Cycling holidays in Burgundy

Discover Burgundy by bike

Burgundy, in the centre-east of France, is a popular region for cycling enthusiasts, with its varied landscapes, renowned vineyards and rich culture. Comprising the departments of Yonne, Côte-d’Or, Nièvre and Saône-et-Loire, it offers a multitude of cycle routes to suit all abilities.

Burgundy’s geography is marked by a diversity of landscapes, from plains and hills to river valleys. The vineyards, particularly those of the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, are world-famous for their prestigious wines. Forests and meadows cover much of the region, offering spectacular panoramas and total immersion in nature.

Burgundy is home to several nature parks, including the Morvan Regional Nature Park. The latter is a veritable jewel of greenery, with its dense forests, lakes and rivers. The park is rich in biodiversity, with many protected species of flora and fauna. Nature lovers will find it an ideal playground for cycling through wild, unspoilt landscapes.

Burgundy’s heritage and terroir

It’s impossible not to mention wine when talking about Burgundy. Vines were brought here when the Romans invaded the region. In Burgundy, wine is part of a real culture. It is part of the landscape, part of history and part of tradition. Burgundy’s vineyards are 250km long and include around a hundred AOC (appellation d’origine contrôlée) wines, including 30 grands crus. Burgundy is renowned for its wines, such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Burgundy is also a region steeped in history: the Roche de Solutré site bears witness to human life in this region 55,000 years ago. Subjected to numerous invasions, first by the Celts, then by the Gauls and Romans, the region has inherited a varied cultural and architectural heritage. Indeed, Burgundy boasts many sites that bear witness to a rich architectural past. The region has 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites: Fontenay Abbey, Vézelay Basilica, Notre-Dame de la Charité-sur-Loire Priory and the Climats des vignobles de Bourgogne.

Burgundy’s gastronomy is as tasty as it is varied. Sweet specialities such as pain d’épices (gingerbread) and nonnettes will delight even the sweetest eaters. High-quality local products such as Epoisse cheese, Bresse chicken and Charolais meat are testimony to Burgundy’s expertise. And don’t forget to try the famous Burgundy snails with parsley butter.

Cycle routes and paths

Cycling in Burgundy is a popular activity, with many signposted routes and suitable infrastructure. Among the most popular routes, the Voie des Vignes crosses the famous vineyards from Beaune to Santenay, offering breathtaking views of the hillsides. The Voie Bleue, which runs alongside the Saône, and the Voie Verte, which follows the old railway line between Givry and Cluny, are also very popular. These routes allow you to discover the region at a leisurely pace, taking full advantage of the scenery and local heritage.

The weather in Burgundy

The climate in Burgundy is continental with oceanic influences. Winters are cold and summers hot, but spring and autumn offer ideal conditions for cycling. The period from May to September is generally the best time to visit the region by bike, with pleasant temperatures and less chance of rain.

The 8 must-sees in Burgundy

For cycling enthusiasts, Burgundy has a number of must-sees:

• Dijon, with its historic centre and museums, is an ideal starting point.
• Beaune, the capital of Burgundy wines, is a magnet for visitors with its Hospices and cellars.
• The basilica at Vézelay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an architectural gem.
• The Château de Cormatin and its gardens offer a picturesque stop-off.
• The Burgundy Canal, with its locks and towpaths, is perfect for a cycle ride along the water.
• Cluny and its abbey.
• Chalon-sur-Saône and its marina.
• The picturesque villages of the Côte Chalonnaise are also not to be missed.