France- Burgundy Wines -Self-guided bike tour - Grands Crus and Roman Art

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Bike tour in Burgundy - medieval monuments, villages, vineyards -

The tour of South Burgundy takes you to what is probably one of the most pleasant cycle paths in Europe. It goes through Chalons coast on an ancient railway track, passing by small villages, castles, and vineyards, Cistercian Abbey in Vougeot, Macon, and Cluny. Later on, you will cycle the “Blue” cycling path following the Saone river, going through Tournus and the Abbey, a true Roman piece of art and history.

Two thirds of the itinerary are on exclusive cycling paths or car free paths to achieve maximum pleasure. The remaining one third is on a quiet shared road, with a dedicated cycling lane for most of the journey.

Day 1

Arrive in Mâcon
3*** hotel

Day 2

Macon – Tournus, 40km
The “Green” path changes name and become the “Blue” path. It follows the Saône river until Fleurville and the castles of Marigny and Marfontaine. Small roads and cycling paths lead you to the Roman Abbey of Tournus city. The medieval city is beautiful with its narrow streets and traboules. A must see is the abbatial site of Saint Philibert from the 11th century, a true Roman masterpiece!
Overnight in Tournus.2** hotel

Day 3

Tournus – Chalons sur Saône, 30km
Ride along the Saône river, and slowly move away from it to pass by the city of Gigny. Cross the alluvial plain between the Saône River and Grosne. Later, arrive in Saint Loup de Varennes, where Joseph Nicéphore Niepce lived, the Father of Photography. Then comes Saint Remy, where you rejoin the Saône riverside and follow it until Chalon-sur-Saône which is very closeby.
Overnight in Chalon-sur-Saône – 2** star hotel

Day 4

Chalon sur Saône – Cluny, 52 km
The “Green” cycle and foot path starts immediately in town and heads North-West towards Givry, and then goes South-West to the beautiful fortified village of Buxy, which is considered the heart of the “Chalonnaise” Burgundy vineyards (Mercurey, Givry).
Still winding through the vineyards, you will pass Boll and “Saint Gengoux le National”, a medieval city, to finally arrive in Cormatin and its XVII th century castle. Enjoy the castle green maze and vegetable garden, a must see ! The cycle path then takes you to Taizé, and 13 km later, to the incredible Benedictine Abbey of Cluny, founded in 910 AD. In 1080, it was considered the largest monastery amongst the entire Christian community.
Overnight in Cluny - 3*** hotel

Day 5

Cluny – Macon, 28km
If you have not visited Cluny before, we strongly recommend doing it before you leave. After Cluny, leave behind your spiritual side in exchange for Lamartine romanticism. The poet (and politician), born in Macon, was greatly inspired by the time spent during his childhood in the Burgundy landscapes, where nature, unique castles, and monuments melt together. To enjoy those incredible landscapes, the path takes you first to the longest cycling tunnel in Europe (1600 meters, well-lit and secured), which opens at the castle of Berzé le Chatel, in bright light. If you take up the (doable) challenge to climb up to the castle, you will be rewarded with an astonishing view over the “Maconnais”.
Soon after comes Macon, formerly marking the border of the French Kingdom and the German Saint Empire (from 843 to 1600). The very centre of the ancient city is worth strolling through.
Overnight in Macon - 3*** hotel

Day 6

Mâcon
End of the tour after breakfast.