Chablis Vineyards Walk

Location: Burgundy, France. Holiday type: Independent walking, hotel-to-hotel. Managed locally by Headwater employed rep. Activity level: Upper 1 boot Duration: 9 days (8 nights) Hotels: Mid range/good value. Meals: Continental breakfast and 6 evening meals. Prices from: Please call. Departs: Every two days from 13 May '12 to 20 Sep '12   JFMAMJJASOND

Highlights This relaxed walk follows in part the route St James took en route to Compostela, and covers a gently rolling landscape of forests, farmlands, river valleys and fields full of poppies. Highlights include ancient Auxerre and mediaeval UNESCO-listed Vezelay.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive at Auxerre

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

Day 2 - Auxerre to Chablis 15km/9mi/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 Beines. After a leisurely lunch, it's up above the lake to the village of Milly with its interesting C17 church. Your final stretch takes you through Chablis' famous vineyards and on to your hotel - a real jewel nestled in the heart of Chablis' town.

Day 3 - At Chablis

The entire town of Chablis is almost entirely 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 Grandes Crus vineyards with panoramic views of Chablis town.

Day 4 - Chablis to Cravant 15km/9mi/3.5hr or 16km/10mi/4hr

We take you to the panoramic viewpoint at Courgis, the starting point for today's walk. Your path first goes through the vines above pretty Chitry - look out for its unique gothic church and leaning tower! - and then through the cherry-covered hillsides above Irancy and on to mediaeval Cravant.

Day 5 - At Cravant

Nestled in the Yonne River valley, Cravant still has vestiges of its ancient walls and gates, with the former moat now a pretty 'Promenade' around the church. The donjon is worth a visit and, although now privately owned, the owner is happy to show Headwater visitors around - just ask at the hotel. There is a river beach just 300m away, or it's an easy stroll along the canal path to the underground wine cellars at Bailly.

Day 6 - Cravant to Vezelay 17km/11mi/4.5hr or 28km/17mi/7hr

Catch the train from Cravant to Sermizelles (20mins) to start your walk following the classic GR13 - the famous pilgrims' path to Santiago de Compostela in NW Spain - across the wooded slopes of Montmartre. Birdlife here is prolific - look out for a hoopoe or even the rare corncrake and red-backed shrike. You emerge from the forest to see Vezelay's magnificent basilica standing proudly on the hill above you. Our hotel enjoys an enviable position directly opposite the old gates of this walled town.

Day 7 - At Vezelay

The 12C basilica is a masterpiece of sacred art and a UNESCO world heritage site. 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/10mi/3hr

It's a great walk today for bird spotting and 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. As you approach the pretty village of Chatel-Censoir take time to explore the chateau, church and the busy little port, before taking the train back to Auxerre.

Day 9 - Leave Auxerre