Guided week Bike Tour in France, Burgundy wine region

Exploring Burgundy by Bike: An Authentic, Flavorful Experience

Imagine pedaling through the rolling hills of France’s most celebrated wine region, Burgundy. This guided week-long bike tour offers a perfect blend of active sightseeing, culture, and wine tasting, all set against the backdrop of historic towns, lush vineyards, and scenic canals. Starting in Dijon, you’ll travel through the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits, staying in comfortable 3- and 4-star hotels while savoring regional cuisine and local wines.

Two things immediately stand out about this tour. First, the expert guidance by knowledgeable guides like Charlene and Eric makes all the difference; they enrich your journey with stories, insights, and friendly support. Second, the well-curated itinerary ensures you experience the best of Burgundy’s wine culture, with visits to renowned estates and tastings of top crus like Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet.

A possible consideration is the daily riding distance—up to 55 km—which, while manageable for most cyclists, might be a stretch for complete beginners or those with limited fitness. This trip suits active travelers who love good wine, scenic countryside, and a touch of history, making it ideal for couples, friends, or solo travelers with a moderate level of fitness.

Key Points

• Scenic Cycling Routes: Pedal along historic canals and through picturesque vineyards.
• Authentic Burgundy Experience: Tastings at local wineries and visits to celebrated estates like Château du Clos de Vougeot.
• Comfortable Accommodation: Stay in charming hotels with breakfast included, providing a restful base each night.
• Expert Support: Assistance from a mechanic, support van, and friendly guides ensure peace of mind.
• Culinary Highlights: Enjoy regional cuisine with three included evening meals and four lunches.
• Small Group Travel: With a maximum of 16 travelers, expect personal attention and a convivial atmosphere.

In-Depth Review of the Burgundy Bike Tour

Starting in Dijon: The Gateway to Burgundy

Your adventure kicks off in Dijon, a city famous for mustard, medieval architecture, and vibrant markets. Here, a guide welcomes you, provides your equipped hybrid bike, and offers a briefing on what’s ahead. The tour begins with a gentle ride along the Canal de Bourgogne—a perfect route for easing into your journey. As you pedal past locks, quaint villages, and lush hills, you’ll feel the relaxed pace that makes this trip so appealing.

This first day is about setting the tone—beautiful scenery, manageable distances (about 44 km), and the excitement of being on two wheels in a new landscape. The highlight is arriving at Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, a charming medieval town where you’ll enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. Many reviewers appreciate the thoughtful organization: one mentions, “We love Burgundy wines, but have never been. We are also avid cyclists… No time like now to take this show on the road.”

Day 2: Into the Heart of Burgundy’s Vineyards

The ride from Châteauneuf-en-Auxois to Nolay involves crossing the Canal de Bourgogne again and exploring the rolling Auxois countryside. The route includes some gentle slopes, and the scenery is a mix of farmhouses, vineyards, and picturesque hamlets.

A highlight of this day is a visit and wine tasting at a local estate, allowing you to learn firsthand about Burgundy’s winemaking traditions. The itinerary mentions a visit to the impressive Château de Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, which adds a historical touch. The day’s mileage is around 55 km, and reviews note that guides like Charlene are incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and kind, making the experience even more engaging.

Day 3: The Côte de Beaune and Prestigious Whites

Today’s ride takes you from Chassey-le-Camp to Beaune—the wine capital of Burgundy. The route winds through some of the region’s most famous vineyards, including Meursault and Pommard. You’ll pass through areas producing world-renowned white wines like Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet, giving you a true taste (literally!) of Burgundy’s vinous reputation.

The journey is roughly 29 km but packed with visual delights. You’ll visit wineries along the way and enjoy a lunch picnic in the countryside. Many reviews highlight how the expert guides enhance the experience, sharing insights into wine production and regional history. The day ends in Beaune, where you have time to explore and dine in town.

Day 4: Burgundy’s Cabernet and Pinot Noir Heartlands

This is the day to indulge in Burgundy’s red wines. The route from Beaune to Chagny takes you through the Côte de Nuits, crossing famous appellations like Nuits-Saint-Georges, Vosne-Romanée, and Vougeot. The highlight is visiting the Château du Clos de Vougeot, a historic monument central to Burgundy’s wine culture.

Expect about 53 km of riding, with stops at renowned wine estates and picturesque villages. Many travelers praise the guides, especially for their knowledge and friendliness. One reviewer noted, “Eric was a wonderful guide, very knowledgeable and fun!” This day mixes scenic riding with wine appreciation, making it a favorite among those who love both.

Final Day: From Beaune back to Dijon

The last leg takes you from Beaune back to Dijon along the green way, a dedicated cycling path. Covering around 53 km, you’ll pass through viticultural towns like Savigny-les-Beaune and Aloxe-Corton, before crossing into the Côte de Nuits. The final highlight is a visit to the Château du Clos de Vougeot, where you gain deeper insight into Burgundy’s wine heritage.

Many reviews mention the support and assistance provided—an added comfort when covering longer distances. The ride concludes back in Dijon, where you can enjoy a farewell dinner and reflect on your journey.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic Burgundy Experience. This isn’t just a cycling trip; it’s an immersion in the region’s wine culture. Visits to top wineries and regions like Puligny-Montrachet and Vosne-Romanée give you access to iconic vineyards with tasting opportunities that many travelers find memorable.

Knowledgeable Guides. The reviews consistently praise guides like Charlene and Eric for their friendly, informative, and patient attitude. They enhance the experience with stories, wine insights, and local tips, making the journey more than just riding a bike.

Quality Support System. The presence of a support van, mechanic, and assistance provides peace of mind, especially when tackling up to 55 km per day. This makes the tour accessible to those with moderate fitness who appreciate a safety net.

Comfortable Accommodation & Cuisine. Staying in charming hotels in historic towns allows for restful evenings after days filled with riding and tasting. The inclusion of regional meals, plus three wine tastings, delivers excellent value—many reviews mention the food as a highlight.

Small Group Atmosphere. With a maximum of 16 travelers, the experience feels intimate. You’ll enjoy personalized attention, making it easy to ask questions and connect with fellow cyclists.

The Practicalities and Value

At around $2,100 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience: bike rental, accommodations, most meals, wine tastings, and guided visits are included. Considering the quality of hotels and the depth of the wine experiences, many find this to be a good value for a curated, all-inclusive week.

The moderate cycling distances make this accessible for most travelers with average fitness, especially those who enjoy riding in scenic, gentle terrain. The small group size ensures a relaxed, social atmosphere, perfect for those who prefer a more personal touch over large tours.

One review mentions that “Bourgogne Evasion for bike rentals” provided “absolutely 5-star-plus service and bikes”, emphasizing the high-quality equipment and support.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to explore Burgundy’s famous vineyards firsthand. It’s also suitable for active travelers comfortable with 30-55 km days on a hybrid bike. If you enjoy learning from passionate guides and prefer a well-organized, small-group experience, this will suit you perfectly.

Those seeking a relaxing but engaging way to see Burgundy while tasting some of the best wines in the world will find this trip rewarding. It’s a fantastic choice for couples, friends, or solo travelers who love biking, culture, and culinary delights.

FAQ

What is the total duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately five days, with four cycling days and one arrival/departure day.

Are the cycling distances manageable?
Yes, daily distances are around 29 to 55 km, suitable for those with moderate physical fitness and some cycling experience.

Are meals included?
Four lunches and four dinners are included, with regional cuisine and wine tastings, though drinks are excluded.

What kind of bikes are used?
Premium hybrid bikes are provided, equipped with helmets, and are suitable for scenic countryside riding.

Is assistance available if I have a mechanical issue?
Yes, a mechanic and support van are available through the tour, ensuring smooth progress even if technical problems arise.

Can I start the tour in Dijon?
Yes, you can arrive the night before the tour starts for added convenience.

To sum it up, this guided bike tour through Burgundy offers a well-balanced mix of scenic vistas, cultural insights, and wine tasting — all supported by expert guides and quality accommodations. It’s perfect for active travelers who want to enjoy one of France’s most celebrated wine regions at a gentle, relaxed pace. Whether you’re a wine lover eager to taste top crus, a cycling enthusiast looking for a manageable adventure, or someone seeking immersive regional experiences, this tour delivers an authentic taste of Burgundy with plenty of memorable moments.