Cycling in Burgundy - Caves and Canals, France

Burgundy is famous for its warm hospitality and inimitable knack for enjoying life. Even before Julius Caesar fought his decisive battles with the Gauls, people have been lured to this beautiful land of gently rolling landscapes, sleepy villages, rivers and canals. Burgundy is a land of culture, of tradition, fine food and excellent wine.

Experience the delights of this old region of France in this leisurely journey along two of the most picturesque and romantic waterways France can offer.

You will spend the first part of the week enjoying rolling landscapes, sleepy villages of medieval half timbered homes as you follow the Canal de Bourgogne between Montbard and Joigny. Mid-week, you will pick up the route of Canal du Nvernais, taking time to admire the historic beauty of Auxerre before heading off to Accolay, Clamency and finally Avallon where you will spend your final evening before going back to Montbard.

This is a gentle route designed for those who want to take their time to enjoy a land rich in tradition, history, gastronomy and fine wines. This is a route suitable for families with younger children or for those looking for a more leisurely paced holiday as it is predominately flat terrain.

Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrival into Montbard
After driving or travelling by train you arrive in Montbard in Burgundy. Upon your arrival at your hotel, you will be contacted by your representative and you will be provided with your bikes (should you be hiring) as well as your route notes and maps for your trip in Burgundy.

Day 2 - Montbard – Tonnerre - 63 kms / 39 miles
For our first day, we will leave Montbard and we will cycle along the romantic Canal de Bourgogne. On the way to Tonnerre, you will pass the Renaissance castle “Ancy-le-Franc” constructed by the Architect Serlio in the 17th century and few miles later the Renaissance castle “Tanlay".

Day 3 - Tonnerre – Joigny - 59 kms / 37 miles
Before leaving Tonnerre you should take the time to have a walk around and visit “Hotel Dieu”, a former 13th century hospital and the old wash house. Back on the Canal de Bourgogne you will cycle through a pretty landscape that alternates between vineyards and countryside. Tonight we will stop in Joigny, a traditional small town which has preserved its numerous half-timbered houses and churches.

Day 4 - Joigny – Accolay - 47 kms / 29 miles
Our first stopover today is the beautiful town of Auxerre which is not too far from Joigny. This historical town is located on the edge of the River Yonne and has been designated as a protected site with numerous half-timbered houses, its picturesque clock tower, its cathedral which is a masterpiece of Gothic Art and its abbey of St Germain with Carolingian crypts. It is worth spending some time in Auxerre to visit them. Our ride continues along the Canal du Nivernais. One very important stopover you could make is at the Caves de Bailly where you could taste the famous Crémant de Bourgogne before heading off to Accolay.

Day 5 - Accolay – Clamecy - 44 kms / 27.5 miles
Today we continue riding along the Canal du Nivernais to Clamecy, passing through some charming scenery. The canal was an important route in the middle Ages for the transport of wood from the Morvan Forest to Paris as the city expanded.

Day 6 - Clamecy – Avallon - 59 kms / 37 miles
For our last day, we leave the canal and cycle through small villages and on flat roads passing by Vézelay. Here, you can spend some time exploring one of Burgundy’s finest fortified mediaeval towns. The Sainte-Madeleine Basilica, a Romanesque art masterpiece which is listed as an UNESCO world heritage site is the highlight of the day. During the middle Ages, Vézelay was a major pilgrimage site and a special stopover on the pilgrim way to Satiago de Compostella.

Day 7 - Transfer to Montbard and departure
After your breakfast, our representative will pick you up at the hotel and bring you back to Montbard to collect your car or drop you at the train station. It’s time to say “au revoir” to this charming region of France.

Equipment
We provide everything except a bike (although we are able to hire these), personal equipment and clothing. If you are taking your own bike, it is imperative that it is in good mechanical order. If you are not mechanically minded, we advise you to take your bike to a local bicycle dealer for a service. Details of which spares you should take will be included in the pre-departure dossier sent with your booking confirmation. Please contact us if you are unsure whether your bike will be suitable.

What the price doesn't include
A)  Personal clothing and equipment.
B)  Lunch and evening meals (unless on the half board option).
C)  Travel insurance (available if required, £26).
D)  Bar bills, telephone calls, souvenirs, etc.
E)  Bike hire (available if required).
F)  Entrance fees to museums and other attractions.
G) Travel arrangements to the first nights hotel.