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France : Burgundy

Cycling the Vineyards From Beaune to Macon

Trip code: C06BD 4.8 (5 reviews)

Self-guided cycling

6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1
Leisurely

Flights
available

9.0Kg CO2e

Optional
e-bike hire

Book Early and Save 10%. T&Cs Apply

SUMMARY

  • Varied cycling: vineyard tracks, country lanes, waterside paths and a bike path along the canal
  • Explore the nice Romanesque town of Cluny
  • Enjoy the beauty of the South of Burgundy and its undulating landscapes
  • Discover and stay in Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 6 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts and 3 evening meals
  • Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Comprehensive route directions
  • Bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

TRIP DESCRIPTION

The Route des Grands Crus is the must-see wine route in Burgundy: 50 miles through 37 villages with world-famous appellations. Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-Saint-Georges or Pommard. There is no better way to discover Burgundy, its vineyards and its wines. From Beaune to Macon, ride along this famous 'Route des Grands Crus' and explore some of the world's most prestigious vineyards, which are now collectively recognised as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This tour will continue along waterside paths along canal and bike path through quiet countryside landscapes. Follow 'Voie Verte' trail, a former railway line converted into a cycling path. This is a unique way to discover the environmental and cultural wealth of Southern Burgundy, through an authentic natural path that winds its way to the famous abbey of Cluny.

This area is popular with gastronomes and for good reason! You can look forward to fine dining on beef bourguignon, a wine-based dish bien sur, to dishes that are 'en meurette,' meaning cooked with lardons and red wine. Such dishes include œufs au vin (eggs), coq au vin, as well as jambon persille (parsleyed ham). A tour to taste the real Burgundy flavours.

Terrain

This is a lovely peaceful area where you cycle through rural villages and by the riversides past glorious châteaux. We have used the quietest possible lanes to link the towns and villages and have tried to avoid major roads wherever possible.

READ MORE

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrival in Beaune

Wander the streets of Beaune and marvel at the multi coloured roofs of the 15th Century Hospices de Beaune.

You stay at Hostellerie Bretonniere.

hotel details



Hostellerie de la Bretonniere, Beaune

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

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Visa
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Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


In Beaune, the Hostellerie de Bretonnière is a former coaching inn dating back to the 18th century. With its old stones and its flower-filled courtyard, this traditional building offers all the comfort, and is only 5 minutes walking distance from the historical centre of Beaune. Seat on the terrace and enjoy the calm of the inner courtyard.

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

Day 2: At Beaune (40km/24.9mi or 30km/18.6mi)

A day to explore Beaune: The wine Hospices, the Basilica, and the mustard factory are some of the places to enjoy.

A jewel of flamboyant Gothic architecture, this polychrome roof of The Hotel Dieu announces the splendour of what's inside, like the la grande salle des Pauvres, the chapel and the kitchen of this medieval hospital, a treasure of Burgundy. Its reputation is also due to the nectars of the winery, which are sold at auction every November under the market.

Or you can enjoy a first ride through the vineyard.

You stay at Hostellerie Bretonniere.

hotel details



Hostellerie de la Bretonniere, Beaune

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


In Beaune, the Hostellerie de Bretonnière is a former coaching inn dating back to the 18th century. With its old stones and its flower-filled courtyard, this traditional building offers all the comfort, and is only 5 minutes walking distance from the historical centre of Beaune. Seat on the terrace and enjoy the calm of the inner courtyard.

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

Day 3: Beaune to Chassey le Camp (28km/17.4mi)

A route through Cote de Beaune passing by all the most famous wine villages:

First stop is in Pommard :When one thinks of red wine, Pommard is a name that first comes to the lips, a name evocative of a village and an iconic vineyard of Burgundy where Pinot Noir reigns supreme. A pleasure for the eyes as well as the tongue, Pommard is home to an 18th century castle built in front of the vineyards, boasting magnificent French-style gardens, vaulted cellars and an astonishing art gallery with exceptional cuvees. Then, Volnay and Meursault :The unjustly charming capital of the great white wines of Burgundy, with a vineyard mostly planted with chardonnay grapes, lying in the middle of the hills of a gentle slope.

Continue via Santenay towards Chassagne and Puligny Montrachet : located on a rocky hill of a bald mountain which is a terroir of excellence in the heart of the Cote de Beaune. In this ocean of vineyards, Chassagne and Puligny Montrachet are two villages, accomplices and rivals at the same time, share the honour of producing the world's grandest dry white wine.

You stay at Auberge du Camp Romain.

hotel details



Auberge du Camp Romain, Chassey le Camp

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


This hotel with spa and swimming pools, on the hillside, welcomes you in an idyllic setting on the Burgundy Grands Crus route. A refined cooking, a terrace for sunny days, relaxation areas with Spa, indoor pool, outdoor pool, mini golf, tennis court, this hotel is a place for relaxation. The Spa Hotel Romain Camp offers 40 beautifully decorated rooms, an elegant dining room opening on a flowered terrace with a panoramic view over the hills.

Day 4: Chassey le Camp to Dracy le Fort (32km/19.9mi)

A day spent cycling peaceful country lanes and on a bike path along a canal. This cycling path is part of the European cycling route EuroVelo 6. It is a peaceful and pleasant way along fishermen and house boat. You will pass near the wine village of Rully and Chalon sur Saone.

You stay at Hotel Le Dracy.

hotel details



Hotel Le Dracy, Dracy le Fort

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon


Hotel Le Dracy is the perfect getaway for your holidays. Find peace of mind in the surrounding countryside, and plenty to do in the nearby bustling cities. Step into our harmonious, lovingly furnished rooms to relax and experience a different pace of life. Every room has its own unique atmosphere, and comes with air-conditioning and a high level of comfort. La Garenne more than lives up to Burgundy's reputation for fine cuisine! The restaurant invites you on a gourmet journey of discovery in its attractive, sunny dining room, or on the terrace in good weather, where you can enjoy traditional, creative cuisine made from fresh produce. The restaurant has an extensive wine menu featuring a number of local vineyards to accompany you on your gourmet adventure. Find peace and calm to revitalise yourself. Enjoy a small piece of paradise, designed for your optimal comfort and offering highly relaxing therapies in the Spa. The hotel features a spa with an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room, rain shower, fitness room, two double cubicles and one single cubicle for treatment, and a selection of herbal teas, all spread across 300 m².

Day 5: Dracy le Fort to Cluny (46km/28.6mi)

Today, you will cycle on the 'Green Way', a former rail line transformed into a bike path. Follow this route via the wine village of Givry and enjoy peaceful landscapes and lovely Romanesque architecture before reaching the Abbey of Cluny. Founded in 910, the Benedictine Cluny Abbey had an exceptional influence on Europe, both political, artistic and religious.

You stay at Hotel de Bourgogne.

hotel details



Hotel de Bourgogne, Cluny

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

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Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Safe


Built on the remainings of a Benedictine abbey, this 3-star hotel is in the centre of Cluny. Built in 1817, the hotel offers free Wi-Fi access and drinks can be served in the lounge or outside. Rooms at Hotel de Bourgogne overlook the interior garden or the abbey-church dome. Each one also has a private bathroom with free toiletries and some rooms are air-conditioned. The buffet breakfast can be served in the breakfast room or in the garden when the weather is nice.

Day 6: Cluny to Macon (28km/17.4mi)

Continue to follow the bike path to Macon. On your way stop at the chateau of Berze le Chatel with lovely views. Jewel of Southern Burgundy, this imposing fortress with its fourteen towers preserves a set of medieval rooms and a Carolingian chapel.

You stay at Hotel Ibis Style.

hotel details



Hotel IBIS STYLE, Macon

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


his hotel is located in the city centre, only 50 m from Mâcon Train Station. It offers air-conditioned rooms with unlimited free Wi-Fi access and the tree-lined park features a swimming pool. A flat-screen TV and a radio are provided in the guest rooms, which have a contemporary décor. The private bathrooms include a hairdryer and amenities. At the ibis Styles Mâcon Centre, you can enjoy a drink in the bar. A buffet breakfast is provided every morning, and in the surrounding area you will find various restaurants.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 7: Leave Macon

Extending your holiday

If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hostellerie de la Bretonniere, Beaune; Hotel IBIS STYLE, Macon.

hotel details



Hostellerie de la Bretonniere, Beaune

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


In Beaune, the Hostellerie de Bretonnière is a former coaching inn dating back to the 18th century. With its old stones and its flower-filled courtyard, this traditional building offers all the comfort, and is only 5 minutes walking distance from the historical centre of Beaune. Seat on the terrace and enjoy the calm of the inner courtyard.

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.



Hotel IBIS STYLE, Macon

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


his hotel is located in the city centre, only 50 m from Mâcon Train Station. It offers air-conditioned rooms with unlimited free Wi-Fi access and the tree-lined park features a swimming pool. A flat-screen TV and a radio are provided in the guest rooms, which have a contemporary décor. The private bathrooms include a hairdryer and amenities. At the ibis Styles Mâcon Centre, you can enjoy a drink in the bar. A buffet breakfast is provided every morning, and in the surrounding area you will find various restaurants.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £380.

We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.

TRAVEL DETAILS

If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Paris airport, with onward rail included. We can also provide transfers from the station to your hotel, please contact us for details and prices.

We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.

Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES
  • 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
  • Electric bikes

Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.

REVIEWS

We had a good holiday. Most of the days we followed excellent routes and enjoyed wonderful country side, quiet routes and good weather.

Most of the hotels were very good - good standard of comfort, space and food.

John Evans, 12 Jun 2024

 

Easy to book. Helen very helpful sending links to our trip info.

Mary Kavanagh, 7 Jun 2024

 

An excellent holiday through lovely scenery. The cycling could be as energetic as you wanted and the contrast between the easy canal towpath /voie vert and the few ascents and descents on roads was about right: the roads are nothing like as busy in France! Great food and wine.

REEVE, 10 Jun 2023

 

Well planned route & easy to follow. Occasional hills but nothing too strenuous. Mostly on cycle routes or very quiet roads so traffic never a problem. Worth booking ahead in Beaune & Cluny for meals out but plenty of options. All hotels were clean & comfortable. Sturdy bike. & reliable baggage transfer. Need to highlight that TGV station in Macon is not the one near your final Ibis hotel so will need to book a 20 min taxi ride

HUGHES, 22 May 2023

 

Cycling the Vineyards from Beaune to Macon. The idea of this holiday conjured up idyllic images in my mind beforehand and they were borne out by my experiences on this trip. The countryside, vineyards, villages, rolling hills and scenery and - perhaps most of all - the amazing quality of the off-road cycle paths all more than lived up to my expectations. Unfortunately, I missed the initial briefing due to a mysteriously cancelled SNCF train. However, Active Tours kindly arranged a briefing for me the next morning.

The paper route maps were a helpful adjunct to the GPS, but the place names and marker points on the open street map were sometimes difficult to reconcile. It would help if the points on the map could be numbered as per the associated schedule of directions. I was new to using an electric bike, but the one supplied was good quality and fully operational. I was pleased to find that, with reasonable use, there was no risk of the battery running out during a day's ride.

WOOLLEY, 22 May 2023

 


Self-guided cycling

6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1
Leisurely

Flights
available

9.0Kg CO2e

Optional
e-bike hire

6 nights from £1189

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199

 

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