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 at the Cave de Pommard, enliven your senses while noting the region’s crus - a hearty Pommard, an elegant Volnay, and a buttery Meursault. Pedal onward to Savigny-lés-Beaune along a leafy, wooded path to our exclusive Hameau de Barboron, a restored stone hunting lodge where every detail - the luxurious bath, exposed beams, and fruit by your bedside - has been thoughtfully planned. Total relaxation awaits you. Tonight experience your first gourmet Burgundian feast. 

Meal: Dinner
Destinations visited: Beaune, Pommard, Volnay, Meursault & Savigny-lés-Beaune
Distance cycled: 22 km/16.2 miles

Day Two: Savigny-lés-Beaune – Côte de Nuits

Enjoy an outdoor breakfast overlooking a hillside of wildflowers 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: Savigny-lés-Beaune, Aloxe-Corton, Comblanchien, Nuits-St.-Georges, Vosne-Romanée, Vougeot
Distance cycled: 30.5 km/ 18.9 miles

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 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 appriciate why they were Napoleon’s favorites. Here you will have lunch served by our friend and winemaker, Christine Drouhin. 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. This evening we dine at one of our favorite traditional Burgundian restaurants. Here is your chance to try "oeufs en meurette" or "coq au vin".

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch / Dinner
Destinations visited:  Chamboeuf, Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey-St.-Denis, Chambolle-Musigny
Distance cycled: 27 km/ 16.8 miles

Day Four: Hautes Côtes de Nuits

After a fulfilling breakfast, we’ll enjoy a ride through the Haute Côtes de Nuits down to Savigny-lés-Beaune. After a lunch with the locals in town, we’ll meet for an unforgettable and exclusive tasting of the region's sparkling wines or "crémant" with Parigot and Richard. Our friend and local winemaker Greg invites us to spend time with him whie his mother, Martine prepares her famous savory gougéres (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 we will spend two lovely nights amidst the Premier Cru vineyards of this fortified town. Tonight is your choice for dinner; we’ll be happy to assist you in selecting the best option.

Meal: Breakfast
Destinations visited: Nuits-St.-Georges, Haute Cotes de Nuits, Savigny-lés-Beaune & Beaune
Distance cycled: 31.7 km/ 19.7 miles

Day Five: 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. Tonight will be your farewell celebration in a very special setting, an authentic wine cellar beneath the town of Beaune.

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 

Day Six: Beaune – Your next destination!

After breakfast, say goodbye to the Côte d’Or however you see fit. With your last few hours here in Burgundy, you may choose to go for another loop ride to the hills or into the plains, or perhaps, finish your shopping in Beaune and enjoy a final coffee at a café on Place Carnot. Your guides will then bring you to the train station and see you off as you head to your next destination.

Meal: Breakfast
Accomplished: Total Satisfaction!

TRIP TOTAL: 143 KM/ 90 MILES averaging 30km/18 miles per day. Optional longer rides available each day.