S-cape travel

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Cycling in Burgundy

Pedal through a land of extraordinarily rich and illustrious history and discover a unique mélange of haute culture and belle nature. See robust fortresses, elegant castles and massive citadels looming up on the horizon. Visit an abbey, monastery or cathedral, proof that Burgundy was once an important religious centre.

Follow lovely quiet backroads and enjoy a delightful mosaic of vineyards, oak woods, pasturelands, river valleys and glistening lakes. And finally, at the end of each day, be a welcome guest at an attractive hotel or elegant château, where you'll experience the exuberant Burgundian lifestyle in this region world-famous for its great wines and superb gastronomy.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Beaune

Arrival in Beaune, historical wine and cultural city of the Côte d'Or. The ancient and well-preserved centre has a wonderful atmosphere and is full of architectural highlights. All the major landmarks are near your stylish and cozy hotel, situated in the historical quarter.

Villages along the way: Beaune

Day 2: From Beaune to Gevrey-Chambertin

Cycle along the slopes of the Côte d'Or to Gevrey-Chambertin, world-famous for its 'grands' and 'premiers crus'. This small city is wonderfully situated at the end of a deep valley. Visit the old historical centre with its Medieval church decorated with a beautiful Romanesque portal. Overnight stay in a very comfortable hotel.

Challenge: 37 km, ascent 200m

Villages along the way: Beaune, Gevrey-Chambertin

Day 3: From Gevrey-Chambertin to Ste-Sabine

Cycle among Napoleon's favourite vineyards, such as Chambertin Clos de Bèze. Then up to 'Canal de Bourgogne' passing a deep wooded canyon. Follow a traffic-free lane past watermills, small villages and many old-fashioned hand locks. Take a rest near the Cistercian monastery of La-Bussière-sur-Ouche, surrounded by a stylish park. Continue through the beautiful Arvo Valley and, if you've still some energy left, do an optional ascent to the magnificent Medieval village of Châteauneuf. Finally you reach Ste. Sabine, where you will be a welcome guest in Château Ste. Sabine.

Challenge: 48 km, ascent 500m

Villages along the way: Gevrey-Chambertin, La-Bussière-sur-Ouche, Châteauneuf, Ste-Sabine

Day 4: From Ste. Sabine to Autun

A cycling tour through an area that's truly rural, every square inch of it. Pedal along narrow winding back lanes across rolling field-covered hills and grasslands to the Medieval village of Arnay-le-Duc. Take a swim in Fouche Lake before cycling through the beautiful valleys of Arroux and Rau de Villeneuve. Follow the River Ternin along the edge of the Morvan on your way to Autun. From far off, you'll spot the imposing towers of St-Lazare Cathedral. Take a historical stroll through the old city centre in the capital of Gallia during the Roman period. Overnight stay on the waterfront, at a lovely restored watermill.

Challenge: 62 km, ascent 400m

Villages along the way: Ste Sabine, Arnay-le-Duc, Autun

Day 5: From Autun to Nolay

Cycle through a land of 'milk and honey', in true Burgundian paradise. Follow the Dree River to visit Château Sully, a beautiful Renaissance castle. From here, you encounter a landscape with more hills. After a few ascents through gorgeous countryside, you reach the southern part of the Côte d'Or: the Côte de Beaune. Surrounded by vineyards, forests and rocky outcroppings, you'll find the small charming Medieval town of Nolay. Overnight stay at a comfortable hotel in the centre.

Challenge: 49 km, ascent 450m

Villages along the way: Autun, Nolay

Day 6: From Nolay to Beaune

Discover the rolling hills of the Côte de Beaune: home to world-famous red and white wines. Here the surface area of the wine cellars can be greater than the village itself. A long but gradual climb along the steep cliffs of Cormat takes you up to a high limestone plateau with fabulous views over vineyards and villages. After a comfortable descent, you reach the fairytale castle of Rochepot cycling along narrow backroads past famous wine-making villages. Overnight in a stylish and cozy hotel, situated in the historical centre of Beaune.

Challenge: 36 km, ascent 450m

Villages along the way: Nolay, Montrachet, Meursault, Volnay, Pommard, Beaune

Day 7: Departure from Beaune

Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast.

Villages along the way: Beaune