Burgundy was once the richest of the ancient duchies in France and continues to exhibit wealth brought about by the popularity of its wine. Cycling small vineyard lanes and quiet country roads, where the only traffic you’ll encounter might be a tractor bringing in the harvest, is the best way to see the countryside here. Picturesque villages are filled with wine cellars inviting degustation and tiny restaurants with winemakers’ lunches where you’ll enjoy food that is superbly prepared. We have been cycling in Burgundy for over 15 years now, and know the region intimately. From the many Flemish-style chateaux to the extraordinary Hospice de Beaune, the treasures of Burgundy are numerous.
Location
Gevrey-Chambertin
Gevrey-Chambertin, France
Starting Location
Beaune
Beaune, France
Day 3-4
Puligny-Montrachet
Puligny-Montrachet, France
End Location
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP
Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides and support vehicle
6 nights lodging
All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and all dinners but 1
Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
Detailed map and route instructions
All baggage transportation
Particulars
EVENT DATES
May 28-Jun 3
Jun 19-25
Aug 15-21
Sep 3-9
Sep 13-19
Dates available upon request
Self-guided and custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.
TRIP SIZE
TOTAL DAYS
ARRIVE / DEPART
ACTIVITY LEVEL
20-40+ miles daily
Van supported
TERRAIN
COST
Land Cost:
US $2,950
Includes 6B/2L/5D
Single Supplement:
US $750
Bike Rental:
US $280
E-Bike Rental:
US $360
Dijon: Most participants will arrive from Paris by train the evening before our departure. We have recommendations for excellent hotels in the historical district of Dijon.
Day 1-2
Gevrey-Chambertin
Our trip starts after a short transfer to one of the premier towns in the center of Grands Crus wine. We’ll ride to a tiny village for lunch, and then visit the Chateau of Gevrey-Chambertin, with a private tasting of their Grands Crus wine. On our second day here, we’ll ride through the flat farmlands to the Abbaye de Citeaux, where monks still make their famous cheese. We’ll finish the day with a visit to the Clos de Veugot, and ride past vineyards including Romanee Conti and other prestigious estates.
Day 3-4
Beaune
We’ll make our way south, enjoying lunch at one of our favorite auberges in the region, before entering Beaune, our home for the next two days. We stay at a charming 3-star hotel within the ramparts of the old city, and dine out at acclaimed restaurants, where the wine lists are as extensive as the menus. On our second day here, we’ll take a historical tour of Beaune including a visit to the extraordinary Hospice de Beaune. For cycling you can choose between several rides (flat or hilly, short or long- your choice).
Day 5-6
Puligny-Montrachet
Continuing south, we’ll ride a route which will have us stopping in the famous wine village of Pommard, and then to St. Romain where we’ll visit tonneliers (barrel makers) to learn this ancient craft. In Puligny-Montrachet, we’ll stay at a 3-star hotel in the center close to shops and restaurants. On our final day of riding we’ll climb to Chateau la Rochepot, perched in a verdant valley surrounded by vineyards. Afterwards we’ll be hosted by a wine-maker for a wonderful lunch in Puligny-Montrachet, and then coast back to our hotel and final evening celebrations.
Day 7
Depart at your leisure from Beaune train station.
This hotel is a tasteful conversion of a traditional building at the edge of Gevrey-Chambertin village. Virtually surrounded by vineyards, the hotel offers tastefully furnished French provincial style rooms, each with a view. It is a short stroll from good restaurants and the Château Gevrey-Chambertin.
Situated inside the historic town of Beaune close to restaurants and cafes, this 17th century hotel was renovated to preserve the charm of the ancient mansion, enhanced with modern comfort.
This luxurious country inn, built in 1824, boasts a fine gourmand restaurant that has won accolades from food lovers. Your hosts Thierry and his Canadian-born wife Suzanne create a warm and friendly atmosphere along with comfortable lodging, refined regional cuisine and exquisite wine.
Trip Reviews
“It was a wonderful trip! The guides were fantastic, the biking was challenging but fun, and the area (hotels, restaurants and other stops) were all great. Beautiful countryside, variety and options on riding & very helpful guides.”
“Our 3 guides were wonderful. Much more diverse terrain than expected! This is a beautiful part of France. We felt so lucky to see it close up. Our timing was superb. Traveling through the vineyards at harvest time was a wonderful experience.”
“The routes were beautiful in Burgundy, very well planned and thought out.”
“The perfect combination of great riding, great food and great wine.”
“The area was amazing and the riding was fun as the roads were so NOT busy at all for the most part. the guides were super fun and great and super accommodating”
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