The Tour of Burgundy bike trail is a scenic route of about 656 kilometers, forming a loop through the heart of Burgundy. It leads through historic towns, castles, world-renowned vineyards and tranquil canals, making it an ideal choice for lovers of wine, history and active recreation.
Attractions along the route
The route often starts in Dijon - the region's capital - known for its beautiful old town, the route of the Owl, the tower of Philippe the Good and the museum of fine arts. The route continues through the famous Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune wine regions, where you can visit villages such as Pommard, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet and Santenay. There are renowned wineries, including Château de Pommard, Château de Meursault, Caveau de Puligny-Montrachet and the prestigious Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. Tastings often require advance reservations.
One of the more relaxing parts of the route are the sections along the canals - Canal du Centre and Canal Nivernais - leading through secluded villages, fields and wooded areas. On this leg, it's worth stopping in towns such as Paray-le-Monial, known for its impressive Romanesque basilica, and Clamecy, near which the lesser-known but very picturesque vineyards of Irancy stretch out.
The route also offers numerous historical and cultural attractions. Visit Renaissance castles such as Château de Tanlay and Château d'Ancy-le-Franc near the Burgundy Canal, the 12th century Cistercian abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Montbard- Abbaye de Fontenay. On the route we will also find the charming town of Bourbon-Lancy, with a well-preserved medieval center, also known for its thermal springs, the historic town of Auxerre with St. Stephen's Cathedral, a picturesque old town and numerous wineries, or Decize - a town located at the confluence of the Loire and the Nivernais Canal, with a historic center and a river port to which one must deviate from the route about 5 km in Champvert.
Level of difficulty of the route
The trail is generally easy and suitable for most cyclists. Most of the route runs on flat terrain along canals and green paths. Hilly sections occur mainly in the wine-growing areas, but the elevations are moderate - the total sum of ascents and descents along the entire trail is about 4,000-5,000 meters. The highest points reach up to 450-500 meters above sea level, while the lowest points - in river valleys and by canals - drop below 200 meters above sea level.
Route signage
The route is well prepared: it mainly follows marked voie verte bike paths and local roads with low traffic. Thanks to good rail transportation accessibility, individual sections can be easily shortened or modified.
Facilities for cyclists
Along the route, there are a number of “Accueil Vélo” facilities offering bicycle-friendly services, such as secure bicycle storage and special menus. Bike rental shops offering various models, including electric bikes, are available in many towns along the route. Some also offer luggage and bicycle transportation services . A wide range of accommodation is also available, from rustic guesthouses to elegant hotels, and numerous towns offer places to take a break, eat and shop for local products.
