Beaune - Bike Day Trip

Am planning to do the bike tour also. Am anxious to see if there are replies

I was in Beaune in April for 3 nights. I actually rented a bike 2 different times - once by myself and the other time when my boyfriend arrived. Both times the intention was to ride through the vineyards and to/from the nearby villages. I rented from the recommendation in Rick's book (Bourgogne Randonnees) but I didn't reserve in advance. I just walked in and rented a bike the first time and then let him know I'd be back for the other day (and didn't need to reserve - although April wasn't that busy). I didn't do any research in advance and the gentleman that runs the bike shop provided recommendations and tips on where to go based on how long I wanted to spend out there. I hadn't rode a bike in years and it was fantastic. Of everything I did on my 1.5 weeks in France this was an absolute highlight - both times. I hadn't been on a bike in about 10 years and went out alone - the roads are well-marked in Beaune the paths as well as you get into the vineyard (which is amazingly close). The villages are very close as well. Given you are coming in on a day trip you should be able to do it but you may want to reserve in advance (the bike shop is down the street from the train station). Based on when you arrive and when you need to leave they can help you figure out how far/where you can go. Let me know about any other questions.

This is a great thing to do! There are two bike rides from Beaune described from Rick's book. He got both itineraries from Florent at Bourgone Randonees in Beaune. Florent is generous with advice and will be able to make a custom recommendation if there are things you especially want to see or based on your own cycling goals (e.g., length, hills). He can also recommend a place for lunch or a vineyard tasting or two. From him I learned, for instance, of a tasting lunch in Aloxe Cortone, on the northern loop. Marvelous experience. I am not aware of any special bike path on that part of France. All local roads are accessible by bike. It's up to you whether to spring for a guide, but I can say with confidence that you do not need one in this area. If your web site is unhelpful, Florent might be able to help you; there is a link on this page:
http://www.detours-in-france.com/index.php?mod=sl_detours_pages&id=7 To maximize your time, leave Paris early. Randonees is near the train station. Bring food or buy at a market; there is a supermarket not far from Place Madeline, or make a plan for lunch.

Should you take your own wine or plenty to buy, taste, drink along the way?

Thanks - I've already received a reply from Florent using the email address: [email protected] 2 itineraries 15 Km (10 miles) Flat / Mostly flat to Aloxe Corton 30 Km (20 miles) Flat / Mostly flat to Puligny Montrachet Enjoy a great cycling day and get to know the heart and soul of Burgundy. Cycling among some of the most famous vineyards whose names grace the world's renowned bottles;
Itinerary 1: Cycling through the Grands Cru vineyards of Corton and Corton Charlemagne.
Itinerary 2: Nice ride through the "Chardonnay kingdom": Meursault, Chassagne & Puligny-Montrachet "Wonderful views and quiet roads " You will have a rendez-vous with a winemaker and visit his cellars; after a nice introduction to the burgundian wines and the vineyards, soil, climate, head for the great WINE-TASTING LUNCH Start and end of your ride: At our agency Everyday Monday through Saturday. Cost per person: 80 € What's included? Fully equipped hybrid bike 27 gears, Aluminium frame, helmet Cycling routes on detailed map, Routes notes, suggested sites Lunch / Tasting in a wine estate
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Charles, you are in good hands! Have a blast.