France: Burgundy, Beaujolais & Dijon

Your vacation is about to begin! Spend your first night aloft and arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.

A VBT representative will greet you at the airport to start your adventure off right. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.

Meet your VBT representative in the lobby of your Paris hotel at 10:30 a.m. At 10:50 a.m., travel by private car service to the Paris Gare de Lyon train station (approximately a 30-minute drive). There, your VBT representative will assist you in locating your platform for the high-speed train to Dijon (travel time: approximately one hour and 40 minutes).

Upon arrival at the Dijon train station, carry your luggage to the platform, where you’ll meet your VBT trip leaders. Your luggage will be taken to your hotel, the Grand Hotel La Cloche, while you enjoy a 10-minute walk there with your trip leaders. Once at the hotel, gather for a safety and helmet-fitting session before checking in to your room.

Settle in at this elegant five-star hotel, a historic property that blends classic charm with modern luxury. Ideally located on Place Darcy at the edge of the Old Town, the Grand Hotel La Cloche offers easy access to Dijon’s pedestrian center, boutiques, and architectural landmarks. The hotel features spacious, well-appointed rooms, a refined restaurant and bar, tranquil garden terrace, and a wellness area with a spa and hammam—perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.

After check-in at 3:00 p.m., regroup for a one-hour walking tour of Dijon led by your trip leaders. As you explore the capital of Burgundy, take in its remarkably well-preserved city center. Often called “Sleeping Beauty,” Dijon ranks third in France for the number of protected historic buildings, with more than 100 acres (40.5 hectares) of the old town safeguarded. Once the seat of a powerful ducal kingdom, the city has long inspired musicians, artists, and writers.

After time to freshen up, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception at the hotel, followed by a short walk to a nearby restaurant for a delightful dinner.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Walking Tour of Dijon — 2.4 km (1.5 miles)

What to Expect:

Today is a non-biking day. After a safety and helmet-fitting session at the hotel, check in to your room and then regroup with your trip leaders for a one-hour orientation walking tour of Dijon. Follow portions of the Owl’s Trail, taking in some of the city’s historic landmarks. Return to the hotel to relax before the welcome reception and dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Cumulative Distance Range: 2.4 km (1.5 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, take a tram to the Burgundy Canal, where you complete your bike fitting and begin your ride on the Voie Verte bike path. Follow the route past scenic Lake Kir and along the Garden Route and the Canal de Bourgogne to Sainte-Marie-sur-Ouche. Pause for lunch along the way or enjoy lunch on your own upon returning to Dijon.

This afternoon, ride back to Dijon along the canal. A longer option continues onto the plateau above the Ouche Valley—an idyllic route favored by travelers for its lush, peaceful, and unspoiled countryside, showcasing the pastoral charm of France at its most authentic.

Later, explore one of Dijon’s many free museums—the highlight being the Musée des Beaux-Arts, home to the ornate tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy. You may also wish to visit the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin de Dijon, a must for lovers of fine food and wine.

In the evening, stroll Dijon’s medieval cobbled streets and find just the right spot to enjoy an apéro (aperitif) and dinner on your own.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Burgundy Canal to Sainte-Marie-sur-Ouche — 24 km (15 miles)

Afternoon: Ste-Marie to Dijon — 24 km (15 miles) OR Ste-Marie to Dijon via Lantenay PLUS — 33 km (21 miles)

What to Expect:

Depart the hotel this morning for a tram ride to the Burgundy Canal, where you’ll be fitted for your bike. Ride along a dedicated canal path to Sainte-Marie-sur-Ouche. This afternoon, the shorter option continues directly to Dijon, while the longer route loops through the scenic Ouche Valley before rejoining near Velars-sur-Ouche. Spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring museums, visiting the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin, or shopping before enjoying dinner on your own.

Cumulative Distance Range: 24 – 33 km (15 – 21 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Your cycling route today takes you through some of the most celebrated vineyards in the world en route to Beaune, a Burgundian icon and the capital of Bourgogne’s wine trade. You’ll wind your way to Nuits-Saint-Georges, famed for its renowned Côte de Nuits red wines. Here, pause and choose from a variety of lunch options on your own before continuing along narrow vineyard lanes once used by local workers. In this area, monks labored for centuries to produce wine for religious services.

In July 2015, UNESCO added the entire stretch of vineyards from Dijon to Beaune to its World Heritage List. As you ride the Route des Grands Crus, you may wish to stop and explore charming wine villages such as Gevrey-Chambertin and Vosne-Romanée.

This afternoon, continue riding along scenic vineyard roads into Beaune, a refined town steeped in wine traditions—and your home for the next two nights.

Settle into your luxurious oasis, Hotel Le Cep, located in the heart of town. Advanced reservations are recommended for the Spa Marie de Bourgogne Ayurvedic Center.

Later, gather for a group dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, Lunchbox—an inventive concept offering vegetarian cuisine with delicate Indian-inspired flavors.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Dijon to Nuits Saint-Georges — 29 km (18 miles)

Afternoon: Nuits Saint-George to Beaune — 20 km (12 miles)

What to Expect:

Follow the Route des Grands Crus through prestigious villages such as Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-Saint-Georges, and Chorey-les-Beaune—each renowned for its exceptional wines. Along the 10-kilometer stretch between Gevrey-Chambertin and Vosne-Romanée lie 25 Grands Crus, earning this route the nickname “the Champs-Élysées of Burgundy.” After enjoying lunch on your own in Nuits-Saint-Georges, continue along the Voie des Vignes, pedaling through vineyards and historic landscapes that captivate both wine lovers and history buffs. Ride at your own pace and experience Burgundy from a new perspective. Upon arrival in Beaune, settle into your hotel and perhaps indulge in a spa treatment (advance reservations required) before dinner at the hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 20 – 49 km (12 – 30 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, step outside your hotel and into the vibrant Beaune morning market. Held in the town’s historic center, this lively Saturday market features hundreds of stalls overflowing with fresh produce, cheeses, cured meats, baked goods, flowers, textiles, and regional specialties. Take time to browse, sample, and soak in the local flavor.

Following your visit, cycle out into wine country on narrow, quiet roads southeast of Beaune, following a former railway line through a peaceful rural landscape of farms, blackcurrant and wheat fields, forests, and sleepy villages en route to Allerey. Pause here for a picnic lunch prepared by your trip leaders.

Afterward, ride back to Beaune along tranquil country roads and through charming villages. Upon returning to your hotel, perhaps unwind in the luxurious spa (advance reservations recommended).

Later, stroll through Beaune’s narrow medieval streets to a wine cellar for a guided tour and tasting. Dinner is on your own this evening at one of the town’s many excellent restaurants.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Beaune to Allerey — 28 km (17 miles)

Afternoon: Allerey to Beaune — 24 km (15 miles)

What to Expect:

Cycle along quiet country roads and a former railway line through farmland, forests, and charming villages en route to Allerey, where you pause for a picnic lunch prepared by your trip leaders. Afterward, ride back to Beaune or opt to return in the support vehicle.

Cumulative Distance Range: 24 – 52 km (15 – 32 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After an elaborate breakfast (including wine and cheese, of course, for those so inclined), a five-minute walk brings you to the 15th-century Hospices de Beaune (also known as the Hôtel-Dieu), the heart of Beaune. This impeccably preserved historic treasure was one of Europe’s earliest philanthropic institutions and is still entirely financed by private donations today. A masterpiece of flamboyant Gothic art and architecture, it is Burgundy’s most-visited site—and you’ll understand why the moment you step into its stunning courtyard.

After your visit, set off on small roads through the world-famous vineyards of the Côte de Beaune, passing renowned villages such as Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault—considered by many oenophiles to be the mecca of Chardonnay production. Continue rolling through the vineyards of the Côte Chalonnaise and pause in Santenay for lunch.

From Santenay, pedal along the Voie Verte bike path, following the Canal du Centre to Chalon-sur-Saône.

Afterward, travel to your hotel in the heart of Beaujolais, surrounded by 80 hectares of vines at the Château de Pizay—a stunning estate built between the 11th and 19th centuries.

Relax by the pool or book a spa treatment in advance. This evening, meet for dinner in the château’s gourmet restaurant, which features modern cuisine crafted from the region’s finest ingredients.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Beaune to Santenay — 22 km (14 miles)

Afternoon: Santenay to Chalon — 27 km (17 miles)

What to Expect:

Begin your ride through the vineyards of the Côte de Beaune, passing world-famous villages such as Pommard, Meursault, and Puligny-Montrachet along the prestigious Route des Grands Crus. Continue on a scenic paved path beside the Canal du Centre to Santenay for lunch. In the afternoon, pedal from Santenay along the Voie Verte bike route, following the Canal du Centre to Chalon-sur-Saône. From here, hop aboard our shuttle for a one-hour transfer to your next hotel, Château de Pizay.

Cumulative Distance Range: 22 – 49 km (14 – 31 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, your final bike ride departs directly from the hotel into the southern Beaujolais region, home to 39 villages known as the Pierres Dorées, or “Golden Stones.” This charming cluster of hamlets is nestled among rolling hills and fertile vineyards—often likened to Tuscany. The buildings owe their warm golden hue to locally quarried limestone rich in iron oxide, once used in the construction of Lyon and other parts of the region. The quarry has remained abandoned since World War I.

A shorter ride keeps you close to the château, ideal for a relaxed outing. You cross the Saône and follow a riverside bike path before enjoying gentle hills through scenic vineyards and villages. For more mileage, opt for a challenging spin on the voie verte, climbing steadily to 2,520 feet before coasting past wineries and historic hamlets.

Back at the château, immerse yourself in the region’s wine culture. Stroll the vineyard’s walking trails—perhaps following the romantic “Wine History Walk in the Park.” Enjoy a wine initiation course or a self-guided educational tasting at the on-site oenothèque. You might also unwind by the heated outdoor pool, play a round of tennis, or indulge in a massage or spa treatment (additional cost).

This evening, toast your week of discovery in Burgundy and Beaujolais with a celebratory dinner in the château’s fine-dining restaurant.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Chateau de Pizay to Beaujolais South — 35 km (22 miles) OR Chateau de Pizay to Beaujeu — 46 km (29 miles)

What to Expect:

Today, choose from two ride options: one easy and the other more challenging.

The easier route rolls south from your château to the nearby town of Belleville, crossing the Saône River to a scenic riverside bike path. You’ll follow this for several miles (8–10 km), just north of the Pierres Dorées villages, then cross back over the Saône and gradually ascend through vineyards and quiet villages. The ride reaches its maximum elevation of approximately 1,000 feet at the 26 km (16-mile) mark before gently descending into the Ardière River Valley, where you’ll join the Beaujolais Greenway back to your hotel. Pause for lunch on your own in Odenas or Saint-Lager.

The more challenging option follows the voie verte (greenway) to Saint-Didier-sur-Beaujeu, then climbs steadily to the day’s high point of 2,520 feet at around kilometer 25.8 (16 miles). From there, enjoy a gradual descent through Quincié-en-Beaujolais on the northern edge of the Pierres Dorées region, then coast easily through vineyards and villages back to your hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 35 – 46 km (22 – 29 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, your tour officially concludes at the hotel. At 9:30 a.m., you transfer by coach from Château de Pizay to your centrally located post-tour hotel in Lyon, arriving around 10:15 a.m. Perfectly situated in the city’s commercial heart, your hotel offers easy access to Place de la République, with its carousel, flower stands, and fountains. Just steps away, the 19th-century Passage de l’Argue leads to Lyon’s renowned designer boutiques along Rue du Président Édouard Herriot and Rue de Brest. The nearby Cordeliers metro station and a short walk along Rue de la République connect you to the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the city’s opera house.

Upon arrival, a VBT representative meets you for a brief orientation walking tour of the neighborhood. VBT also provides city information with recommendations on what to see and do during your stay. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring Lyon at your leisure. Lunch and dinner are not included today—refer to your city information for recommended local restaurants.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After an included breakfast this morning, complimentary transportation to the Lyon Airport will be provided (approximately a 35- to 45-minute drive, depending on traffic) for your departing flight.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Your vacation is about to begin! Spend your first night aloft and arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.

A VBT representative will greet you at the airport to start your adventure off right. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.

Meet one of your VBT trip leaders in the hotel lobby at 9:00 a.m. You will travel by bus via Cluny to the hotel in Tournus.

Cluny, the former Benedictine abbey and home of an early pope around AD 910, was larger than St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome in its heyday. It was later dynamited, and its richly carved stones were sold off. You’ll stroll along the ancient stone streets of Cluny with a local guide. VBT has timed your visit to fall on a market day, so you’ll have the opportunity to buy some local specialties for lunch on your own.

Arrive at your Tournus hotel, meet your second trip leader, and have free time to settle in. Before your bike tour begins, partake in a safety and bike-fitting session. A brief warm-up ride leads you through the countryside and on a bike path along the Saône River.

After some time to freshen up, meet for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner in your hotel. Dine in its cozy brasserie.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Warm-up Loop — 15 km (10 miles)

What to Expect:

An easy loop from your hotel takes you past Saint-Philibert de Tournus, a medieval church and former Benedictine abbey, and through the town of Tournus, then along a bike route on the Saône River and the countryside around town.

Cumulative Distance Range: 15 km (10 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning’s spin takes you on the flat Voie Bleue bike path along the tranquil banks of the Saône River. Keep your eyes open for the varied birdlife along your route.

Leaving the river, you’ll enter rolling wine country, where the dry white wine of the Chardonnay grape is produced. Roll into the wine village of Viré, home to a recent success story in France’s wine world. In the latter part of the 20th century, the villages of Viré and Clessé realized that they had a high-quality wine that could rival the older appellation of Pouilly-Fuissé, so they applied for a separate status. This was finally granted in 1999, and the Viré-Clessé appellation emerged.

Continue cycling to Lugny, a village where you can stop and taste local wines. Continue on to the next small village with a name that is synonymous with dry white wine—Chardonnay— and which recently celebrated its thousandth anniversary. Its name comes from cardonnacum or the “place full of thistles.” Chardonnay grapes most likely originated here and were then shared and distributed throughout France by monks. The earliest recorded reference to Chardonnay appeared in 1330. It was around this time that Cistercian monks built stone walls around their Clos de Vougeot vineyard exclusively planted with Chardonnay grapes. The village of stone houses grew up around the lavoir, a stream-fed community wash-house, and several domaines (wine producers). You’ll stop a little further along in Uchizy for lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, continue through the peaceful rural countryside before rejoining the Voie Bleue bike path along the river and following it back into Tournus. Or take a longer ride back to the hotel. Both options cycles by an interesting bike museum.

Tonight, take a short walk to a nearby wine purveyor for an introduction and tasting of the incredible depth of Burgundy’s wines. Afterward, you are free to enjoy dinner on your own in one of the local restaurants.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Tournus to Uchizy — 35 km (22 miles)

Afternoon: Uchizy to Tournus — 10 km (6 miles) OR Uchizy to Tournus PLUS — 22 km (13 miles)

What to Expect:

Depart the hotel in the morning and roll through Tournus, then follow La Voie Bleue bike path along the Saône River to the winemaking town of Viré. Continue cycling to the village of Lugny for an optional wine tasting. You will then board the support vehicle or continue cycling through rolling vineyards into the town of Chardonnay and Uchizy for an included lunch. The afternoon rides return to Tournus along a northerly route.

Cumulative Distance Range: 10 – 57 km (6 – 35 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, hop a shuttle to your starting point. Get underway rolling through the vineyards of the Côte Chalonnaise. At the town of Chalon sur Saône, pedal along the Voie Verte bike path, following the Canal du Centre to Santenay. Afterward, continue on small roads through the world-famous vineyards of the Côte de Beaune, passing renowned villages such as Puligny Montrachet and Meursault—considered the mecca of Chardonnay production by many oenophiles.

This afternoon, there’ll be time for lunch on your own before you continue your ride into Beaune, the elegant town that is imbued with wine traditions—and your next accommodation. After time to relax, stroll through the town’s narrow medieval center to a wine cellar for a tour and tasting. Afterwards enjoy dinner on your own in one of the fine restaurants.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Chalon to Santenay — 26 km (16 miles)

Afternoon: Santenay to Beaune — 23 km (14 miles)

What to Expect:

Cycle on a beautiful paved path along the Canal du Centre to Santenay. Then continue on a bike route through the vineyards of the Côte de Beaune, passing world-famous villages such as Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, and Pommard. Board the van shuttle to Beaune, or embark on the longer option, riding through vineyards on the prestigious Route des Grand Crus, with wine-tasting opportunities all the way to your hotel in Beaune.

Cumulative Distance Range: 23 – 49 km (14 – 30 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

After an elaborate breakfast, a five-minute walk takes you to the 15th-century Hospices de Beaune, the epicenter of Beaune. This perfectly preserved historic treasure was the recipient of Europe’s earliest philanthropic endeavors and today is still entirely financed by private donations. This masterpiece of flamboyant Gothic art and architecture is Burgundy’s single most-visited site; you will understand why after setting foot inside the stunning courtyard. Visit the Hospice, then cycle into wine country on narrow, quiet roads to the small hamlet of Cussigny. As lunch nears, your small group is invited into an old mill converted into the summer home of a local family. Here, participate in a game of pétanque before a picnic prepared by your trip leaders. Conclude this pleasant visit with homemade dessert and coffee or tea with your generous hosts.

Afterward, ride back to Beaune through forests, villages, and—depending on the time of year—sunflower or canola fields. On return to your hotel, perhaps relax in the spa, then walk together through Beaune’s charming pedestrian center to a wine cellar for a tour and tasting, followed by dinner in a restaurant featuring Burgundian favorites.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Beaune to Cussigny — 20 km (12 miles)

Afternoon: Cussigny to Beaune — 16 km (10 miles) | Cussigny to Beaune PLUS — 30 km (18 miles)

What to Expect:

Cycle on country roads to Cussigny for a memorable lunch in a local family’s summer home. From here, you may hop in the support vehicle or pedal back to Beaune. Another option is to cycle an extra loop through the Hautes Côtes de Beaune vineyards before returning to the hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 16 – 50 km (10 – 30 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your cycle route today takes you through some of the most famous vineyards in the world, en route to Dijon, the beautiful capital of the Burgundy region. You’ll wind your way to Nuits-Saint-Georges, the region where famed Côte de Nuits red wines are produced. Here, stop to choose from different lunch options on your own before cycling along the narrow lanes used as access routes by local vineyard workers. In this area, monks toiled for centuries making wine for religious services.

The UNESCO World Heritage committee added the entire stretch of vineyards from Beaune to Dijon to its World Heritage List in July 2015. Along the Route des Grands Crus, you may wish to stop and explore old and charming villages such as Vosne-Romanée and Gevrey-Chambertin before continuing all the way to the outskirts of Dijon. As you enter the capital of Burgundy, marvel at the astonishingly well-preserved city center. Dijon, often called “Sleeping Beauty,” is third in France for its number of preserved historic buildings, with more than 100 acres (40.5 hectares) of the city center protected. This capital of the former ducal kingdom has attracted musicians, artists, and writers for centuries.

After checking into your luxurious hotel, set out on a walking tour with your trip leaders. This evening, venture out on your own to wander the medieval cobbled streets and find just the right place to enjoy an apéro (aperitif) and dinner on your own.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Beaune to Nuits-St.-Georges — 19 km (12 miles)

Afternoon: Nuits-St.-Georges to Chenove — 21 km (13 miles) OR Nuits-St.-Georges to Dijon — 26 km (16 miles)

What to Expect:

Follow the Route des Grands Crus through prestigious villages such as Aloxe-Corton, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Vosne-Romanée, and Gevrey-Chambertin, all renowned for their wines. Those who desire a longer option can continue on to Chenove or all the way to Dijon.

Cumulative Distance Range: 19 – 45 km (12 – 28 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, your final bike ride leads directly from the hotel to the Route des Jardins, Burgundy’s beautiful Garden Route, and the pleasant byway along the Canal de Bourgogne to Pont de Pany.

A short option loops back to Dijon; a longer option continues into the Valley de l’Ouche along the winding River l’Ouche and the canal. The bucolic scenery here has made this route a favorite of every traveler in France for its lush, peaceful, and unspoiled countryside—the pastoral side of France at its most authentic.

Finish your week of cycling with a visit to one of the free Dijon Museums, the highlight being the Fine Arts Museum which houses the tombstones of the Dukes of Burgundy.

Tonight, stroll through Dijon’s pedestrian streets to a farewell dinner in a fine gourmet restaurant.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Dijon to Pont de Pany — 25 km (16 miles)

Afternoon: Pont de Pany to Dijon — 24 km (15 miles) OR Pont de Pany to Dijon PLUS — 34 km (21 miles)

What to Expect:

Enjoy easy and pleasant cycling along the Canal de Bourgogne from Dijon to Pont de Pany. Those who wish to cycle back to Dijon can ride along the canal or choose the longer option, featuring more mileage and some rolling hills.

Cumulative Distance Range: 34 – 58 km (15 – 36 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, walk to the Dijon train station (your luggage will be taken in the van) and continue by high-speed train to Paris. Upon arrival, you will be met by a VBT representative and transferred to your centrally located hotel.

VBT provides you with city information and recommendations for what to see and do in Paris. Use the rest of the day to relax or begin exploring Paris.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After an included breakfast this morning, complimentary transportation to the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport will be provided (an approximately 35- to 45-minute drive, depending on traffic) for your departing flight.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Meet your VBT trip leaders at 2:15 p.m. in the lobby of your first hotel, the Grand Hotel La Cloche in Dijon.

Upon arrival, gather for a safety and helmet-fitting session before checking into your room.

Settle in at this elegant five-star hotel, a historic property that blends classic charm with modern luxury. Ideally located on Place Darcy at the edge of the Old Town, the Grand Hotel La Cloche offers easy access to Dijon’s pedestrian center, boutiques, and architectural landmarks. The hotel features spacious, well-appointed rooms, a refined restaurant and bar, tranquil garden terrace, and a wellness area with a spa and hammam—perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.

After check-in at 3:00 p.m., regroup for a one-hour walking tour of Dijon led by your trip leaders. As you explore the capital of Burgundy, take in its remarkably well-preserved city center. Often called “Sleeping Beauty,” Dijon ranks third in France for the number of protected historic buildings, with more than 100 acres (40.5 hectares) of the old town safeguarded. Once the seat of a powerful ducal kingdom, the city has long inspired musicians, artists, and writers.

After time to freshen up, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception at the hotel, followed by a short walk to a nearby restaurant for a delightful dinner.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Walking Tour of Dijon — 2.4 km (1.5 miles)

What to Expect:

Today is a non-biking day. After a safety and helmet-fitting session at the hotel, check in to your room and then regroup with your trip leaders for a one-hour orientation walking tour of Dijon. Follow portions of the Owl’s Trail, taking in some of the city’s historic landmarks. Return to the hotel to relax before the welcome reception and dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Cumulative Distance Range: 2.4 km (1.5 miles)

Included Meals: Dinner

After breakfast, take a tram to the Burgundy Canal, where you complete your bike fitting and begin your ride on the Voie Verte bike path. Follow the route past scenic Lake Kir and along the Garden Route and the Canal de Bourgogne to Sainte-Marie-sur-Ouche. Pause for lunch along the way or enjoy lunch on your own upon returning to Dijon.

This afternoon, ride back to Dijon along the canal. A longer option continues onto the plateau above the Ouche Valley—an idyllic route favored by travelers for its lush, peaceful, and unspoiled countryside, showcasing the pastoral charm of France at its most authentic.

Later, explore one of Dijon’s many free museums—the highlight being the Musée des Beaux-Arts, home to the ornate tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy. You may also wish to visit the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin de Dijon, a must for lovers of fine food and wine.

In the evening, stroll Dijon’s medieval cobbled streets and find just the right spot to enjoy an apéro (aperitif) and dinner on your own.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Burgundy Canal to Sainte-Marie-sur-Ouche — 24 km (15 miles)

Afternoon: Ste-Marie to Dijon — 24 km (15 miles) OR Ste-Marie to Dijon via Lantenay PLUS — 33 km (21 miles)

What to Expect:

Depart the hotel this morning for a tram ride to the Burgundy Canal, where you’ll be fitted for your bike. Ride along a dedicated canal path to Sainte-Marie-sur-Ouche. This afternoon, the shorter option continues directly to Dijon, while the longer route loops through the scenic Ouche Valley before rejoining near Velars-sur-Ouche. Spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring museums, visiting the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin, or shopping before enjoying dinner on your own.

Cumulative Distance Range: 24 – 33 km (15 – 21 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Your cycling route today takes you through some of the most celebrated vineyards in the world en route to Beaune, a Burgundian icon and the capital of Bourgogne’s wine trade. You’ll wind your way to Nuits-Saint-Georges, famed for its renowned Côte de Nuits red wines. Here, pause and choose from a variety of lunch options on your own before continuing along narrow vineyard lanes once used by local workers. In this area, monks labored for centuries to produce wine for religious services.

In July 2015, UNESCO added the entire stretch of vineyards from Dijon to Beaune to its World Heritage List. As you ride the Route des Grands Crus, you may wish to stop and explore charming wine villages such as Gevrey-Chambertin and Vosne-Romanée.

This afternoon, continue riding along scenic vineyard roads into Beaune, a refined town steeped in wine traditions—and your home for the next two nights.

Settle into your luxurious oasis, Hotel Le Cep, located in the heart of town. Advanced reservations are recommended for the Spa Marie de Bourgogne Ayurvedic Center.

Later, gather for a group dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, Lunchbox—an inventive concept offering vegetarian cuisine with delicate Indian-inspired flavors.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Dijon to Nuits Saint-Georges — 29 km (18 miles)

Afternoon: Nuits Saint-George to Beaune — 20 km (12 miles)

What to Expect:

Follow the Route des Grands Crus through prestigious villages such as Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-Saint-Georges, and Chorey-les-Beaune—each renowned for its exceptional wines. Along the 10-kilometer stretch between Gevrey-Chambertin and Vosne-Romanée lie 25 Grands Crus, earning this route the nickname “the Champs-Élysées of Burgundy.” After enjoying lunch on your own in Nuits-Saint-Georges, continue along the Voie des Vignes, pedaling through vineyards and historic landscapes that captivate both wine lovers and history buffs. Ride at your own pace and experience Burgundy from a new perspective. Upon arrival in Beaune, settle into your hotel and perhaps indulge in a spa treatment (advance reservations required) before dinner at the hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 20 – 49 km (12 – 30 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, step outside your hotel and into the vibrant Beaune morning market. Held in the town’s historic center, this lively Saturday market features hundreds of stalls overflowing with fresh produce, cheeses, cured meats, baked goods, flowers, textiles, and regional specialties. Take time to browse, sample, and soak in the local flavor.

Following your visit, cycle out into wine country on narrow, quiet roads southeast of Beaune, following a former railway line through a peaceful rural landscape of farms, blackcurrant and wheat fields, forests, and sleepy villages en route to Allerey. Pause here for a picnic lunch prepared by your trip leaders.

Afterward, ride back to Beaune along tranquil country roads and through charming villages. Upon returning to your hotel, perhaps unwind in the luxurious spa (advance reservations recommended).

Later, stroll through Beaune’s narrow medieval streets to a wine cellar for a guided tour and tasting. Dinner is on your own this evening at one of the town’s many excellent restaurants.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Beaune to Allerey — 28 km (17 miles)

Afternoon: Allerey to Beaune — 24 km (15 miles)

What to Expect:

Cycle along quiet country roads and a former railway line through farmland, forests, and charming villages en route to Allerey, where you pause for a picnic lunch prepared by your trip leaders. Afterward, ride back to Beaune or opt to return in the support vehicle.

Cumulative Distance Range: 24 – 52 km (15 – 32 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After an elaborate breakfast (including wine and cheese, of course, for those so inclined), a five-minute walk brings you to the 15th-century Hospices de Beaune (also known as the Hôtel-Dieu), the heart of Beaune. This impeccably preserved historic treasure was one of Europe’s earliest philanthropic institutions and is still entirely financed by private donations today. A masterpiece of flamboyant Gothic art and architecture, it is Burgundy’s most-visited site—and you’ll understand why the moment you step into its stunning courtyard.

After your visit, set off on small roads through the world-famous vineyards of the Côte de Beaune, passing renowned villages such as Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault—considered by many oenophiles to be the mecca of Chardonnay production. Continue rolling through the vineyards of the Côte Chalonnaise and pause in Santenay for lunch.

From Santenay, pedal along the Voie Verte bike path, following the Canal du Centre to Chalon-sur-Saône.

Afterward, travel to your hotel in the heart of Beaujolais, surrounded by 80 hectares of vines at the Château de Pizay—a stunning estate built between the 11th and 19th centuries.

Relax by the pool or book a spa treatment in advance. This evening, meet for dinner in the château’s gourmet restaurant, which features modern cuisine crafted from the region’s finest ingredients.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Beaune to Santenay — 22 km (14 miles)

Afternoon: Santenay to Chalon — 27 km (17 miles)

What to Expect:

Begin your ride through the vineyards of the Côte de Beaune, passing world-famous villages such as Pommard, Meursault, and Puligny-Montrachet along the prestigious Route des Grands Crus. Continue on a scenic paved path beside the Canal du Centre to Santenay for lunch. In the afternoon, pedal from Santenay along the Voie Verte bike route, following the Canal du Centre to Chalon-sur-Saône. From here, hop aboard our shuttle for a one-hour transfer to your next hotel, Château de Pizay.

Cumulative Distance Range: 22 – 49 km (14 – 31 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, your final bike ride departs directly from the hotel into the southern Beaujolais region, home to 39 villages known as the Pierres Dorées, or “Golden Stones.” This charming cluster of hamlets is nestled among rolling hills and fertile vineyards—often likened to Tuscany. The buildings owe their warm golden hue to locally quarried limestone rich in iron oxide, once used in the construction of Lyon and other parts of the region. The quarry has remained abandoned since World War I.

A shorter ride keeps you close to the château, ideal for a relaxed outing. You cross the Saône and follow a riverside bike path before enjoying gentle hills through scenic vineyards and villages. For more mileage, opt for a challenging spin on the voie verte, climbing steadily to 2,520 feet before coasting past wineries and historic hamlets.

Back at the château, immerse yourself in the region’s wine culture. Stroll the vineyard’s walking trails—perhaps following the romantic “Wine History Walk in the Park.” Enjoy a wine initiation course or a self-guided educational tasting at the on-site oenothèque. You might also unwind by the heated outdoor pool, play a round of tennis, or indulge in a massage or spa treatment (additional cost).

This evening, toast your week of discovery in Burgundy and Beaujolais with a celebratory dinner in the château’s fine-dining restaurant.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Chateau de Pizay to Beaujolais South — 35 km (22 miles) OR Chateau de Pizay to Beaujeu — 46 km (29 miles)

What to Expect:

Today, choose from two ride options: one easy and the other more challenging.

The easier route rolls south from your château to the nearby town of Belleville, crossing the Saône River to a scenic riverside bike path. You’ll follow this for several miles (8–10 km), just north of the Pierres Dorées villages, then cross back over the Saône and gradually ascend through vineyards and quiet villages. The ride reaches its maximum elevation of approximately 1,000 feet at the 26 km (16-mile) mark before gently descending into the Ardière River Valley, where you’ll join the Beaujolais Greenway back to your hotel. Pause for lunch on your own in Odenas or Saint-Lager.

The more challenging option follows the voie verte (greenway) to Saint-Didier-sur-Beaujeu, then climbs steadily to the day’s high point of 2,520 feet at around kilometer 25.8 (16 miles). From there, enjoy a gradual descent through Quincié-en-Beaujolais on the northern edge of the Pierres Dorées region, then coast easily through vineyards and villages back to your hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 35 – 46 km (22 – 29 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Your tour officially ends at your hotel after breakfast.

If you plan to travel by train to your next destination, the nearest railway station is Belleville-en-Beaujolais, offering Intercity and TER service to Mâcon-Loché for connections to Lyon (Part-Dieu and Perrache stations, approximately 30 minutes from Mâcon) and high-speed TGV service to Paris.

If you wish, you may join our coach transfer to the post-tour hotel in Lyon. The coach departs the Château de Pizay at 9:30 a.m. and arrives in Lyon around 10:15 a.m. (approximately a 45-minute drive).

Please note: You are responsible for your luggage at the tour end. Your luggage cannot be stored at a hotel where you do not have a reservation.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Meet one of your trip leaders, in VBT staff garments, in the lobby of the Hotel Carlton Lyon MGallery by Sofitel at 9:00 a.m. You will travel by bus via Cluny to the hotel in Tournus.

Cluny, the former Benedictine abbey and home of an early pope around AD 910, was larger than St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome in its heyday. It was later dynamited, and its richly carved stones were sold off. You’ll stroll along the ancient stone streets of Cluny with a local guide. VBT has timed your visit to fall on a market day, so you’ll have the opportunity to buy some local specialties for lunch on your own.

Arrive at your Tournus hotel, meet your second trip leader, and have free time to settle in. Before your bike tour begins, partake in a safety and bike-fitting session. A brief warm-up ride leads you through the countryside and on a bike path along the Saône River and surrounding countryside.

After some time to freshen up, meet for a welcome cocktail reception at your hotel and dine in its cozy brasserie.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Warm-up Loop — 15 km (9.5 miles)

What to Expect:

An easy loop from your hotel takes you past Saint-Philibert de Tournus, a medieval church and former Benedictine abbey, and through the town of Tournus, then along a bike route on the Saône River and the countryside around town.

Cumulative Distance Range: 15 km (9.5 miles)

Included Meals: Dinner

This morning’s spin takes you on the flat Voie Bleue bike path along the tranquil banks of the Saône River. Keep your eyes open for the varied birdlife along your route.

Leaving the river, you’ll enter rolling wine country, where the dry white wine of the Chardonnay grape is produced. Roll into the wine village of Viré, home to a recent success story in France’s wine world. In the latter part of the 20th century, the villages of Viré and Clessé realized that they had a high-quality wine that could rival the older appellation of Pouilly-Fuissé, so they applied for a separate status. This was finally granted in 1999, and the Viré-Clessé appellation emerged.

Continue cycling to Lugny, a village where you can stop and taste local wines. Continue on to the next small village with a name that is synonymous with dry white wine—Chardonnay— and which recently celebrated its thousandth anniversary. Its name comes from cardonnacum or the “place full of thistles.” Chardonnay grapes most likely originated here and were then shared and distributed throughout France by monks. The earliest recorded reference to Chardonnay appeared in 1330. It was around this time that Cistercian monks built stone walls around their Clos de Vougeot vineyard exclusively planted with Chardonnay grapes. The village of stone houses grew up around the lavoir, a stream-fed community wash-house, and several domaines (wine producers). You’ll stop a little further along in Uchizy for lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, continue through the peaceful rural countryside before rejoining the Voie Bleue bike path along the river and following it back into Tournus. Or take a longer ride back to the hotel. Both options cycles by an interesting bike museum.

Tonight, take a short walk to a nearby wine purveyor for an introduction and tasting of the incredible depth of Burgundy’s wines. Afterward, you are free to enjoy dinner on your own in one of the local restaurants.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Tournus to Uchizy — 35 km (22 miles)

Afternoon: Uchizy to Tournus — 10 km (6 miles) OR Uchizy to Tournus PLUS — 22 km (13 miles)

What to Expect:

Depart the hotel in the morning and roll through Tournus, then follow La Voie Bleue bike path along the Saône River to the winemaking town of Viré. Continue cycling to the village of Lugny for an optional wine tasting. You will then board the support vehicle or continue cycling through rolling vineyards into the town of Chardonnay and Uchizy for an included lunch. The afternoon rides return to Tournus along a northerly route.

Cumulative Distance Range: 10 – 57 km (6 – 35 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, hop a shuttle to your starting point. Get underway rolling through the vineyards of the Côte Chalonnaise. At the town of Chalon sur Saône, pedal along the Voie Verte bike path, following the Canal du Centre to Santenay. Afterward, continue on small roads through the world-famous vineyards of the Côte de Beaune, passing renowned villages such as Puligny Montrachet and Meursault—considered the mecca of Chardonnay production by many oenophiles.

This afternoon, there’ll be time for lunch on your own before you continue your ride into Beaune, the elegant town that is imbued with wine traditions—and your next accommodation. After time to relax, stroll through the town’s narrow medieval center to a wine cellar for a tour and tasting. Afterwards enjoy dinner on your own in one of the fine restaurants.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Chalon to Santenay — 26 km (16 miles)

Afternoon: Santenay to Beaune — 23 km (14 miles)

What to Expect:

Cycle on a beautiful paved path along the Canal du Centre to Santenay. Then continue on a bike route through the vineyards of the Côte de Beaune, passing world-famous villages such as Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, and Pommard. Board the van shuttle to Beaune, or embark on the longer option, riding through vineyards on the prestigious Route des Grand Crus, with wine-tasting opportunities all the way to your hotel in Beaune.

Cumulative Distance Range: 23 – 49 km (14 – 30 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

After an elaborate breakfast, a five-minute walk takes you to the 15th-century Hospices de Beaune, the epicenter of Beaune. This perfectly preserved historic treasure was the recipient of Europe’s earliest philanthropic endeavors and today is still entirely financed by private donations. This masterpiece of flamboyant Gothic art and architecture is Burgundy’s single most-visited site; you will understand why after setting foot inside the stunning courtyard. Visit the Hospice, then cycle into wine country on narrow, quiet roads to the small hamlet of Cussigny. As lunch nears, your small group is invited into an old mill converted into the summer home of a local family. Here, participate in a game of pétanque before a picnic prepared by your trip leaders. Conclude this pleasant visit with homemade dessert and coffee or tea with your generous hosts.

Afterward, ride back to Beaune through forests, villages, and—depending on the time of year—sunflower or canola fields. On return to your hotel, perhaps relax in the spa, then walk together through Beaune’s charming pedestrian center to a wine cellar for a tour and tasting, followed by dinner in a restaurant featuring Burgundian favorites.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Beaune to Cussigny — 20 km (12 miles)

Afternoon: Cussigny to Beaune — 16 km (10 miles) | Cussigny to Beaune PLUS — 30 km (18 miles)

What to Expect:

Cycle on country roads to Cussigny for a memorable lunch in a local family’s summer home. From here, you may hop in the support vehicle or pedal back to Beaune. Another option is to cycle an extra loop through the Hautes Côtes de Beaune vineyards before returning to the hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 16 – 50 km (10 – 30 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your cycle route today takes you through some of the most famous vineyards in the world, en route to Dijon, the beautiful capital of the Burgundy region. You’ll wind your way to Nuits-Saint-Georges, the region where famed Côte de Nuits red wines are produced. Here, stop to choose from different lunch options on your own before cycling along the narrow lanes used as access routes by local vineyard workers. In this area, monks toiled for centuries making wine for religious services.

The UNESCO World Heritage committee added the entire stretch of vineyards from Beaune to Dijon to its World Heritage List in July 2015. Along the Route des Grands Crus, you may wish to stop and explore old and charming villages such as Vosne-Romanée and Gevrey-Chambertin before continuing all the way to the outskirts of Dijon. As you enter the capital of Burgundy, marvel at the astonishingly well-preserved city center. Dijon, often called “Sleeping Beauty,” is third in France for its number of preserved historic buildings, with more than 100 acres (40.5 hectares) of the city center protected. This capital of the former ducal kingdom has attracted musicians, artists, and writers for centuries.

After checking into your luxurious hotel, set out on a walking tour with your trip leaders. This evening, venture out on your own to wander the medieval cobbled streets and find just the right place to enjoy an apéro (aperitif) and dinner on your own.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Beaune to Nuits-St.-Georges — 19 km (12 miles)

Afternoon: Nuits-St.-Georges to Chenove — 21 km (13 miles) OR Nuits-St.-Georges to Dijon — 26 km (16 miles)

What to Expect:

Follow the Route des Grands Crus through prestigious villages such as Aloxe-Corton, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Vosne-Romanée, and Gevrey-Chambertin, all renowned for their wines. Those who desire a longer option can continue on to Chenove or all the way to Dijon.

Cumulative Distance Range: 19 – 45 km (12 – 28 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, your final bike ride leads directly from the hotel to the Route des Jardins, Burgundy’s beautiful Garden Route, and the pleasant byway along the Canal de Bourgogne to Pont de Pany.

A short option loops back to Dijon; a longer option continues into the Valley de l’Ouche along the winding River l’Ouche and the canal. The bucolic scenery here has made this route a favorite of every traveler in France for its lush, peaceful, and unspoiled countryside—the pastoral side of France at its most authentic.

Finish your week of cycling with a visit to one of the free Dijon Museums, the highlight being the Fine Arts Museum which houses the tombstones of the Dukes of Burgundy.

Tonight, stroll through Dijon’s pedestrian streets to a farewell dinner in a fine gourmet restaurant.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Dijon to Pont de Pany — 25 km (16 miles)

Afternoon: Pont de Pany to Dijon — 24 km (15 miles) OR Pont de Pany to Dijon PLUS — 34 km (21 miles)

What to Expect:

Enjoy easy and pleasant cycling along the Canal de Bourgogne from Dijon to Pont de Pany. Those who wish to cycle back to Dijon can ride along the canal or choose the longer option, featuring more mileage and some rolling hills.

Cumulative Distance Range: 34 – 58 km (15 – 36 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Your tour ends after breakfast. It is an easy five-minute walk to the Dijon train station if you wish to take a train to the airport or your next destination.

Included Meals: Breakfast