France : Burgundy

Chablis Vineyards Walk

Trip code: W08BU

Self-guided walking

Self-guided walking

8 nights,<br>hotel-to-hotel

8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1+<br>Leisurely plus

Level: 1+
Leisurely plus

Breakfasts plus<br>4 meals

Breakfasts plus
4 meals

Flights<br>available

Flights
available

Printed route<br>directions

Printed route
directions

Self-guided walking

Self-guided walking

8 nights,<br>hotel-to-hotel

8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1+<br>Leisurely plus

Level: 1+
Leisurely plus

Breakfasts plus<br>4 meals

Breakfasts plus
4 meals

Flights<br>available

Flights
available

Printed route<br>directions

Printed route
directions

Please call for prices.

Call: 01606 720199

CHOOSE A DATE

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Relaxed walking following the Grand Randonnee, part of St Jacques' route to Compostela
  • Gentle rolling landscapes, forests, farms, poppies, sunflowers and vines
  • World-famous wines including Chablis, Irancy, Aligote and Cremant
  • Steeped in historic interest: ancient Auxerre, medieval Cravant and UNESCO basilica at Vezelay
  • Masses of flora and fauna, roe deer, hen harriers, hoopoe and wildflowers

INCLUSIONS

  • 8 nights in 4-star equivalent and 3-star accommodation
  • All breakfasts and 4 evening meals
  • Comprehensive route directions
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Walking transfers

EXCLUSIONS

  • Travel insurance

OPTIONS

  • Room upgrades and extra nights at selected hotels
  • Flights from London or any available regional airport
  • Airport parking and airport hotels
  • Priority at Security and Fast Track
  • Airport lounge access
  • Priority boarding and extra leg-room seats
  • Business/club/first class fares
  • First class rail

TRIP DETAILS

A region where Renaissance chateaux, medieval villages and castles stand proudly amongst the vineyards, Burgundy is steeped in history and offers a tradition of exceptional wines and fine foods. It's an area rich in birdlife and wildlife enthusiasts are in for a real treat!

Starting in medieval Auxerre, one of the prettiest riverside cities in France, this gentle-paced ramble takes you through picture-postcard Burgundy. You'll walk along towpaths, river valleys and wheat fields alive with bright red poppies, as you head via the wine capital of Chablis, to the fortified medieval town of Vezelay, an important stopping-off point for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Vespers are still held here daily at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Basilica of Mary Magdalene. En route, you'll pass through world-famous vineyards with plenty of degustation opportunities and flower-filled hillsides crowned with woods and pretty riverside villages.

You'll stay in hotels hand-picked for their perfect location, warm welcome and superb regional cuisine. In Auxerre you'll stay in a family-run hotel that was converted from a maison bourgeoise, and the Hostellerie des Clos is a gastronomic boutique hotel, nestled in the heart of Chablis. Louis Philippe, the French King (1830- 1848) is reputed to have stayed in your next hotel at Vermenton and the Hotel Les Glycines in Vezelay is just a few steps from the Basilica.

READ MORE

MAP

 

TERRAIN:

Moderately easy walking following the well-marked GR13, with just the odd short, steepish climb. Towpaths, wooded slopes, hilltops and vineyards.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive at Auxerre

Your hotel is ideally situated just a few minutes' walk from Auxerre's historic centre.

You stay at Hotel Normandie.

hotel details

Hotel Normandie , Auxerre




FACILITIES:

ShopsShops
MastercardMastercard
AmExAmEx
HairdryerHairdryer
WiFiWiFi
TVTV
AirconAircon
SafeSafe
Tea/coffeeTea/coffee

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR


This hotel was originally a maison bourgeoise until it was converted into a hotel by an ex-patissier! It has now been in Mme Ramise's family for over 45 years.

The hotel only provides breakfast, although a la carte room service is possible (very reasonably priced and a good selection of hot and cold dishes). However, it's fun to explore the lovely town of Auxerre and there are plenty of good restaurants in all price ranges within 5-15 minutes walk.

There's a public swimming pool in the town and a sauna at the hotel (approx 7€). There is a secure closed garage behind the hotel (5€ per day) or free parking in front (ask at reception).

Day 2: Auxerre to Chablis 15km/9.5mi/4hr

We give you a lift to Venoy where you join the 'Wine and Cheese route' ambling gently through vineyards until you reach the lakeside wine village of Beine. After a leisurely lunch, you stroll along the lake beneath the Premier Cru vineyards into the village of Poinchy where you will find some of our favourite Chablis caves. Your final stretch follows the River Serein into the town of Chablis and on to your hotel, a gastronomic jewel nestled in the heart of the town.

You stay at Hostellerie des Clos.

hotel details

Hostellerie des Clos, Chablis




FACILITIES:

ShopsShops
MastercardMastercard
AmExAmEx
HairdryerHairdryer
WiFiWiFi
TVTV
MinibarMinibar
AirconAircon
SafeSafe

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR


The Hostellerie des Clos is a family run hotel in the heart of Chablis. The hotel is set in beautiful gardens, with terrace for breakfast or pre-dinner drinks. There is a cosy lounge and all the rooms are individually decorated across two buildings.

Day 3: At Chablis

The entire town of Chablis is almost completely devoted to the production of some of the world's finest white wines, and there are a plethora of cellars to visit and taste. You can follow the popular 8km circular walk around the celebrated Grand Crus vineyards with panoramic views of Chablis town.

Day 4: Chablis to Pontaubert 13km/8mi/4hr OR 21km/13mi/5.5hr

From the viewpoint at Courgis, head through the vines to the village of St-Cyr-les-Colons. Continue through forest and farmland to Cravant, with its 18th-century donjon. We transfer you to the Moulin des Ruats in Pontaubert, your hotel for the next 2 nights.

You stay at Moulin des Ruats.

hotel details

Moulin des Ruats, Pontaubert




FACILITIES:

WiFiWiFi
TVTV

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR


Located just 4km from Avallon, the Moulin des Ruats is full of character, it's a former 18th-century watermill offering 25 comfortable bedrooms that mix elegance and refinement with modern decoration. The restaurant has a large picture window opening onto the forest and the mill wheel so you can watch the river flow as you enjor the fine local cuisine.

Day 5: At Pontaubert

Take a walk in the beautiful Vallee du Cousin or visit nearby Avallon with its cobbled streets and impressive town houses.

Day 6: Pontaubert to Vezelay 16km/10mi/4.5hr

Follow part of the Camino de Santiago, keeping your eyes peeled for rare birdlife. Th ere are wonderful views of the magnifi cent hilltop basilica as you approach Vezelay. You stay at the Hotel SY les Glycines for two nights, with dinner included.

You stay at Hotel SY Les Glycines.

hotel details

Hotel SY Les Glycines, Vezelay

 equivalent


FACILITIES:

MastercardMastercard
AmExAmEx
HairdryerHairdryer
WiFiWiFi
TVTV

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR


Hotel Les Glycines is situated just 50m from the basilica and has been recently renovated from a 18th century townhouse to create a charming hotel with 13 individually decorated well equipped rooms. Breakfast is served at the sister hotel La Terrasse, just 50m up the hill beside the basilica, they also offer a restauramt service at La Terrasse.

Room upgrades: Superior room or Suite.

Day 7: At Vezelay

The C12 basilica is a masterpiece of sacred art and a UNESCO world heritage site and is definitely worth exploring. It is the largest church in France, and was the launching point for two Crusades. A short walk takes you to the village of St Pere-sous-Vezelay and its ornate Gothic church, or you can visit the nearby Roman Baths or Fontaines Salees.

Day 8: Vezelay to Auxerre 14km/8.5mi/3.5hr

It's a great walk today for bird-spotting and seeing wild animals. As you leave Vezelay behind and head into the forest, look out for roe deer and stags, or pairs of jays darting in front of you. The route passes through tranquil hamlets and open farmland to Sermizelles before your transfer back to Auxerre.

Day 9: Leave Auxerre

Extending your holiday

If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Le Senat.

hotel details

Hotel Le Senat , Paris




FACILITIES:

MarketMarket
BankBank
Cash machineCash machine
MastercardMastercard
HairdryerHairdryer
WiFiWiFi
TVTV
MinibarMinibar
AirconAircon
SafeSafe

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR


The 4 star Le Senat is simply stunning! There are just 41 rooms, all stylishly furnished and a couple of suites with terraces, if you really fancy splashing out! All have satellite television, mini bar, air-conditioning, safe and hairdryer, plus Internet access.

The hotel has its own small bar - adorned with photographs of eminent artists, being in the heart of the artists' quarter - plus a reading room with complimentary internet access.

Breakfast is taken in the basement, where you'll find a copious buffet of viennoiseries, cereals, fruit salad, ham, cheese, bread, yoghurt, bacon, eggs, sausage, fruit juices, tea or coffee. If you prefer, you can have a continental breakfast served to your room at no extra charge.

Le Senat is perfectly located on a quiet side street just a stone's throw away from the Luxembourg Gardens and metro, and a five-minute walk from the vibrant Latin quarter, where you'll find a plethora of restaurants to suit all budgets.

DEPARTURE DATES & PRICES

We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website.

Please contact our sales team on 01606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.

REVIEWS

Steph gave us a very personal and a very speedy service. Just what we needed. We are very much looking forward to our Headwater holiday.

21 Jan 2025

Friendly , knowledgeable and efficient.

Amy Dalrymple, 29 Sep 2025

Booking experience efficient by email

Christopher May, 26 Nov 2025