You’ll lodge in the center of Dijon, the capital city of Burgundy, giving you out-the-door access to its many offerings. To maximize your stay in Dijon, we strongly encourage an early arrival (if possible). Architectural wonders abound: the Palace of Dijon and the Church of Notre-Dame of Dijon are both camera-worthy. Additionally, the Dijon Cathedral(a national monument of France) enjoys cannot-miss status. This Gothic wonder, with its two entrance towers, dominates the Dijon skyline. Just as impressive are Dijon’s many taste temptations. And yes, the city does take its title as the “Mustard Capital of the World” seriously. The Musée Amora (Mustard Museum), which doubles as a working mustard factory, gives visitors a firsthand look at the mustard-making process.

The riding portion of your bicycle tour begins in grand style, following the “Route des Grand Crus.” This magical route gives you access to some of the planet’s most applauded vineyards. Along the way you’ll stop for lunch in Nuits-Saint-Georges, a classic Old World village made famous by its red grapes. From here you’ll pedal into Côte de Nuits, perhaps Burgundy’s most celebrated wine region, riding all the way to Aloxe-Corton, the northernmost village of the Côte de Beaune wine area. About one-third of Aloxe-Corton’s vineyards enjoy Premier Cru status, so get ready to clink some glasses! Eventually you’ll arrive in Beaune — Burgundy’s wine capital. You’ll spend two nights here, giving you plenty of time to tour the village and sample a glass or seven of its wines.

You can take the day off from riding and spend it strolling about Beaune if you wish, visiting its many historic and wine-related attractions. The Hospices de Beaune, built in 1443, warrants a visit for its unique architecture and colorful roof. Hone your condiment knowledge with a visit to Moutarderie Fallot, home to one of Burgundy’s most noted artisan mustard producers since 1840. 

If you want to ride but not push yourself, today’s 36-kilometer pedal is the perfect choice. It takes you to the village of Saint-Romain and back. If your legs feel up to it, pedal an additional three kilometers to Chateau de la Rochepot. This restored 13th-century castle, which is open to visitors, has a fairytale quality to its façade and includes a working drawbridge. Or if you’re feeling excessively ambitious, take the 65-kilometer ride to Chateauneuf-en-Auxois. This scenic hilltop village will reward your efforts with numerous wine-tasting opportunities.

White wine aficionados should prepare their palates for a ride through the Côte de Beaune area, famous for its chardonnays. Along the way you’ll visit the villages of Puligny-Montrachet — home to the world famous Montrachet vineyard — and Meursault, another village noted for its Chardonnay and as one of the settings for one of France’s all-time box office films, “La Grande Vadrouille.” Restaurant and café options abound in both villages, giving you ample opportunities to decide which white wines pair best with energy bars. Or, better yet, grab a baguette, some artisanal cheese, and a bottle or two of wine and enjoy an impromptu roadside picnic. At night you’ll lodge in either Chassey-le-Camp or Rully, two neighboring wine villages no more than 4 kilometers apart.

Today you’ll pedal south through a pastoral setting of farms, forests, and vineyards. Along the way, you’ll wheel through Buxy, yet another of Burgundy’s impossibly quaint wine villages that will make you want to quit your job and begin a new, quiet life in the French countryside growing grapes. Buxy makes for a perfect place to have lunch and recharge your legs for the ride into Cluny. This scenic town, perched along the banks of the Grosne River, reigned as the center of Christianity during the 10th and 11th centuries. The town’s influence could be measured by the size of the Cluny Abbey, which until St. Peter’s Basilica was built in the 17th century, housed the world’s largest church. Though badly damaged during the French Revolution, remnants of the Abbey are open to visitors. If time allows, take a tour of nearby Berzé-le-Châtel. This hulking castle’s hillside perch affords five-star, camera-worthy views of the surrounding countryside.

Though today’s ride is short in length, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to work off any over-indulgences at the food table with a visit to the Rock of Solutré. This knuckle of limestone, which hovers over the surrounding vineyards, gained worldwide attention during the 1980s when French President François Mitterrand made yearly climbs to Solutré’s summit. The 35-minute hike rewards you with panoramic views. If the day is clear you can see Mont-Blanc, the highest mountain of the French Alps, glimmering on the eastern horizon. From Solutré you’ll pedal through a chain of tiny villages nestled among the vineyards famous for producing Pouilly-Fuissé wines. At night you’ll lodge in Saint-Amour-de-Bellevue (option A+) or in Juliénas (option A), just a wine cork’s throw from Mâcon.

Choose between a short or long ride today. Both routes will take you through France’s famous Beaujolais region, wheeling through the tiny, wine-producing villages of Saint-Amour, Juliénas, Fleurie, and Villié-Morgon. Each village provides an out-of-this-world setting for sampling the region’s famous vintages. Today’s ride, regardless of route, makes for the perfect ending for your tour.

After breakfast, depart at the time of your choice.

You may want to enjoy some time off your bike to visit Mâcon before your next destination. Perched along the banks of the Saône River, Mâcon, with its many-colored buildings reflecting off the water, looks like the permanent muse for impressionist painters. Along its streets you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafes for one last evening of wine tasting. Note that we can arrange/assist you with a transfer to Macon town center or train stations (centre or TGV station).