Lots of water and... some wine
Tour of Burgundy by bike
You'll need to cover around 800 km to complete the Tour of Burgundy by bike (it can of course be done in several stages!). It's a fairly easy route along greenways that run alongside the waterways and through the vineyards, it's safe and there are not many uphill sections.
Along this country route, there are châteaus, churches, abbeys, making it the ideal way to disconnect, stay active and discover something new!
Itinerary for the Tour of Burgundy by bike
The capital of Burgundy
Dijon
Before starting this cycle route, begin with the Owl's route which will take you on a tour of a good part of Dijon.
Either by bicycle or on foot, this route leads you around the streets of the town centre, to discover the Philip-the-Good Tower, the Fine Arts Museum, and of course the church of Notre-Dame, where you need to make sure you touch the Owl with your left hand to bring you luck (and sun) while you're staying in Burgundy!
The Wine Route
Plunge yourself into the world of wine, on this cycle route through the vineyards!
You'll be riding through the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune vineyards, via some globally renowned villages, until you reach Santenay, at the entrance to the Côte Chalonnaise.
The Canal du Centre
Continue your Tour of Burgundy by bike along the peaceful Canal du Centre where you'll discover the Ceramic Valley and the iconic Villa Perrusson.
You'll see the majestic Roman basilica of Paray-le-Monial overlooking your route, before veering off to follow the Loire side canal in Digoin.
Discover the Canal du Centre
Loire side canal
Keep pedalling until you reach Decize, where the canals and rivers converge. Don't hesitate to stop off in Saint-Léger-des-Vignes nearby, to admire the famous tow boat that was once used to tow the barges from Nivernais canal to the Loire side canal.
Nivernais Canal
You'll enjoy the fresh air along this section, especially at the Vaux and Baye ponds and surrounding unspoilt natural environment. You can also admire the historic fishing town of Châtillon-en-Bazois, Corbigny Abbey, the medieval town of Clamecy, the pretty area around the towns of Mailly-la-Ville and Mailly-le-Château and finally, the Grand Auxerrois vineyard.
The Burgundy Canal
Bicycle touring at the Fosse Dionne spring in Tonnerre
Fontenay Abbey cloister
Flavigny-sur-Ozerain
Cycling along Burgundy Canal
Châteauneuf-en-Auxois
Château de Commarin
Southern Burgundy loop by bicycle
As well as the standard Tour of Burgundy by bike, this loop between Chalon-sur-Saône and Mâcon runs along both the Voie Bleue and the Greenway, for a yellow section that is worth the detour!
This route takes you along the Saône and through the vineyards, for a magical journey through Burgundy by bike, or to add to your main itinerary via the Canal du Centre, and really make the most of your time here.
For more technical details about the route, don't hesitate to pay a visit to the France Vélo Tourisme website.
The Tour of Burgundy by bike
