Burgundy Bicycle Tour Itinerary

Day One: Meursault Loop / Côtes de Beaune
Welcome To Beaune. Nestled inside massive 14th century ramparts, this medieval town is not only a center for outstanding Flemish-Gothic architecture, but also the wine capital of Burgundy. Toast your arrival with a Crémant de Bourgogne (Burgundy's own sparkling wine) during your bike fitting, safety talk, and map review. Our first ride is a slow, scenic spin through the vineyards of the Côte de Beaune. We ride as far south as Meursault to view the beautiful ancient chateau with its colorful roof tiles, built in 1332, and now turned into the town hall. At an introductory tasting in the quiet center of Meursault, enliven your senses while noting the region’s crus - a hearty Pommard, an elegant Volnay, and a buttery Meursault. Pedal onward back to Beaune past Hospices de Beaune parcels, Les Grands Epenots, Clos des Mouches, and the list of legendary vineyards continues…. Return to your hotel in the heart of Beaune to relax in your room or wander the cobblestone streets of this bustling town. Tonight experience your first gourmet Burgundian feast. 

 
Meal: Light lunch / dinner
Destinations visited: Beaune, Pommard, Volnay, Meursault
Distance cycled: 20 km / 12.5 miles
 
Day Two: Hautes-Côtes de Beaune
Departing from Beaune, cycle through the picturesque villages of the undisturbed French countryside. In the quaint town of St. Romain, watch oak barrels being handmade at the most famous cooperage in the world, Francois Freres. Continue along the route, and prepare to be stunned by extraordinary views of the town’s 13th century castle ruins. Among limestone ridges, pedal into charming 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 town's municipal wine cellar. After cycling through Puligny, Montrachet, Meursault, Volnay and Pommard, arrive back in Beaune to sip wine, chat with the locals, and treat yourself to some boutique shopping in Beaune’s bustling central square, or perhaps explore the 15th century Hospice de Beaune - an extraordinary example of the period’s elaborate architecture. Late afternoon, your guides will drive you to the best crement producer in Burgundy (at least we think so!), Parigot & Richard. Our friend and local winemaker Greg invites us to spend time with him while his mother, Martine, prepares her famous savory gougères (Burgundian cheese puff pastries) especially for us. They are the perfect accompaniment to the six varieties of crémant we’ll taste. After our informative visit, we’ll head into Beaune, where you’ll have a plethora of excellent restaurants to choose from, just ask your guides for their favorite!
 
Meals: Breakfast / gourmet picnic
Destinations visited: Beaune, St. Romain, Orches, La Rochepot, Saint Aubin, Chassagne-Montrache, Puligny- Montrachet, Meursault, Volnay, Pommard
Distance cycled: 42 km / 26 miles 
 
Day Three: Côte de Nuits
Enjoy an outdoor breakfast with a fresh croissant in the hotel’s 16th century courtyard before pedaling along tranquil roads through golden wheat and sunflower meadows, and vineyards known for being Charlemagne’s favorite - Corton-Charlemagne grapes. Continue through Aloxe-Corton and Comblanchien, past exquisite examples of Burgundian tile work and villages that barely survived WWII. Stop for an exclusive wine tasting of the region's Grand Cru before arriving in the celebrated village of Nuits-Saint-Georges. After a café lunch, we’ll cycle through the world’s most famous vineyard: the Romanée Conti. Stopping for a photo opportunity of the Clos de Vougeot, with its 125-acre vineyard, is a must. After the ride, enjoy some Burgundian wines in the chateau's own cellar before another truly elegant dining experience.
 
Meals: Breakfast / dinner
Destinations visited: Aloxe-Corton, Nuits-St.-Georges, Vosne-Romanée, Vougeot, Chambolle Musigny
Distance cycled: 28 km / 17.5 miles
 
Day Four: Route des Grands Crus
Get started with fresh-squeezed fruit juice and a decadent home-style breakfast before taking off to ride the Route des Grands Crus, famous for housing some of the world’s most expensive vineyard real estate. Over gentle hills, descend into Gevrey-Chambertin, where you can taste the town’s powerful red wines and appreciate why they were Napoleon’s favorites. Here you will have a picnic prepared and served by our skilled guides with local cheese and some other delicious surprises. Continue through the towns of Morey-St.-Denis and Chambolle Musigny to arrive back at the château. Spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying the hotel grounds or opt to cycle toward the 9th century Abbey de Cîteaux to sample the famous Cîteaux cheese. Here, the abbey’s monks use the milk of their very own cows to make this rich, tasty cheese. Tonight’s dinner will be a magical affair as we are hosted in a private and secret setting by our friend and winemaker, Christine Drouhin. This evening she will spoil us with her skills in the kitchen paired with some fantastic wines – a match made in heaven!
 
Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner
Destinations visited: Chamboeuf, Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey-St.-Denis, Chambolle-Musigny
Distance cycled: 27 km / 16.8 miles
 
Day Five: The Canal de Bourgogne
After a fulfilling breakfast, you’ll hop in the van and head for the hills! A 40 min transfer will bring you to the town of Veuvey sur Ouche, where your ride begins on the famous Canal de Bourgogne, connecting the Atlantic with the Mediterranean Sea! You’ll enjoy 20 kms of easy riding with no cars all the way until your planned lunch spot in Pouilly en Auxois. From here, we leave behind the canal and make our way on rolling roads further into the beautiful and natural heart of Burgundy. We’ll pass by enchanted forests and beautiful lakes and chateaus that dot the countryside here. Arriving in Saulieu, you will be welcomed by its cute shops, markets, and overall friendly nature. You can retire to your luxurious hotel room or continue exploring town. Don’t forget to take advantage of the soothing SPA located on the hotel grounds. And what better way to finish the week than share together the experience of a three Michelin star meal. Bon Appetit!
 
Meal: Breakfast / Dinner
Destinations visited: Veuvey sur Ouche, Pont d’Ouche, Pouilly en Auxois, Saulieu
Distance cycled: 51 km / 32 miles
 
Day Six: Saulieu – Your next destination!
After breakfast, say goodbye to Burgundy however you see fit. With your last few hours here in Saulieu, you may perhaps finish your shopping in town and enjoy a final coffee at a café on the main square. Your guides will then bring you to the Montbardtrain station and see you off as you head to your next destination.
 
Meal: Breakfast
Accomplished: Total Satisfaction!
 
TRIP TOTAL: 167 KM / 104 MILES averaging 33 kms /21 miles per day. Optional longer rides available each day.
 

 

© 2012 DuVine Adventures Bicycle Tours, Inc.