On horseback through the vineyards

From the Route des Vignobles to the Santiago de Compostella pilgrim way, from crossing the Morvan to the Chablis vineyards, Burgundy's horseback trails are never far from its wine. Qualified staff at Centres de Tourisme Equestre (CTE) know which bridle paths run past the vineyards ... So mount up and go! If you are not a rider, carthorses and horse and carriage trips mean that you can still enjoy a ride through the vineyards...

From north to south of Burgundy

Whether planning an accompanied ride or free-ranger trek, you need only look at the map of recognised bridle paths and waymarked trails to work out your horseback route through Burgundy. Fancy a longer trek? From the vineyards of the Auxerrois, follow the Yonne valley to reach the Côte de Nuits. From Cluny to the Jura mountains, 7 Pistes vertes offer the opportunity for memorable rides through the heart of the Mâconnais vineyards.

Route des vignobles de Bourgogne

The 300 km long Route des Vignobles de Bourgogne evokes memories of a time when heavy horses transported wine, fish and salt from the provinces to Paris. In season the horses were used to plough vineyards and haul timber.

Did you know? A Heavy Horse Federation has just been formed in Burgundy. It promotes the use of these faithful workers in wine-growing communities!

Horse-drawn carriage in the Beaunois

At Savigny-lès-Beaune, Meursault and Pommard you can opt for an elegant trip in a horse-drawn carriage through Côtes and Hautes Côtes de Beaune appellation vineyards. These enjoyable tours are rounded off with wine tasting at the château of Savigny–lès-Beaune, the Domaine Ropiteau or the château of Pommard ... Pick the one that suits you best!

Barouche at the Clos de Vougeot

You can also ride through the heart of the Côte de Nuits in a barouche... Admire the superb scenery and stop at the famous château du Clos de Vougeot where you can admire the impressive wine cellars and perfectly preserved 11th century wine-presses. This veritable pilgrimage finishes with a wine tasting at Nuits-Saint-Georges..

Practical information

The Comité Régional de Tourisme Equestre (CRTE) and corresponding Comités Départementaux are a major source of help and information for horseback expeditions You can also view a wide range of routes and events associated with wine.

Contact details

Comité Régional de Tourisme Equestre de Bourgogne
Tel. : +33 (0)3 80 38 29 95
E-mail : crebourgogne@wanadoo.fr

Route maps, list of specialised gîtes with accommodation for horses & riders, holiday offers, dates of organised treks, courses and other riding activities are available on: www.tourismequestre-bourgogne.com.

Comité Départemental de Tourisme Equestre de Côte-d'Or
Tel. : +33 (0)6 08 41 34 70
E-mail : genevieve.pierron@rss.fr

Comité Départemental de Tourisme Equestre de Saône-et-Loire
Tel. : +33 (0)3 85 24 49 21 ou +33 (0)36 78 05 04 33
E-mail : cdte71@orange.fr
website : www.cdte71.com

Comité Départemental de Tourisme Equestre de la Nièvre
Tel. : +33 (0)3 86 68 08 15
E-mail : contact@chevalnievre.com

Comité Départemental de Tourisme Equestre de l'Yonne
Tel. : +33 (0)3 86 41 64 64
E-mail : Pesteau@wanadoo.fr