Cycling Holidays in France: Burgundy by Bike

With 580 Kms of Cycle Routes, Seeing Burgundy by Bike is a Travel Option:

Cycling holidays in France © Atout France / Michel Laurent

Very few travellers can do Le Tour de France, but Le Tour de Bourgogne is a real possibility. With its 580 kms of ‘voies vertes’ (tracks reserved strictly for non-motorised traffic) and ‘véloroutes’ (long-distance cycling trails), Burgundy is a haven for those in search of active, yet relaxing cycling holidays in France. This former land of the Great Dukes of the Occident has France’s most extensive network of véloroutes, and seeing Burgundy by bike is a real travel option.

Cycling Tour of Burgundy

Cycling enthusiasts can look forward to the various cycling routes that make up the network of the ‘Cycling Tour of Burgundy’. These increasingly well-signposted cycling routes are safe and follow the towpaths running alongside the canals, or make use of old and now abandoned railway lines or vineyard paths.

Along the véloroutes, cyclists can stop to explore charming and timeless little towns and medieval villages, wander through winding streets and check out historic châteaux and visit some of the famous Burgundy vineyards to taste some of the finest Burgundy wines.

And when you are on the voies vertes, you are never too far from something or somewhere that is typical of Burgundy: a little country bistro or the cellar of a welcoming winegrower, a Romanesque abbey or a Renaissance château.

Le Tour de Bourgogne

Some trails are tougher than others, but there are trails that would suit most cyclists and both the young and old alike can now explore the many attributes of Burgundy at their own pace.  Some of the cycling routes include:

Courtesy Burgundy Tourism

• Southern Burgundy – From Chalon-sur-Saone to Macon (65 km)
• The Canal du Centre – From Chalon-sur-Saone to Cronat (171 km)
• The Nivernais Canal – From Decize to Auxerre (175 km)
• The Burgundy Canal – From Migennes to Dijon (212 km)
• The Vineyard Way – From Beaune to Santenay (20 km)

New stretches of cycling routes are being added all the time and the labelling of the various types of accommodation to be found on or near the main cycling routes makes it easier for cyclists to find hotels, campsites, B&B, gîtes, etc. that are on the Burgundy tourism approved establishments list, and which provide facilities and services suitably geared to their activity.   Many providers cater to services like bike rentals, transport of luggage and cycling holiday packages.

Discovering Burgundy by bike offers cyclists a wealth of experiences and pleasant moments on their cycling holidays.  For more information on cycling holidays in Burgundy and cycling tour operators, see www.burgundy-by-bike.com.

Burgundy of course has a huge range of accommodation to fit all budget types. See what’s on offer and you can book your Burgundy hotel HERE.

Click here to get a free PDF of this post