Burgundy by bike: vineyards, canal and old towns

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This trip is planned for 13 Sept – 20 Sept 2027.

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Day 1 · Mon 13/09 5:12 hr

Arrival in Dijon by train

Arriving and a first loop round the mustard city

An arrival day with no cycling stage, so you can arrive at ease.

In the evening, it's worth strolling through the old town to the Place de la Libération.

Start

Mannheim Hauptbahnhof

This is where your journey begins. You'll travel to Burgundy by train with your bikes.

418 km · 5 hr · 60–110 €
1
Town

Dijon

Burgundy's capital greets you with a largely car-free old town, the Palais des Ducs and the lively market hall. Look out for the little owls set into the pavement, which mark the Parcours de la Chouette as lucky charms.

child-friendly
Website

See tickets on WeGoTrip(affiliate link)

1 km · 10 min
Stay

Hôtel Vertigo Dijon

Central, cycle-friendly accommodation with a lockable storage room, just a few minutes from the station and the old town. A good base for the first evening, with a stroll and dinner.

110–160 € / night

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 2 · Tue 14/09 18 min

Exploring Dijon

Market, mustard and the Dukes' Palace

Deliberately a cycle-free day for arriving and exploring.

If you fancy it, try genuine Dijon mustard at the Moutarderie Fallot-Boutique.

2
Food

Les Halles de Dijon

The market hall, designed by Gustave Eiffel, is Dijon's culinary heart. On market days you'll find cheese, charcuterie, pastries and regional specialities here, perfect for a picnic.

1:30 hr child-friendly
Website
· 8 min
3
Sight

Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne

The former Dukes' Palace houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts, one of France's oldest art museums. From the Tour Philippe le Bon, you get a sweeping view over the city on a clear day.

2 hr 0–6 € / person
Website

See tickets on WeGoTrip(affiliate link)

Another night: Hôtel Vertigo Dijon
Day 3 · Wed 15/09 2:30 hr

Dijon to Nuits-Saint-Georges through the Côte de Nuits

Grand Crus and vineyards

A short, enjoyable stage of around 34 km, with plenty of time for tastings along the way.

When it comes to wine tasting, remember you're travelling by bike.

24 km · 1:50 hr
4
Sight

Château du Clos de Vougeot

Set amid the famous Grand Cru vineyards, this former Cistercian château tells the story of centuries of winemaking craft. The old wine presses and surrounding vineyard bring the reputation of the Côte de Nuits to life.

1 hr 9–12 € / person
Website
6 km · 30 min
5
Town

Nuits-Saint-Georges

The namesake of many robust red wines is a charming wine-growing town with domaines to taste at. Ideal for an afternoon guided wine tasting and a chance to sample regional cuisine.

Website
1 km · 8 min
Stay

Hôtel La Gentilhommière

Quietly situated hotel with a garden and space for bikes, a little way out of the centre. A good base for tastings and a relaxed dinner.

120–170 € / night

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 4 · Thu 16/09 1:42 hr

Nuits-Saint-Georges to Beaune

Côte de Beaune and the Hospices

Only around 22 km of cycling, then time for the Hospices and the old town.

Tickets for the Hospices can be bought online in advance to save waiting time.

21 km · 1:30 hr
6
Sight

Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu)

The medieval almshouse with its magnificent, colourful tiled roof is Beaune's landmark. Inside you'll find the great hall of the sick, the pharmacy and the famous polyptych of the Last Judgement.

1:30 hr 12–15 € / person
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

See tickets on WeGoTrip(affiliate link)

· 4 min
7
Town

Beaune

Burgundy's wine capital tempts you with ring roads tracing the old town walls, wine cellars and delicatessens. A tasting at one of the great merchant houses is as much a part of it as a wander through the market.

child-friendly
Website

See tickets on WeGoTrip(affiliate link)

· 5 min
Stay

Hôtel des Remparts Beaune

Charming hotel in a 17th-century townhouse within the town walls, with a courtyard and secure bike storage. Within walking distance of the Hospices and restaurants.

130–190 € / night

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 5 · Fri 17/09 12 min

Rest day in Beaune

Wine cellars, market and indulgence

A rest day with no cycling stage, exactly the relaxed pace you'd hope for.

If you'd like to stay active, take a short cycling loop through the vineyards near Pommard and Volnay.

8
Food

Marché de Beaune

The Saturday market around the market hall is one of the finest in the region, filling the town centre with stalls. Cheese, Epoisses, charcuterie and fruit invite you to indulge and stock up for a picnic.

1:30 hr child-friendly
Website
· 8 min
9
Activity

Patriarche Père et Fils

Beneath Beaune stretches the town's largest cellar network, with kilometres of galleries. During a tasting you'll wander through the damp cellars and sample a selection of Burgundian wines.

1:30 hr 20–30 € / person
Website

See tickets on WeGoTrip(affiliate link)

Another night: Hôtel des Remparts Beaune
Day 6 · Sat 18/09 3 hr

Beaune to Pont-de-Pany on the Canal de Bourgogne

Onto the canal cycle path

Around 44 km, the more scenic part of which runs flat along the canal.

Picnic stops by the locks are a great option along the way.

A long cycling stage (57 km) — split it up or plan enough breaks.

39 km · 2:10 hr
10
Nature

Canal de Bourgogne near Dijon

The plane-tree-lined towpath of the Canal de Bourgogne is a dream cycle route: flat, car-free and peaceful. You'll pass old locks and lock-keepers' cottages while houseboats drift gently by.

1 hr child-friendly
Website

See tickets on WeGoTrip(affiliate link)

18 km · 45 min
11
Town

Pont-de-Pany

A small village right on the canal, an ideal stopover in the Ouche valley. From here begins the most beautiful, wooded stretch of the canal cycle path towards the Auxois.

child-friendly
View on map
· 3 min
Stay

Hostellerie du Château Bourgogne

Rural accommodation by the canal with a garden and secure bike storage, quietly situated in the Ouche valley. A good base for the transition from the vineyards to the Auxois.

100–150 € / night

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 7 · Sun 19/09 2:24 hr

Along the canal to Château de Chateauneuf

Locks, a hilltop village and castle views

A relaxed stage of around 32 km, mostly along the canal.

The final climb up to Chateauneuf is short but sharp – take it slowly.

23 km · 1:50 hr
12
Town

Vandenesse-en-Auxois

A picturesque harbour on the canal, crowded with houseboats, with the Château de Chateauneuf towering above you on the hill. A good spot for a rest before heading up to the castle.

30 min child-friendly
Website
6 km · 30 min
13
Sight

Château de Chateauneuf-en-Auxois

The sturdy medieval fortress crowns one of the most beautiful villages in France and looks far out over the Auxois. The climb up is worth it for a walk along the ramparts and the view over the canal and countryside.

1:30 hr 6–9 € / person
Website
· 3 min
Stay

Hostellerie du Château Chateauneuf

Stone house in the historic village centre with refined cuisine and views over the Auxois, with space for bikes. A peaceful night in one of the region's most beautiful villages.

120–180 € / night

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 8 · Mon 20/09 9:36 hr

Abbaye de Fontenay, Semur-en-Auxois and the return by train

Abbey, hill town and farewell

The most demanding cycling day, at around 54 km, but without an afternoon stage before the train journey.

Allow enough buffer time before departure from Montbard and check the bike policy on your booked train.

If you'd prefer a quieter pace, shorten the route and skip Fontenay or Semur.

A long cycling stage (84 km) — split it up or plan enough breaks.

54 km · 2 hr
14
Town

Semur-en-Auxois

The hill town guarded by pink granite towers above the Armançon gorge is a highlight of the Auxois. Narrow lanes, the Collégiale Notre-Dame and the viewpoints over the defensive towers invite you to linger.

1:30 hr child-friendly
Website

See tickets on WeGoTrip(affiliate link)

24 km · 1:40 hr
15
Sight

Abbaye de Fontenay

The Cistercian Abbaye de Fontenay, dating from 1118 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best-preserved in Europe. The cloister, church and old forge in their quiet woodland setting convey the monastic calm of centuries past.

1:30 hr 12–14 € / person
Website
· 5:30 hr · 70–130 €
16
Station

Gare de Montbard

You'll set off on your journey home from Montbard's TGV station. From here there are good connections towards Germany.

Website

This trip is planned for 13 Sept – 20 Sept 2027.

Copy it and move it to your own dates.

Free account, no credit card. Copying, moving and adjusting are included.