Burgundy by bike, short stay around Chablis

Short cycling trip from Auxerre. Burgundy by bike and Chablis vineyards

This cycling trip over a few days will introduce you to the Auxerre region and Chablis wines. In addition to renowned vineyards, you will have the opportunity to cycle through the heart of Burgundy rich in heritage: abbeys, castles, medieval villages and fortified towns.

Chablis is a charming village and an appellation which extends over 19 surrounding villages.

Highlights of the stay:

• Auxerre, city of Art and History
• One of the most famous vineyards in the world
• Heritage
• Authentic villages

Day 1: Arrival in Auxerre

You will be welcomed at your hotel to receive your travel diary and some practical information for the smooth running of your cycling trip in Burgundy. Dinner is not included but don’t hesitate to ask our local partner for some advice. We recommend a walk in the heart of the old town. Its Gothic-style cathedral and Saint Germain Abbey are worth the detour. The monastic complex dating from the 9th century is remarkably preserved with its crypts where one can see one of the oldest wall paintings discovered in France.

Night in Auxerre.

Day 2: from Auxerre to Chablis - 37 km

The route begins in the countryside, in the middle of fields. The first stop is Pontigny. Discover the Cistercian Abbey, the largest and one of the most beautiful remaining in France.

You resume your escapade through the Chablis vineyards before arriving at your charming hotel, located in the heart of the village. Chablis is famous for its white wines made from Burgundy's iconic grape variety, Chardonnay. The best is not necessarily to talk about it, a tasting is planned at the end of the day.
Night in Chablis.

Day 3: from Chablis to Auxerre via Irancy - 37 km

The route takes you to Irancy where we change the name. Irancy is a red wine made from Pinot Noir (another emblematic grape variety of Burgundy) which has the particularity of incorporating up to 10% of César, a traditional local grape variety.

After Irancy, Saint Bris les Vineux is another known and recognized wine-growing village. The program continues on small hilly country roads with pretty viewpoints and via picturesque villages. Possibility of visiting the Caves de Bailly, a large producer of crémant which has installed its cellars in an old quarry. You recover the Yonne and the Canal du Nivernais to reach Auxerre.

Night in Auxerre.

Day 4 - Auxerre, end of the cycling trip in Burgundy

Departure after breakfast. Don’t hesitate to book an extra night to enjoy the region.

General information:

• 4 days and 3 nights
• Level of comfort of accommodation: 3* hotels

Dates :

Departures possible every day from March to October

Included :

• 3 nights in 3* hotels 
• 3 breakfasts
• Luggage transfers
• Access to our application Respire Voyages with day by day itineraries
• Assistance in case of breakdown (except flat tire).

Not included :

• Transportation to the departure point
• Lunches and dinners
• Personal expenses
• ​Everything that is not specified in “included”

Options :

• Hybrid bike or E-bike rental
• Half-board
• Theft insurance for the rented bike
• Extra night in Auxerre at the beginning or the end of the tour
• Cancellation insurance

Levels :
1 2 3 4 5 6

Terrain :
Hilly terrain. You will ride on small paved vineyard and country roads, as well as on bicycle paths. No or very little traffic.

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

Technicality :
37 km of riding per day, about 2 to 4 hours of cycling. 300 to 500 m of positive altitude difference per day.
Itinerary easy to follow.

Bibliography :

• All cycles maps and guide on cartovelo.fr
• South Burgundy by bike - Le Routard

Additional nights : 
An extra night is possible at the beginning and/or at the end of your stay.

Meals :

• Breakfasts: copious (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, butter, bread, jam, orange juice) or buffet.
• Lunches : not included
• Dinners : not included

Bicycle :

• Rental bike: 24 speed VTC which will be given to you upon arrival. Possibility to rent an electric bike on request.  A deposit will be required. 
• The rental bikes are always delivered to the hotel, they include a repair kit, a lock, a smartphone holder, a rear bag and a front bag and a helmet (recommended). At the end of the tour, you will have to leave the bike at the last hotel and notify the reception. We will take care of its return.
• Personal bike: We do not recommend bikes with small tires. Mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to check your bike before you leave. At the end of the tour, you will be responsible for your own bike.

Assistance :
Assistance in case of breakdown (except for flat tires 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).

Travel book :
We will provide you with detailed maps and a description of the itineraries, upon arrival at your first hotel. 

Transportation : 

• By train: Auxerre is 2h by train from Paris
• By road : Auxerre is 170 km from Paris.

Parking in Auxerre: 

The hotel in Auxerre has parking. Possibility of leaving your car there for the duration of your cycling stay. Price €8/day. To be reserved in advance but to be paid directly on site.

Cancellation insurance:
In order to guarantee the reimbursement of expenses in case of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance.