Chablis Vineyards Walk, France

Starting in mediaeval Auxerre, one of the prettiest riverside cities in France, this gentle paced ramble takes you through picture-postcard Burgundy - towpaths, river valleys and wheat fields alive with bright red poppies – as you head, via wine capital Chablis, to the fortified Mediaeval town of Vézelay, jewel in the Burgundian crown. (One of the high places of Christendom, it was an important stopping off point for pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela, and vespers are still held here daily.) En route, you’ll pass through world-famous vineyards – masses of dégustation opportunities – and flower-filled hillsides crowned with woods and pretty riverside villages. Wildlife enthusiasts are also in for a real treat, so be sure to pack the binoculars.

Throughout, you’ll stay in carefully selected hotels, hand-picked for their superb locations, warm welcomes and superb regional cuisine. Favourites include Mme de Meurteuil’s former coaching inn nestled in the heart of Chablis, and a grand manor house overlooking Vézelay’s magnificent basilica.

Detailed 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 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 di Compostella 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

Is this trip for you?
This is an upper 1 boot level walking holiday (See Headwater’s Boot Rating System), consisting of moderately easy walking following the well-marked GR13, with just the odd short slightly steep climb through towpaths, wooded slopes, hilltops and vineyards.  This holiday would appeal to anyone interested in food, wine and history.