Cycling Champagne, Burgundy Plus! the Côte d’Or

Highlights: Champagne, Notre Dame de Reims

Reims is not only the capital of the Champagne region, but also home to the cathedral where the Kings of France were crowned since 987 A.D. Come early to explore the incredible cathedral and taste champagne from the many Maisons de Champagne. We’ll meet this afternoon for a bike fitting and a quick spin along Reims’ scenic canal. This evening join us to toast the start of our trip together with champagne of course!

Highlights: Bike paths; champagne tasting

We leave Reims on a bike path this morning pedaling over rolling hills and through vineyards overlooking forests. The Montagne de Reims, where many of the Pinot Noir grapes are grown, is also home to an extensive national park. This evening we’ll be back in Reims where we’ll visit a famous champagne producer and enjoy a tasting.

Highlights: Dom Perignon’s stomping grounds, Châlons-en-Champagne

This morning we’ll bicycle to the legendary birthplace of champagne. Dom Perignon was a Benedictine monk here in the 17th Century and made important advancements in wine making. Did he invent sparkling wine? Well that depends on who you ask. Our scenic route crosses through Hautvillers where he lived and worked, then joins up with the Canal latéral à la Marne into lovely Châlons en Champagne. This charming town will surprise you with its medieval and Gothic churches and half-timber houses from centuries past.

Highlights: Burgundy

Today we enter Burgundy. But before we get to the famous wine regions, we’ll pedal through the western countryside, known for its down-to-earth people and natural beauty. After breakfast, we’ll shuttle to Semur-en-Auxois. Semur is a charming town overlooking the Armonçon river. Explore the town and lunch before starting our ride through forests and tiny villages to Saulieu.

Highlights: Parc Naturel Regionál du Morvan

We’ll be in Saulieu again tonight, so treat yourself to a rest day at the spa across the street and/or ride into the lake region of the Morvan Natural Park. Today’s loop follows tiny roads through pastures, Christmas tree farms, and authentic villages to the center of the Morvan Natural Park. The visitors center offers a scenic walk around the lake, gardens, and insight into the French Resistance, which was strong in this area.

Highlights: Chateâuneuf and its castle

We leave the Morvan Park today for a day filled with castles. Commarin Castle’s roots go back to the 13th Century and the castle’s architecture reflects the stylistic changes over the centuries. The town of Chateâuneuf is one of the loveliest you’ll ever visit, and its imposing medieval castle is worth a visit. This evening we’ll spend the night in the third castle of the day in the tiny village of Sainte Sabine. Take a splash in the pool and enjoy the surrounding park before a special dinner prepared by an award-winning chef.

Highlights: Burgundy Canal, Dijon

We pedal along the famous Canal de Bourgogne (Burgundy Canal) this morning to Dijon, another capital of an equally famous and delicious wine; Burgundy. Made with similar grapes as champagne, for many, Burgundy is the epitome of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay country. Dijon was also home to the Dukes of Burgundy. Burgundy was a powerful country in its own right until it was annexed by France in 1477. Take your time getting here, or plan to arrive in time for lunch at one of Dijon’s wide array of cafés and restaurants. Start exploring Dijon this afternoon and we’ll enjoy dinner together this evening.

Highlights: Dijon

Take it easy today and discover all the monuments, museums, and great shopping Dijon has to offer. Visit any number of wine shops and climb to the top of the Ducal Palace’s Tower. Feel like cycling today? Choose between a short loop around Lake Kir, just outside of town, or a longer loop into the neighboring hills. For dinner this evening we’ll suggest restaurants from amazing French cuisine or lighter international fare.

Highlights: Legendary wine villages, “Hotel” Dieu visit

Today we’ll bicycle through some of the most famous vineyards and wine villages on the planet: Gevrey Chambertin, Clos de Vougeot, Nuits San Georges, Romanée Conti…vineyard country is synonymous with excellent cycling so it’s going to be a great day! We’ll have a guided visit of the 15th century “Hotel” Dieu museum, originally built as a hospital for the poor, it is one of the finest examples of Burgundian architecture in Beaune.

Highlights: Immaculate vineyards, Château de la Rochepot

Today tiny country roads featuring immaculate vineyards take you out of Beaune and south through Pommard, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, and the Hautes Côtes de Beaune. Stop at the historic Château de la Rochepot for a visit. This evening we’ll celebrate this wonderful cycling vacation with an informal wine tasting and exceptional dining experience in Beaune.

Highlights: Beaune

Your tour ends after breakfast this morning. Stick around in Beaune for some wine tasting, or head to Paris or Lyon.