Burgundy has long been a crossroad of Northern Europe and thus benefited from so many cultures. Here the Celtic peoples first learned to make wine barrels from the oak, which grew in abundance in their forests. Centuries later its the full-bodied reds and supple white wines, endless vineyards, green rolling hills, wooded slopes, grazing Charolais cattle on a bountiful and generous land that are the images evoked when one thinks of Burgundy. Burgundians are also faithful to the traditions of earlier generations with a warm and generous hospitality for the visitor--a guest here eats and drinks very well indeed, thus bringing honor to the host's table. In the spirit of the local traditions of hospitality, we bring you the best of Burgundy while staying at small friendly inns and dining at some of the best tables the region has to offer.

Day 1: Warm-up ride from Dijon & Napoléon

Upon meeting you in Dijon be dressed to ride to the charming wine-making village of Gevrey-Chambertin. You'll pass allong the grand Cru vineyards and discover tiny villages such as Fixin which has the peculiarity from other villages in that it prefers to be associated with Napoléon rather than with the excellent wine production. Our trail leads us through the vineyards and into Fixey, for a visit of a 10th-century Romanesque chapel, the oldest chapel in Burgundy. Visit a local wine cellar for a wine tasting, in anticipation of a difficult choice to made at dinner tonight.

Lodgings: For two nights at a wonderful 3 -star.

Dinner: Our village has one of the finest kitchens in the regioon —a favorite

Day 2: Vineyard Trails, Chateaux & Abbeys

Ride from one world renowned wine village to the next with several opportunities on our return journey to stop and raise a glass in some dark cool wine cellar such as the 12th-century Château du Clos de Vougeot. We pedal to the Abbey of Cîteaux where the Cistercian monks made some of the regions first wine. We then explore such domains as Clos de la Tache and Romanée-Conti. Then end the day with a special tasting of five or six wines in a vaulted candle-lighted room under the streets

Lodgings: Same as previous night.

Dinner: Another locals favorite serving excellent cuisine & offering outstanding wines.

Day 3-4: Wine Capital of Bourgone

Climb up to the Hautes Côtes, a rural setting left virtually unchanged for generations. Then emerge into a terrain much different from that of the vineyards we left behind. The remote villages we encounter are separated by vast fields of sunflower, grain and colzat flowers and creates a blazing golden hue to the land as the forest provide contrast in color and relief. Learn about the ancient Gallo-Roman culture and then in the village of Echevronne we pause to taste the delicious fruit liqueurs produced from local red currant berries, blackberries and raspberries. The next day we tour Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, but first an early morning loop that meanders through forests and fields to the Pas de St Martin. Afterwards freely enjoying the traditional market day, as the two main plazas fill with vendors selling everything from fresh bread, fruits and vegetables to house wares and clothing a part of European life since the Middle Ages.

Dinner: Friendly bistro in town center & Free night out.

Day 5-7: Vescours & Cluny

We pedal south leaving Beaune through the wine villages of Meursault and Puligny Montrachet to Remigny where we follow the canal tow-path towards Chalon-sur-Saone and through woodland to Dracy and Givry. You'll enjoy your time looking round this charming little town with ornate Renaissance gateway. Afterwards we commence our journey along the Voie Verte cycle track, the old railway, arriving in Buxy for lunch with time to explore the picturesque medieval town. Then a short ride further on the Voie Verte to St Boil. We stop to visit the Cycle Museum leaving Cormatin or visit Cormatin Château with richly decorated interior to rival the Palace of Versailles. Then a tour of the Abbey in charming Cluny is matched by a grand farwell dinner is enjoyed.

Lodgings: 2 nights in a 3-star in village center.

Dinner: Another locals favorite serving excellent cuisine & offering outstanding wines.

Transportation Logistics

The following is a list of train schedules for transportation to and from the tour start and end locations. Train departure times and tracks are subject to change, so verify before boarding.

*Meeting your tour by train if not staying in Dijon:
Trains from Paris to Dijon (tour start): ~1.5 hours
Paris Gare de Lyon.....10:34am; arrival Dijon.... 12:12pm

From Lyon: ~1.5 hours
#Lyon Part Dieu ....09:54 am; arrival Dijon... 11:35 am