Abbeys & Vineyards Cycling, France

Nine centuries of bon viveur tradition, one world famous wine area and three others to check out, are packed into this short non-strenuous holiday. You’ll have plenty of opportunities for gastronomic pit-stops. And you’ll be able to taste several renowned appellations.

Starting from historic Auxerre (lovely mediaeval city full of interest), it’s easy, undemanding cycling through a fascinating landscape of hidden villages, water meadows, woodlands and vineyards. Then, following the course of the Yonne, pleasant meanderings in and out of villages and woodlands, with swimming possibilities on the way to Ligny (and at the riverside beach when you get there). Meals throughout are superb.

Highlights include Chablis, where wine has been made for over a millenium; the celebrated stained glass at St Etienne; the ancient crypt at the abbey of St Germain; and the early Gothic Abbey of Pontigny.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1 - Arrive at Auxerre
This is 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 towards the magnificent Abbey at Pontigny (which gave sanctuary to Thomas a Beckett) to reach Lignyle- 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/Cravant 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 Cravant.

Day 5 - At Cravant
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 - Cravant/Auxerre 25km/16mi
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

Is this trip for you?
This is a level 1 cycling holiday (See Headwater’s Cycle Rating System), featuring gentle and undemanding cycling, with options for more challenging routes. This holiday would appeal to Francophiles, probably couples looking for a fairly quiet holiday with an interest in wine, food and history. Nine centuries of bon viveur tradition, one world famous wine area and three others to check out, are packed into this short non-strenuous holiday.