A gentle self-guided circuit through quiet back roads and charming mediaeval villages of the beautiful Bourgogne countryside

Burgundy styles itself 'The Land of Great Art and Good Living'. The landscape is an attractive patchwork of lush pastures and broad-leaved woodlands, interspersed with extensive vineyards, for here we are in one of France's foremost wine regions, indeed we will be passing some of the most valuable vines in the world. For those who enjoy some classic wines the names of the towns and villages will have a distinct resonance: Chablis, Beaune, Nuits Saint Georges. The architecture, too, is distinctive, with many fine old half-timbered buildings whose steeply-pitched roofs are patterned in multi-coloured tiles. This itinerary enables an appreciation of the food, wine and the countryside but also provides some healthy exercise to justify a little indulgence at the end of each day. The lattice of quiet lanes and tracks follows rivers and meandering canals and climbs into the hills to explore the enchanting countryside, ancient abbeys, historic towns and magnificent chateaux.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Dijon. 2 Cycle to Beaune. Leave mediaeval Dijon and pedal via Nuits St Georges, the capital of the Cotes de Nuits vineyards, to Beaune. The fascinating old town is a great place to explore and eat with plenty of shops and restaurants. 3 Cycle to Nolay. Pass the villages of Pommard and Meursault and the 13th century chateau at La Rochepot and on to the lovely old town of Nolay. 4 Free day. Today is free to relax and enjoy Nolay or take an optional cycle ride. The town is delightful with excellent restaurants, wine cellars and a magnificent 14th century market hall. 5 Cycle to Chateauneuf en Auxois. Leave the vineyards behind and cycle through the forested uplands to the hilltop village of Chateauneuf en Auxois, with beautiful views over the surrounding countryside. 6 Free day. A day to relax, take an optional cycle ride or explore the tiny streets and chateau in the mediaeval village. 7 Cycle to Dijon. The majority of the day follows the Burgundy canal past Velars-sur-Ouche and then on to Dijon to complete the circuit. 8 End Dijon.

Mode of travel: Av. daily distance: 40 kms (25 miles)No. of days cycling: 6 (2 optional)Vehicle support: none whilst cycling, luggage is transferred between hotels for youTerrain and route: the suggested cycling mainly follows quiet tarmac roads past villages and vineyards across undulating terrain. Occasionally a busier road is encountered, as is a longer climb, but the route is not particularly arduous.
Group size: Self guided. Luggage transferred, route notes and maps provided.
Accommodation: 7 nights in 2- and 3-star hotels. All rooms have en suite facilities.
Food: All breakfasts and 3 dinners included.
Compulsory Single Supplement: from $300.00
Trip Reference: LSQ
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.