Burgundy Bike Tour

Your guides will greet you at the train station in Beaune where the adventure begins. Nestled inside massive 14th-century ramparts, this medieval town is the wine capital of Burgundy, and our first lunch of the week is right in Beaune’s lively town square. Have your first taste of brasserie-style Burgundian dishes and crisp Chardonnays from the wine villages that surround us. Our first scenic spin through the Côte de Beaune takes us through classic villages like Pommard, Nantoux, and Savigny-lès-Beaune. Tonight, we’ll join our friend, a private chef, for an intimate evening of food and wine.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Pommard, Volnay, Nantoux, Savigny-lès-Beaune, Beaune
Accomplished: 20 miles / 32 km, elevation gain: 1,417 feet / 435 meters
Accommodations: Le Cèdre or L’Hôtel de Beaune

Fuel up with a lovely breakfast at our hotel in Beaune then set out on a ride into the French countryside. Pedal through the charming hamlet of Orches and admire the Château de La Rochepot. Once in Nolay, take a quiet bike path to Santenay, the most southerly wine-producing village of the Côte de Beaune. Stop and taste Premier Crus in the 15th-century vaulted cellar of a biodynamic wine estate before riding to our lunch spot for a gourmet picnic prepared by the guides. From there, spin through iconic wine towns including Chassagne-Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet, and Meursault back to our hotel. The afternoon is yours to explore Beaune—don’t miss the famous Hôtel-Dieu, a charity hospital founded in 1443 and one of the finest examples of 15th-century French architecture. Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many excellent restaurants in town.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Beaune, Saint-Romain, Orches, La Rochepot, Saint-Aubin, Santenay, Chassagne-Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, Volnay, Pommard
Accomplished: 33 miles / 54 km, elevation gain: 2,267 feet / 691 meters
Accommodations: Le Cèdre or L’Hôtel de Beaune

Start your day with a typical French breakfast in the hotel’s 16th-century courtyard before exploring the renowned Gran Crus vineyards. Pedal through Corton-Charlemagne, named after the French king who held a deep affection for the region’s vineyards, then continue along peaceful roads toward the Côte de Nuits. Burgundy’s beautiful tiled roofs lead the way to Aloxe-Corton and Comblanchien, two historic wine-producing villages that barely survived WWII. Continue cycling past the exclusive vineyards of Romanée-Conti, stopping to visit the famous Clos de Vougeot estate, the birthplace of winegrowing in Burgundy. Lunch in Gevrey-Chambertin consists of classic Burgundian dishes perfectly paired with local Pinots. From there, it’s just a few miles back to our hotel. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the pool with a glass of Chardonnay. This evening we’ll reunite for a delicious seasonal meal at the hotel restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Savigny-lès-Beaune, Aloxe-Corton, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Vosne-Romanée, Vougeot, Gevrey Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny
Accomplished: 25 miles / 41 km, elevation gain: 1,154 feet / 352 meters
Longer Option: 42 miles / 68 km, elevation gain: 1,748 feet / 533 meters
Accommodations: Les Sources de Vougeot

Today we’ll discover the vineyards of the Hautes Côtes de Nuits. After breakfast at the hotel, set out along quiet country roads past wineries and sleepy villages in the hills surrounding Nuits-Saint-Georges. A rewarding descent brings us to Savigny-lès-Beaune, where we join Greg, a friend and passionate vigneron, at his home. Here we’ll enjoy a generous tasting of sparkling Crémant de Bourgogne before cycling to the town’s historic center for lunch. From there, ride through farmland and forest to the 11th-century Cîteaux Abbey, the origin of the Cistercian Order. The abbey is also famous for its cheese—a creamy, washed-rind variety made from cow’s milk. Enjoy some samples and stroll the grounds. Our ride ends back at the hotel. Spend some time poolside or enjoy the spa. Tonight’s dinner is a true Burgundian affair at a stylish bistro in Gevrey-Chambertin.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny, Morey-Saint-Denis, Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-Saint-George, La Bussière-sur-Ouche
Accomplished: 19 miles / 32 km, elevation gain: 1,574 feet / 480 meters
Longer Option: 36 miles / 59 km, elevation gain: 2,030 feet / 619 meters
Accommodations: Les Sources de Vougeot

After a generous petit déjeuner, we’ll set off across rolling fields of wheat and canola, passing grazing Charolais cows and charming villages en route to the famed Canal de Bourgogne. The grand finale is a one-mile climb to the perched medieval village of Châteauneuf. Celebrate your success with a fashionably late lunch at our favorite auberge and discover the town’s 15th-century fortress with a panoramic view of the canal and valley below. After lunch, we’ll hop in the van for a 40-minute transfer to our final hotel in Saulieu. Relax with a massage in the hotel’s luxurious spa or venture out to explore the charming town. We celebrate our final evening in Burgundy with an unforgettable Michelin-starred meal at our hotel. Bon appétit!

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Pont d’Ouche, Châteauneuf, Saulieu
Accomplished: 29 miles / 48 km, elevation gain: 2,883 feet / 879 meters
Longer Option: 57 miles / 92 km, elevation gain: 5,239 feet / 1,597 meters
Accommodations: Relais Bernard Loiseau

After breakfast, say goodbye to Burgundy however you see fit. Take advantage of our last few luxurious hours on hotel grounds or go for a final spin around the lakes of Morvan’s protected nature park. Your guides will see you off at the Dijon train station.

Meals: Breakfast
Destinations: Saulieu, Champeau-en-Morvan
Accomplished: 12 miles / 19 km, elevation gain: 1,079 feet / 329 meters