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Cycling in Burgundy

Posted by (Atlanta, GA) on

Hello, myself and 5 other adults are planning a self-guided cycle trip to Burgundy. Does anyone have recommendations on what towns not to miss and what we could skip? The travel blogs always hit the most "touristy" highlights, but we're not particularly interested in too many museums or chateau (although we will visit a few). We will likely be in a different town each night, but may be in Beaune for two. Recommendations for day trips (by bike) from Beaune other than Santennay are welcome! Also interested in good markets and charming villages.

Posted by
420 posts

Why not read through the itineraries of pre-packaged self-guided cycling tours on the websites of comapnies such as InnTravel, Headwater, La Belle France, HighPoint Holidays etc. They will give you an idea of distances, places to visit and places to stay, even if you decide not to book through them.

Posted by
4132 posts

Melissa,

Ten years ago I spent a week cycling with a friend in Burgundy. We started in Beaune and took 2 day trips, one south to La Rochepot and one north to Pernand Vergelesses (with many detours).

You will note that these are short hops, but here is my real tip: If you are renting bikes, which is a good idea even if you are prepared to bring your road bike with you on the plane, the rental shop folks will give you the best possible route advice based on what you want to see and do.

So if you want to do a metric century that includes a chateau and wine and a spectacular downhill run, they will tell you where to go.

We rented bikes in 2 locales in Burgundy, and both times we just sat down with the bike people and our IGN topo maps and had them mark routes for us. There is no substitute for local knowledge.

The other part of our trip was point-to-point in northern Burgundy. Highlights for me (beside the ride itself) were lunch in Chablis, then Noyers, the Fontenay Abbey, and Vezeley.

Travel blogs are fun but inferior to a well-written guidebook, so I'd look there for inspiration. We did. It may be out of print, but Lonely Planet has a guide to cycling in France with a Burgundy chapter, check your library.

You could skip Dijon.

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