Cycling the Grand Cru of Beaune

Cycling information

Day 1: Arrive in Beaune

Wander the streets of Beaune and marvel at the multi coloured roofs of the 15th Century Hospices de Beaune. Overnight at the perfectly located Hotel Le Central and take your pick from the plethora of local restaurants nearby.
You stay at the Hotel Le Central

Day 2: Beaune to Gevrey-Chambertin 42km/26.5mi or 45km/28.5mi

This morning, perhaps pay a visit to the lovely 18th century chateau at Pommard before continuing past pretty Aloxe-Corton and Ladoix-Serrigny. You might like to take a short detour to visit Savigny-les- Beaune too, with its collection of vintage cars, motorbikes and planes, or to spend some time in the Parc de la Bouzaise in Beaune before lunch in the world-famous Nuits-Saint-Georges. In the afternoon your route leads you on to the 16th century Chateau du Clos de Vougeot before the final stretch through Vosne-Romanee (home of the world's most expensive wine), Chambolle-Musigny and Morey-Saint-Denis to your hotel, an elegantly restored farmhouse in Gevrey-Chambertin.
You stay at Rotisserie du Chambertin

Day 3: At Gevrey-Chambertin

Today, perhaps visit the ancient city of Dijon, just 8 minutes away by rail. Here see the Church of Notre Dame, the 12th century-15th century timbered houses, the cathedral with its 1,000-year-old crypt, and the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy along with a host of museums and other sights.
You stay at Rotisserie du Chambertin

Day 4: Gevrey-Chambertin to Sainte-Sabine 54km/34mi

Leave the vines behind and cycle up through the Combe Lavaux - Jean Roland nature reserve to appreciate stunning views across meadows to the Ouche River valley. Then it's freewheeling all the way along quiet country lanes, past fields of wheat and rapeseed to Fleurey- Ouche and the famous Canal de Bourgogne. Here you'll experience gentle pedalling along towpaths and greenways between the canal and the peaceful River Ouche. Lunch can be enjoyed with a picnic by the water's edge in any number of sleepy riverside villages, at a cafe-restaurant in a former lockkeeper's cottage, or even before or after a visit to the Chateau de Barbirey with its superb gardens. The ride ends at the 18th century Chateau Sainte-Sabine.
You stay at the Chateau Sainte Sabine

Day 5: At Sainte-Sabine 28km/17.5mi

Today's route is a lovely circular ride taking in two famous Burgundy chateaux. The first is the Chateau de Chateauneuf in the incredible medieval village of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois. Clearly visible from the hotel in Sainte-Sabine, Chateauneuf-en-Auxois is perched high on the hilltop with its 15th century fortress and 12th century keep. Then, cycling down country lanes, you come to the village of Commarin with its magnificent moated chateau, a site of importance since the early 13th century.
You stay at the Chateau Sainte Sabine

Day 6: Sainte-Sabine to Beaune 41km/26mi

Pass countryside and quiet farming villages to the ancient town of Bligny-sur-Ouche with its 12th century church, 15th century tower and twelve water mills. After crossing the River Ouche, a short climb leads you to Montceau-et-Echarnant, next to which lies the tiny Templar church of Saint John the Baptist, where the ground is paved with the gravestones of Templar Knights. From here it's downhill through meadows and woodland to the village of Nantoux, and then back out into the vines. The adventurous can take one last climb to enjoy spectacular views from the Hautes-Cotes de Beaune but both roads lead back to delightful Pommard where final wine tastings can be had at the chateau before heading back to the hotel in Beaune.
You stay at the Hotel Le Central

Day 7: Leave Beaune

Please note that cycling helmets are compulsory in France for children under 12. As we are unable to provide these, we strongly recommend that you bring your own.

Please see our Planning you holiday page for full details.