Day 1
Arrival in Dijon and after the check-in, you have the opportunity to explore the former hometown of the Dukes of Burgundy: visit the gothic collegiate church of Notre Dame, the Ducal Palace with the reclining figures of the Dukes and the impressive city palace.
Day 2 Dijon – Beaune 47 km
Via Marsannay-la-Côte you cycle to Vougeot, the famous Clos de Vougeot, once a press of the Cistercian monks. Lovely little vineyard streets lead you to Nuits-Saint-Georges, where a wine tasting awaits you. Then you continue to Beaune – the city of wine and, above all, well-known for its Hôtel Dieu, the poor hospital of the 15th century. The building is a masterpiece of Gothic. Take the opportunity for an evening stroll through the vibrant wine city.
Day 3 Beaune – Semur-en-Auxois 68 km
Leaving Beaune you head north and cycle through Savigny-le-Beaune, a very pretty valley, slightly out towards Châteauneuf. Châteauneuf is one of the hundred most beautiful villages in France and is picturesquely situated high above the Auxois area. You cycle to the medieval town of Semur-en-Auxois.
Day 4 Semur-en-Auxois – Vézelay 78 km
Through the pastures and the village of Epoisses, famous for its cheese, you will reach one of the most beautiful valleys in Burgundy – the Vallée du Cousin. The river “Cousin“ winds dreamily through the romantic river valley. Afterwards, you will pass through the lovely Avallonis, past natural hedgerows, grazing Charolais cattle to Vézelay. Before that, you will be crossing the viaduct in high altitude, overlooking the Pierre-Perthuis bridge from the 17th century. A magnificent landscape that leads to the eternal hill of Vézelay. Vézelay was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and its basilica with its Romanesque sculptural decoration is worth a long stay.
Day 5 Vézelay – Auxerre 68 km
Stroll through the picturesque streets, to half-timbered houses from the 15th and 16th century. Passing by the picturesque clock tower, you reach the elegant gothic cathedral Saint-Etienne which you can enjoy from the inside and outside. Stroll a bit further to the Abbaye St Germain and visit the crypt with its 9th century stone paintings.
Day 6 Auxerre – Chablis 34 km
Today you cycle to Pontigny through short forest tracks to the Cistercian church. It is one of the last witnesses of the great spiritual movement of the Cistercians. After the visit you continue to the wine growing area of Chablis. Stop there for a wine tasting.
Day 7 Chablis – Montbard 62 km
Cycle through the vineyards of Chablis before reaching the Canal de Bourgogne. The Canal de Bourgogne, with its beautiful course and romantic nature, is just one of the highlights on this route. An absolute must is the stop at the Renaissance castle of Ancy-le-Franc. After the visit you continue to Montbard.
Day 8 Montbard – Chailly sur Armançon 57 km
Today’s cycling day will take you along historic sites. First, the Château Bussy Rabutin, then Alesia, César’s winning place over Vercingetorix in 52 before Ch. On the scenic towpath then begins the lock staircase of the Canal de Bourgogne. On 12 km 37 locks (!) Were set up, understandable that you hardly see any boats on this section! Picturesque landscapes characterized by pasture and rivers determine the further course of the route.
Day 9 Chailly-sur-Armançon – Dijon 54 km
Picturesque finish for the last day of cycling via the Canal de Bourgogne to Dijon.
Day 10
Departure. C’est la vie – we say “Au revoir et à bientôt!“
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