Burgundy is famous for its warm hospitality and inimitable knack for enjoying life, rich in tradition, gastronomy, history and excellent wines. Even before Julius Caesar fought his decisive battles with the Gauls, people have been lured to this beautiful land of gently rolling landscapes, sleepy villages, rivers and canals. Burgundy is the old France, a land of culture, countryside, fine food and wine. Stately historic castles, miles of straight Roman roads and magnificent Romanesque churches give constant reminders of Burgundy’s heritage. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the beauty of its traditional architecture.
Day 1: Arrival in Dijon
Discover the treasures of Dijon like the Church Notre Dame, the Tomb of the Dukes; the Dukes were in the mediaeval Burgundy more important than the king of France. The influence of the Dukes of Burgundy was renowned and they were particularly close to the English throne.
Day 2: Dijon > Beaune, ~43 km
The rolling vineyard country is waiting. This is the heart of Burgundy and you will savor it. Have a look to the wine château of Aloxe Corton, with its delightfully ornate roof, or the 12th Century Close de Vougeot Château, which was the property of the Citeaux abbey for several centuries. In the Grande Cave you will get a tasting. You pass through the town Nuits-Saint-Georges, which has produced world famous wine for a thousand years.
Day 3: Beaune > Chassey-le-Camp, ~37 km
In the morning visit of the rich wine capital, with the famous Hotel Dieu, an ancient hospital which is a 15th century masterpiece of Gothic art, built after the Hundred Years War. You are leaving for one of the most famous wine villages in the world, such as Pommard and Mercurey. This area is typical for its historical monuments, such as the old village wash houses.
Day 4: Chassey-le-Camp > Cluny, ~66 km
Today you will explore the Côte Chalonnaise which lies between the foothills of the Morvan Mountains and the plain of the River Saône. The Chalonnais is a perfect geographical bridge between the famous wine-growing areas of the Côte de Beaune to the north and the Mâconnais to the south, this area is no less distinguished with its own array of famous appellations. At Comartin you can see the magnificent château before you follow the circular route until Cluny.
Day 5: Cluny > Tournus, ~37 km
Cluny, very important place with the Abbey which was one of the biggest in Europe until the 16th century. Cluny and Saint Philibert are two of the 250 Romanesque churches. From here you are crossing the splendid landmark of the Chalonnais until Tournus. Tournus set along the banks of the Saône. Here the ancient Abbey of Philibert is waiting to be explored.
Day 6: Tournus > Châlons-sur-Saône, ~34 km
The Saône River is never far away. Chalons is a busy river port town and the birthplace of Nicéphore Niepce, inventor of the photography. The most interesting museum is the “Musée Nicéphore Niepce”. The gothic cathedral in the heart of the city, and the chapel and the pharmacy of the former hospital are also worth a visit. Overnight in Chalons.
Day 7: Châlons-sur-Saône > Beaune > Dijon, ~52 km
Today you will cycle along the Canal du Centre with very nice impressions, vineyards until Beaune. On the way you will pass the Cote Chalonnaise, with its vineyards and small hills. Very lovely landscape. Way back by train (30 minutes) to Dijon. Don't forget to taste the famous mustard in the Boutique Maille in the center of the city.
Day 8: Departure
