Going to be in Beaune in July and rented e-bikes for the family for July 4 to ride the vineyard loop and watch stage 6 of the TdF. Do the wineries require or advise reservations, or is it more of a pop-in affair? I’d rather be flexible but really don’t want to spend all day riding only to be turned away every where . Thanks in advance!
Posted by
Granite Bay, CA
95 posts
Get a reservation. My wife and I were turned away three times while biking through the Cote de Nuits. Maybe it was our unstylish bike outfits or smell, but we were denied at certain wineries without a reservation. Not sure about needing e-bikes (mostly flat), but do enjoy the beautiful area.
Posted by
OP
19 posts
Thank you. Unfortunately a TdF sponsor rented all of the regular bikes in Beaune during our stay. Anyone have a different experience!
Posted by
187 posts
We are going to be in Beaune the exact same date! Where did you get your information in where to watch the TdF? I’ve seen a general map, but nothing specific about where to see it. It would be fun to at least see some of it for a bit!
Posted by
OP
19 posts
Apparently the official TdF site has not released this, but I dug this up. https://www.cyclingstage.com/tour-de-france-2024-route/stage-6-tdf-2024/
Posted by
Orange County, CA
4 posts
Regarding wine reservations, most places in Burgundy are family owned and if you can even get in for a tasting, it is definitely by appointment only. A few of the major producers have tasting rooms that you can walk into but in my experience, they are few and far between. There are a few in Beaune such as Joseph Drouhin you could try. Also Bouchard Aine et Fils does online reservations.
If you have a car, I would recommend visiting Domaine Lejeune in Pommard and Boyer Martenot in Meursault. They are appointment only but both are very receptive to email requests for a visit. Also, Olivier Leflaive in Puligny Montrachet offers a full walk through educational tour of their vineyards including grand cru. Again, it can be booked online. Great for a Burgundy wine beginner.
Posted by
Los Angeles
4853 posts
You can also go underground and do the DIY tour of the Patriarche cellars
Posted by
29 posts
In Burgundy, it is definitely best book in advance. Only a handful of wineries will accept walk ins. France is very different than Canada and the US in this regard.
If you do Burgundy correctly, it can be a very rewarding experience. Louis Jadot and Chateau Pommard are great visits.