Burgundy Canal by bike from Tonnerre to Dijon in 7 days

Burgundy canals by bike from Tonnerre to Dijon

The greenway that runs along the Burgundy canal between Tonnerre and Dijon is a treat for cycle tourists. This cycling tour offers you an adventure in the heart of Burgundy's heritage with cultural and gastronomic stops that will leave you with great memories.

Interests of the stay:

• renaissance castle of Tanlay
• Ancy le Franc
• Quincy Abbey
• Chateauneuf-en-Auxois
• Abbey of Fontenay
• Village of Commarin

Day 1 - FromTonnerre to Pacy / Ancy-le-Franc - 26 or 34 Km

Arrival in the morning in Tonnerre, reception, handling of the bicycles and departure.
First stop at the magnificent renaissance castle of Tanlay, that you can visit (not included). The rest of the stage will lead you to a second Renaissance work: Ancy-le-Franc. Immerse yourself in this place and let you tell its story, with a guided tour possible until 4 or 5 p.m (not included), depending on the season.
Dinner and overnight in Pacy or Ancy-le-Franc.

Day 2 - From Pacy / Ancy-le-Franc to Montbard - 30 or 37 Km

After a hearty breakfast, head east towards Montbard. On the way, discover Buffon's Grande Forge, an engineering treasure trove, as well as lesser-known but equally charming gems: mills, wash-houses, churches and châteaux nestling in Aisy or Rougemont. If you arrive early and are feeling energetic, treat yourself to an extra 20 km to visit the Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a place steeped in serenity and history.

Dinner and overnight in Montboard

Day 3 - From Montbard to Semur-en-Auxois - 35 to 55 km

At this point, the Canal de Bourgogne rises gently out of the Brenne valley to reach its watershed. You will cross the Pouillenay ladder, an impressive 12 km stretch of 37 locks, once a monumental challenge for the bargemen. For cyclists, this is a unique opportunity to watch the fascinating ballet of lock manoeuvres in peace.

In the evening, you return to the medieval town of Semur-en-Auxois. Stroll through its narrow streets and take in its historic heritage: medieval bridges, hidden staircases, imposing fortifications and dungeons bear witness to a rich and captivating past.

Dinner and overnight in Semur-en-Auxois.

Day 4 - Loop tour around Semur-en-Auxois - 45 to 60 km

Today, you'll have the chance to do a loop around Semur-en-Auxois, where a whole host of discoveries await you by bike! Explore the fortified town of Semur-en-Auxois, wander through the narrow streets of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain and visit its abbey and famous anise factory, immerse yourself in history at the Gallo-Roman site and the Alesia Museopark, or admire the magnificent château at Bussy-Rabutin. You can also take time to stroll through the medieval heart of Semur-en-Auxois. On a fine day, enjoy a moment of relaxation on the banks of Lac de Pont, ideal for a refreshing swim.

Dinner and overnight in Semur-en-Auxois.

Day 5 - From Semur-en-Auxois to Châteauneuf-en-Auxois - 50 Km

You cross the Auxois and its groves and discover its treasures such as the Collegiate Church of St Thibault, the Château d'Eguilly, the Voûtes de Pouilly (the Burgundy Canal is underground), the village and the castle of Châteauneuf as well as the castle of Commarin. You will not have time to visit everything.

Dinner and overnight in Châteauneuf-en-Auxois

Day 6 - From Châteauneuf-en-Auxois to Dijon - 50 Km

Cycle through the wildest part of the Canal de Bourgogne, in the heart of the Ouche valley. This narrow, winding gorge, carved out of the Burgundian limestone, reveals some enchanting landscapes. Along the way, let yourself be seduced by the hidden treasures of the perpendicular valleys, such as the Château de Barbirey and the Abbaye de la Bussière. Your route then takes you to Dijon, passing the peaceful Lac Kir. Welcome to the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, a veritable showcase of culture and gastronomy!
Overnight in Dijon

Day 7 - Dijon

Your trip ends after breakfast. You can take advantage of your day to visit the city of Dijon, capital of Burgundy.

General information :

• 7 days and 6 nights
• Standar version : 2 to 4* hotels and guesthouses 
• Prices for children: contact us.

The dates 2025 :

Departure between April and October 
Departure from Tonnerre Mondays, Tuesdays,Wenesdays, Thurdays.

Included :

• 6 nights with breakfasts
• 5 dinners (except in Dijon)
• Personalized welcome
• Luggages transportation
• GPS App
• 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
• Tourist tax to be paid on site.

The options :

• Standard bike or ebike rental
• Additional night(s) at the start or end of the tour in Tonnerre or Dijon
• Theft guarantee for the rented bike
• Cancellation insurance
• Reduction from 4 people.

Level :

1 2 3 4 5 6

Ground :

Flat, very smooth roads and paths. Program with 80% cycle paths and towpaths. When the track is bad, small parallel roads with little traffic.

Weather :

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

Technicality:

26 to 60 km of cxycling per day, or about 2 to 6 hours of cycling.
Easy to follow route, accessible to all cyclists.

Bibliography:

- Bike guide: the tour of Burgundy by bike 

Additional nights:

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

Meals:

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

The bike :

- Rental bike: 21-speed standard bike which will be given to you upon your arrival. At the end of the tour, you will have to leave this bike at the last hotel and inform the reception.

- 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 :

We will provide you with detailed maps and a description of the routes when you arrive at the first hotel. We will also give you vouchers for hotels and restaurants as well as luggage tags.

Transport :

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

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.