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
• Rich heritage
• Authentic villages

Day 1: Arrival in Auxerre

You will be welcomed at your hotel to receive your travel book and some practical information fto make your cycling holiday in Burgundy as enjoyable as possible. Dinner is not included but don’t hesitate to ask the reception of the hotel for some advice. We recommend a walk in the heart of the old town. Its Gothic-style cathedral and its Saint Germain Abbey are worth the detour. The monastic complex dating from the 9th century is remarkably preserved with its crypts containingone of the oldest wall paintings discovered in France.

Overnight in Auxerre.

Day 2: From Auxerre to Chablis (37 km / +280 m or 61 km / +360 m)

Short Option:

The route begins in the heart of the countryside, amidst fields. The first stop is Pontigny. Discover the Cistercian Abbey, the largest and one of the most beautiful remaining in France. Continue your journey through the Chablis vineyards before arriving at your charming hotel, located in the heart of the village.

Long Option:

Escape the hustle and bustle of Auverre and immerse yourself in the countryside. Along the way, you'll visit charming villages and beautiful vineyards. As you cycle north, you'll reach Brienon-sur-Armançon, a town steeped in history and a perfect central spot for a break. As the route takes you into the hills, you'll tackle some gentle climbs that offer beautiful views over the Armançon Valley. Before arriving in Chablis, other picturesque villages lie along your route. While each possesses its own unique charm, they are united by Burgundy's agricultural heritage.

Chablis is famous for its white wines made from Burgundy's emblematic grape variety, Chardonnay. Since descriptions are often unnecessary, a tasting is planned for the end of the day.

Overnight in Chablis.

Day 3: From Chablis to Auxerre via Irancy (38 km / +470 m or 62 km / +690 m)

Short option:

The route takes you to Irancy, where the appellation changes. Irancy is a red wine made from Pinot Noir (another emblematic Burgundy grape variety) which is unique in that it incorporates up to 10% César, a traditional local grape variety. After Irancy, you head towards Saint Bris les Vineux, another well-known and respected wine-growing village. The journey continues along rolling country roads with lovely viewpoints along the way. You continue your day with a visit to the Caves de Bailly, a major producer of Crémant sparkling wine, whose cellars are housed in a former quarry. You then rejoin the Yonne River and the Canal du Nivernais to reach Auxerre.

Longer option:

Take a scenic drive through the Burgundy countryside. Your first stop is the picturesque village of Vermenton, located on the banks of the Cure, a tributary of the Yonne. The next major stop is Irancy. This wine-growing village is known for its red wines made from the Pinot Noir grape. The rest of the route back to Auxerre winds between vineyards and the banks of the Yonne, offering magnificent views.

Overnight 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
• Standard version : 3* hotels

2026 Dates:

Departures possible every day from March to October.

Included :

• 3 nights with breakfasts
• Tourist taxes
• Welcome briefing on day 1
• 2 wine tastings
• Luggage transfers
• Access to our GPS App
• Roadbook
• Telephone support 7 days a week

Not included :

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

Options :

• Standard bike and ebike rental
• Half-board (3 dinners)
• Theft guarantee for the rented bike
• Extra night in Auxerre at the beginning or the end of the tour (on request)
• Cancellation insurance

Level :
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 470 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: Standard bike or ebike will be given to you upon arrival. 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 organise its return.
• Personal bike: We do not recommend bikes with small tires. Hybrid 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

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