgeous 15th century home, the Faiveley winery. After a café lunch, we’ll cycle through the world’s best wine vineyards: the famous Romanée Conti. The photo op of the Clos de Vougeot, with its 125-acre vineyard, is a must. Tonight, a cellar tasting will be followed by another truly elegant dining experience. Bring the day to an end by sinking into the comfort of our plush château.
Meals: Breakfast/ Dinner Destinations visited: Savigny-lés-Beaune, Aloxe-Corton, Comblachien, Nuits-St.-Georges, Vosne-Romanée, Vougeot Distance cycled: 30.5 km/ 18.9 miles Burgundy Bike Tour Photo: Day 2 private visit with our friend La Comtesse de Loisy Day Three: Route des Grands Crus Get started with fresh-squeezed fruit juice and a decadent home-style breakfast before taking off to ride the Route de Grands Crus, famous for housing some of the world’s most exorbitant real estate. Through gentle rolling hills, arrive at Gevrey-Chambertin, where you can taste the town’s powerful red wines to understand why they were Napoleon’s favorites. Continue through the towns of Morey-St.-Denis, Chambolle Musigny, and Vougeot to arrive back at the château, where you’ll find a gourmet picnic waiting for you. Spend the afternoon lounging by the pool or opt to cycle to the beautiful 9th century Abbey de Cîteaux to sample the famous Cîteaux cheese. The abbey’s monks, who use the milk of their very own cows, make this rich cheese. This evening we dine at the rustic Maison Vigneronne, known for having the best traditional Burgundian food one can find. Meals: Breakfast/ Gourmet Picnic/ Dinner Destinations visited: Morey-St.-Denis, Chambolle Musigny, Vougeot Distance cycled: 27 km/ 16.8 miles
Burgundy Bike Tour Photo: Day 3 ride along the famous Route de Grands Crus Day Four: Hautes Côtes de Nuits After a fulfilling breakfast, we’ll enjoy a ride through the Haute Côtes de Nuits to Savigny-lés-Beaune. After lunching in town, we’ll meet for an unforgettable and exclusive tasting visit with Parigot and Richard. Our friend and local vintner, Greg invites us to spend time with he and his mother, Martine, who makes her famous savory gougéres especially for us; they are the perfect accompaniment to the six varieties of crémant we’ll be tasting. After our cozy visit, we’ll head to the famously ornate four-star Cep Hotel where we spend two lovely nights amidst the Premier Cru vineyards in the charming walled village of Beaune. Tonight is your choice for dinner; we’ll be happy to assist you in selecting the best local option.
Meal: Breakfast Destinations visited: Nuits-St.-Georges, Haute Cotes de Nuits, Savigny-lés-Beaune & Beaune Distance cycled: 31.7 km/ 19.7 miles
Burgundy Bike Tour Photo: Day 4 private visting & tastings at Perigot Richard Day Five: Hautes-Côtes de Beaune From Beaune, cycle through the picturesque villages of the undisturbed French countryside. Watch oak barrels being made in the traditional town of St. Romain. Continue along the route to be stunned by extraordinary views of the town’s 13th century castle ruins. Among limestone ridges, pedal into picturesque Orches. Meander past Charolais cows and the gorgeously restored 15th century château at La Rochepot. Rejuvenate at a town café before a leisurely downhill ride into Saint Aubin - home to a grand Romanesque church, and producer of both red and white varietals. Indulge in our gourmet picnic in Chassagne-Montrachet, and then perhaps in a wine-buying spree at the famous Caveau in Chassagne-Montrachet. Through Puligny Montrachet, Meurseault, Volnay and Pommard, arrive back in Beaune to sip and chat with the locals, treat yourself to some boutique shopping in Beaune’s charming central square, or perhaps tour the 15th century Hospice de Beaune - an extraordinary example of the period’s elaborate architecture.
Meals: Breakfast/ Gourmet Picnic/ Dinner Destinations visited: Beaune, St. Romain, Orches, La Rochepot, Saint Aubin, Chassagne-Montrache, Puligny- Montrachet, Meurseault, Volnay, Pommard Distance cycled: 31.7 km/ 19.7 miles
Burgundy Bike Tour Photo: Day 5 ride through Puligny Montrachet & Chassange Montrachet Day Six: Beaune – Your next destination! After breakfast, say goodbye to the Côte d’Or however you see fit. Climb high on an optional loop ride above Pernand-Vergelesses for an eye-popping view of the vineyards and villages below. Choose to finish your shopping in Beaune or enjoy a final coffee at a café on Place Carnot before we see you off at the train station and you head on to your next destination.
Meal: Breakfast Accomplished: Total Satisfaction! TRIP TOTAL: 164.5 KM/ 96.9 MILES averaging 30km/16.5 miles per day. Optional longer rides available each day. |
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