Backroads of Burgundy - 2010/11 Itinerary
8 days - from $1020
• Travel through one of the most fascinating areas of France
• Cycle along the historic Canal de Bourgogne
• Explore quiet backroads to fortified villages, chateaux & abbeys
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Canal de Bourgogne
From Montbard, we follow the quiet towpaths of the Canal de Bourgogne, built to forge a navigable route from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. We make the easy ride to the impressive Cistercian Abbaye de Fontenay, once run as a paper mill by the Montgolfier family but now restored to its former glory and designated a World Heritage site.
Chateaux & Walled Cities
Continuing our route along the canal we pause at the captivating walled city of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain - described as the Sleeping Beauty of Burgundy and the setting for the film 'Chocolat' - before we reach Semur-en-Auxois. Perched on a granite outcrop and nestling in a loop of the river Armançon, Semur's maze of houses and cobbled streets make it one of the most picturesque towns in Burgundy. Here we can simply relax and soak up the atmosphere or alternatively cycle out to visit some of the neighbouring chateaux as well as the optional diversion to the hill top village of Alise-Ste-Reine with its Roman remains.
Vin et vélo!
Winding our way through charming medieval villages and the elegant Chateau Commarin, we head deep into the heart of the Burgundy wine growing region, which boasts such celebrated names as Pommard, Mersault, Nuits-St-George and of course the classic Cotes de Beaune. Basing ourselves in Beaune, we aim to venture out and sample some of the region's fine wines and cheeses - reputed to be the favourites of a certain Napoleon Bonaparte and a worthy reward after a day's pedalling!
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Itinerary:
Day 1 Join the tour in Montbard. Day 2 Abbaye de Fontenay From Montbard, we follow the quiet towpaths of the Canal de Bourgogne to the impressive Cistercian Abbaye de Fontenay which is designated a World Heritage site. Day 3 Chateau of Bourbilly We cycle along the Canal de Bourgogne via the village of Moutiers St Jean to Epoisses, with optional rides to the Chateau de Bourbilly set in beautiful grounds to Semur-en-Auxois. Day 4 Flavigny sur Ozerain Day rides to the captivating walled city of Flavigny sur Ozerain and the setting for the film 'Chocolat' with an optional trip to Alise-Ste-Reine. Day 5 Pouilly-en-Auxois Cycle to the medieval village of Pouilly-en-Auxois, deep into the heart of the Burgundy wine growing region. Day 6 Beaune Cycle to Beaune, exploring the vineyards with a visit to the Chateaux Commarin. Day 7 Wine tasting Optional day ride from Beaune sampling the region's wines and cheeses. Day 8 Tour ends in Beaune.
Accommodations: 7nts small hotel; 7 breakfasts included.
Transport: 18 or 21 speed hybrid bicycles complete with pannier, water-bottle holder, lock and map holder.
Comment: Graded as moderate - approx. 175km/5 days (average of 45km/cycling day) plus additional optional day rides. Moderate cycling on quiet backroads and towpaths, enjoying picturesque villages, impressive historic sites and fine food and wines along the way. We cycle from village to village on 4 days, allowing for a range of day rides and other activities throughout the tour. You can ride independently or with group members. Cycling on 95% asphalt; 5% gravel tracks.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader/driver to assist, advise and co-ordinate.
Trip Reference: BY2010
