Abbeys and Vineyards Cycling

Location: Burgundy, France. Holiday type: Independent cycling, hotel-to-hotel. Managed locally by Headwater employed rep. Activity level: 1 bike Duration: 7 days (6 nights)   5 days (4 nights) option available. Hotels: A mix of mid range/good value, friendly/quirky. Meals: Continental breakfast and 4 evening meals.   Continental breakfast and 2 evening meals (4 night version). Prices from: Please call. Departs: Every two days from 13 May '12 to 20 Sep '12   JFMAMJJASOND

Highlights An easy 6-night cycling holiday, perfect for people looking for a short break. World-famous wines (lots of tasting opportunities!), forgotten country villages, superb local cuisine.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive at Auxerre

One of France's prettiest mediaeval cities, on the banks of the Yonne. Two Gothic churches: the Cathedral of St Etienne (13C and 16C with magnificent stained glass windows) and the Abbey of St Germain (13C and 14C with 19C crypt).

Day 2 - Auxerre/Ligny-le-Chatel 33km/20mi or 43km/27mi

Leaving Auxerre, it's flat gentle cycling along the river Yonne and through the forest of St Germain to Seignelay (scene of the 8C defeat of the Saracens; castle remains; fine market hall; pretty views over the Serein). Head via the magnificent Abbey at Pontigny (which gave sanctuary to Thomas a Beckett) to Ligny-le- Chatel.

Day 3 - At Ligny-le-Chatel

Originally this was the Roman Lanniacum Castrum. Later Marguerite de Bourgogne lived here. See the Church of St Peter and St Paul (Romanesque on the inside, Renaissance outside). It's just a 10km cycle to the small village of Chablis, almost entirely given over to the production of the world's most celebrated white wine - masses of tasting opportunities - and don't forget, we can pick up any purchases for you. Or visit Pontigny, reputed to be home of the greatest Cistercian abbey in the country.

Day 4 - Ligny/Vermenton 43km/27mi or 48km/30mi

A longer cycling day today as you pedal from one little wine village to another - but we've planned your route to ensure lots of time for stopping along the way! After a gentle climb to Courgis - lovely picnic spot, stunning views - it's downhill through Chitry and St Bris-le-Vineux to the River Yonne and along the towpath to Vermenton.

Day 5 - At Vermenton

Perhaps walk (or take your bike on the train) to Arcy-sur-Cure (10km) and visit the celebrated caves, and intriguing Manoir de Chastenay. Then cycle to Vezelay, fortified mediaeval town, from where St Bernard of Clairvaux launched the second crusade. Or take the gentle towpath to Mailly la Ville where you can swim at the riverside 'beach' or watch the canal boats coming in and out of the adjacent port.

Day 6 - Vermenton/Auxerre 32km/20mi

Today's undemanding route takes you along the towpath towards Auxerre. Picnic on the banks of the Yonne, or go via Irancy - the views are absolutely stunning - and visit the amazing underground Bailly caves where Cremant sparkling wines are made. Lots of time to explore historic Auxerre: abbey, cathedral, shops, etc. as well as superb indoor and outdoor swimming complexes.

Day 7 - Leave Auxerre