Burgundy and Beaujolais

Day1:

Arrival at Paris by air. Transfer by the impressive high speed TGV train to Dijon, then onward by minibus or taxi to our base hotel in Gevrey-Chambertin.

Day 2:

Gevrey-Chambertin. After breakfast, we equip you with your bicycle ensuring a perfect individual fit. The rest of the day is yours to explore the Côte de Nuits, home to the most robust, long-lived and velvety of the red Burgundies. Wine lovers will recognise many of the famous names including Gevrey-Chambertin, Fixin, Morey St Denis (all synonymous with the finest Pinot Noirs). The region is steeped in history – the 10th century church at Fixey is believed to be the oldest in Burgundy and the square towered fortress at Gevrey-Chambertin dates back to medieval times.

Day 3:

Gevrey-Chambertin to Beaune. Today’s ride follows the Côte d’Or escarpment, a narrow slope of golden-reddish soil which rises from the Saône plain. Vineyards form an almost unbroken chain along this ridge, stretching from Dijon to Santenay. The route description reads like a who’s-who of great wines, passing through Vosne Romanée, Nuits St Georges and Aloxe-Corton. There’s also an opportunity to visit a celebrated Châteaux at Clos de Vougeot. 21 miles.

Day 4:

Beaune. The capital of Burgundy, Beaune is a truly wonderful town – stylish and chic, yet traditional and charming. Among its many attractions, the Hôtel Dieu stands out: a triumph of Burgundian and Flemish architecture, it was originally built as a hospital in 1443 and remains a perfectly-preserved medieval masterpiece. The vineyards of the Côte surround Beaune and we recommend a gentle ride among the ripening grapes.

Day 5:

Beaune to Buxy. The day is split between the Côte de Beaune and the Côte Chalonnaise. South of Beaune, Chardonnay takes centre stage. This area produces the finest of the great white Burgundies: Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet are the illustrious names that fulfil the dreams of international wine connoisseurs and there are numerous opportunities to taste these wonderful wines. Our route continues south through the pretty rolling countryside of the Chalonnais. 23 miles.

Day 6:

Buxy. This attractive village is surrounded by a marvellous landscape, gently undulating with a haphazard mix of ancient woodland, Chardonnay vineyards and golden wheat fields. Idyllic lanes radiate in all directions, inviting you on a perfect day’s cycling.

Day 7:

Buxy to Cluny. A taste of unspoilt rural France awaits as vineyards become scarcer and the land is coloured with cornfields and forests. Quiet lanes meander down hidden valleys, slipping peacefully through sleepy hamlets. Closer to Cluny, a dedicated cycle route, la Voie Verte, follows the path of a disused railway. 22 miles.

Day 8:

Cluny. The monastery of Cluny was once the greatest power in Europe, deferred to by Popes and Kings. A great abbey presided here for centuries and, though largely dismantled in the aftermath of the French revolution, the ruins remain an important historical monument. Cluny lies at the edge of the Mâconnais and there is much of interest here. The peaceful local villages were heavily influenced by the monastery and feature distinctive Romanesque architecture.

Day 9:

Cluny to Juliénas. La Voie Verte continues south from Cluny, passing the imposing Berzé-le-Châtel, a hilltop castle with 13 towers, once the baronial seat of the Mâconnais. En-route to Beaujolais, there’s the opportunity to appreciate the most
renowned of the Mâcon wines, Poulliy Fuisse. 24 miles.

Day 10:

Juliénas. One of the 10 Beaujolais Crus, Juliénas is a joy both for its wine and its charming location. This area of granite hills, upon which the gamay grape thrives, is the most beautiful part of Burgundy. Vineyards, fields of poppies and dense coppices decorate the slopes, while timeless romantic villages nestle in the valleys. The cycling is a little tougher here, but the breathtaking views are certainly worth the effort.

Day 11:

Today we say "Au Revoir". We will transfer you direct to Paris airport by minibus or taxi, and TGV, and look forward to welcoming you back again next year.