Vineyards and valleys of Burgundy by bike

The vineyards and valleys of Burgundy by bike

Take small country roads by bike on the Canal de Nivernais towpath and on the véloroute! Discover the different vineyards and the terroir of this magnificent region of Burgundy! Throughout this cycling trip, you will cross the valleys of the department to discover history and traditions. Thus, you will have the opportunity to visit the Cistercian abbey of Pontigny and admire the Chablisien (Chardonnay) vineyards or the medieval town of Cravant.

 
Points of interests:

• Vineyards
• Medieval villages
• Gastronomy
• History and tradition of the region
• Nivernais Canal

 Day 1: Auxerre - Chablis - 45 km

Arrival and welcome at La Maison du vélo in Auxerre. Presentation of your stay and handing of travel documents. This first bike ride along the Yonne valley will take you to the Cistercian abbey of Pontigny. You will be able to appreciate its exceptional state of conservation which will reveal all the nobility of its 12th century architecture. Then a few kilometers away, you can see the vineyards of Chablis.
Wine tasting in Chablis (grape variety: Chardonnay)
Night with half-board in Chablis.

 
Day 2: Chablis - Dissangis - 38 km

The rest of your stay will take you to Isle-sur-Serein! En route you will discover the Serein valley as well as the magnificent medieval village of Noyers-sur-Serein, classified among the most beautiful villages in France. Noyers is a preserved medieval town in Burgundy with its 78 listed buildings or historic monuments.
Night with half-board in L'Isle-sur-Serein.

 
Day 3: Dissangis - Vézelay - 49 km

After breakfast, you resume your journey towards Vézelay! You cross the charming little village of “Montreal” before reaching the cousin valley with a great diversity of flora and fauna at the gates of the Morvan. Enjoy a self-guided tour to explore the typical village of Vézelay and its Sainte Madeleine basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Night with half board in Vézelay
 

 
 
Day 4 : Vézelay - Accolay/Arcy-sur-Cure - 38 to 45 km

You leave Vézelay by small country roads to reach the Chamoux valley, then the Yonne valley and the Nivernais Canal! Over 30 km, discover the pretty medieval village of Châtel-Censoir, the park's nature reserve, the rocks of the Saussois, a former coral reef eroded by the river, then Mailly-le-Château perched on the edge of a cliff!
Night with half board in Mailly-le-Chateau.

 
Day 5: Accolay/Arcy-sur-Cure - Auxerre - 28 to 45 km

This last stage takes you along the Canal du Nivernais, nicknamed the garden canal because of the peaceful and green landscapes. You will meet its history, its villages and the Auxerrois vineyards! A first visit will allow you to discover Irancy, a charming village which later specialized in red wine for its famous pinot noir! Compulsory tasting!
Second stop at Bailly with its gigantic cellars set up in old stone quarries. Finally, head along the Yonne towards Auxerre where a visit to the old town is essential as well as a tasting of Crémant de Bourgogne in the cellars of Bailly!
 
Additional night possible in Auxerre at the start and / or end of the stay.
End of stay.
 

Possibility of an additional day in Vézelay: Loop south of Vézelay - 35 km

You will have the choice of a day of rest in Vézelay or of exploring the historical heritage south of Vézelay! Explore the pretty villages of Pierre-Perthuis, Saint-Père and its 12th century church. But also the archaeological site of Fontaines Salées, the pierced rock and finally the castle of Bazoches! Enjoy a tasting in the heart of the Vézelay vineyards of the famous grape varieties of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir ...
Night with half board in Vézelay.

General informations :

• 5 days and 4 nights
• Accommodation comfort level: 2 and 3 * hotels and charming inns (local standards)
• Not recommended for children.

The dates :

Achievable between April and October 2024 :
- Departure from Auxerre, every day except Sunday.

Included :

• Self-guided loop circuit
• half board
• Luggages transport
• 2 wine tastings
• Travel diary: we will provide you with information on the progress of your stay as well as the itinerary for confirming your reservation, subject to change.
• Assistance in case of breakdown (except puncture).

Not included :

• Transport to the place of departure
• Personal expenses
• Visits other than those included in the program.

The options :

• VTC or VAE rental
• Wine initiation, Chablis vineyard (1 Petit Chablis, 1 Chablis, 1 Chablis Premier Cru, 1 Chablis Grand Cru)
• Extra night in Auxerre + breakfast
• Theft insurance for the rented bike
• cancellation insurance
• Reduction from 4 people.

Levels :

1 2 3 4 5 6

Ground :

Relatively flat route along the valleys of the Serein, the Canal du Nivernais or the Yonne river. A few drops on day 2 between Le Serein and Yonne.

Weather :

Pleasant, little precipitation, localized rains.
Spring: 15/20 ° C - Summer: Hot and dry 25/30 ° C.

Technicality :

30 to 50 km of hiking per day, or about 3 to 4 hours of cycling.
Easy to follow route, accessible to all cyclists.

Bibliography:

- Bike guide: the tour of Burgundy by bike

Standard Accommodation :

Carefully selected hotels ** and *** and charming guest rooms, with rooms equipped with shower and toilet.

Additional nights :

An additional night is offered to you at the start and end of your stay.

Meals :

Breakfasts: generous (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, butter, bread, jam, orange juice) or buffet.
Lunches: not included
Dinners: at the hotel or at the host's.

The bike :

- Rental bike: 21-speed VTC which will be given to you upon your arrival. A security deposit will be requested.
At the end of the tour, you will have to leave this bike at the starting point.

- Personal bike: We do not recommend bikes with small tires. Hybrid bikes and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to check your bicycle before setting off.
At the end of the tour, you will need to take care of your own bicycle.

Assistance :

Assistance in the event of breakdown (except punctures for which we do not intervene).

Luggage :

They are transported by a courier or by our team and limited to one piece of luggage per person (max. 20 kg).

Roadbook :

Detailed maps and route descriptions provided on arrival at the first hotel as well as hotel and restaurant vouchers and luggage tags.

Transport :

- By train: regional station (TER) in Auxerre.
- By road: Auxerre is on the A6 (Paris-Lyon)
- By plane: Auxerre or Paris airport

Your vehicle :

Possibility of a guarded garage for your car: 5 € / day (to be paid on site).

Cancellation insurance :

In order to guarantee the reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. To learn more about insurance, click here.