Burgundy Biking
In the heart of France, Burgundy has been center stage for many of the country's most formative events. The soil that nourishes the region's precious grapes has also served as battleground for Julius Caesar, Brunhilde and Charlemagne. These days, the clinking of raised glasses has replaced the clash of swords, but Burgundy still maintains its inextricable ties to history. The ancient Romans introduced viticulture to the region, and winemaking - and tasting - remain at the center of Burgundian living. On this journey, you'll have the opportunity to savor the local specialty in between invigorating rides over rolling hills, through forests and past renowned Côte d'Or vineyards. Each night, savor magnificent French cuisine, prepared in the most luxurious of surroundings.
Days 1-2 avallon
Rendezvous in Auxerre 
After lunch at a local farm, enjoy a warm-up ride through the château-dotted countryside Ascend to the hilltop village of Vézelay and discover its cathedral - a World Heritage site 
Sample regional treats at a signature Backroads picnic Bike through the Lower Morvan region, past lush forests and quaint villages.
Day 3 Saulieu
Pedal through peaceful pastureland with stunning vistas, stopping en route at one of the châteaux or abbeys Follow undulating terrain toward the Côte d'Or region, where some of the best wines in Burgundy are produced.
Days 4-6 beaune
Surrounded by chardonnay and pinot noir vines, enter the scenic Côte de Beaune Enjoy a private tour of the cellars and a tasting at Maison Alex Gambal, where the artisanal wines are made by hand Make your way along quiet vineyard roads along the Route des Grands Crus to the towns of Pernand-Vergelesses, Aloxe-Corton and Chassagne-Montrachet, where you'll find perfect caves for sampling and buying wine Enjoy a private guided tour of the 15th-century Hospices de Beaune, a tile-studded showcase of Flemish-Burgundian architecture and impressive history.
LAVISH LIVING: Premiere Inns
Chateau de Vault-de-Lugny (2 nights): A moated 16th-century castle called "a captivating gem radiating the true pastoral spirit of northern Burgundy" by the Hideaway Report.
Le Relais Bernard Loiseau (1 night): Surrounded by beautiful grounds and complete with a spa, this Relais & Châteaux-member is known for its Michelin-starred cuisine and warm intimate atmosphere.
Hotel le Cep (2 nights): A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member with lavishly decorated guest rooms, each named after a Grand Cru wine.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- 22 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 29, 37, 58 miles
- 1000 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 20, 36, 51 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 3 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 33, 46, 56 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 22, 35, 48 miles
- 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 19 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Trips For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 6/14-19Price: $4898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1570 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/6-11Price: $4898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1570 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/20-25Price: $4898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1570 for sgl. occ.)
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
The trip was fantastic. Biking is the way to see Burgundy. I felt as if I entered the Middle Ages and stayed for 5 days, as you see so little evidence of the present on this trip, and instead are immersed in a world of chateaus, abbeys, churches and little medieval villages. The food, accomodations and countryside are outstanding, and are combined with some challenging cycling days.- Mercer Island, WA
The trip was fantastic in every way! Great, amazing food--really loved the Backroads picnics! And the "extra" activities--the chateau tours, wine tastings, etc. really added to the experience. I learned more about the Burgundy region--the wines, the cuisine, etc.--in 5 days than I could have in months of reading and tasting at home. I truly came away with a deep understanding and appreciation of the special and unique features of the Cote d'Or: Cote de Beaune and Cote de Nuits. I will remember this trip for years to come!- Shelburne, VT
This was our 10th Anniversary and we had the greatest experience. The trip beat our expectations.- Linden, NJ