Region Overviews: France Travel Guide: Overview
Long considered a global center of art, science, philosophy and sophistication, France boasts incredible diversity in its offerings to travelers.
There’s a special flavor here. A blend of excellence and tradition. Yes, it’s in the wine, but it transcends everything. It’s in the gracious demeanor of the people. It’s in ancient villages and medieval châteaux that sit quietly among the vineyards. You sense Burgundy’s rich flavors as you ride toward the colorful tile roofs in Beaune. And you quickly understand that the wine is only where Burgundy’s story begins.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels
Start/End Dijon
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Start your journey through Burgundy with a visit to preserved Noyers, one of France’s designated Plus Beaux (Most Beautiful) Villages | By bike, discover a breathtaking landscape with lush forests, green farmland and peaceful babbling streams | Arrive in Morvan, a region with enchanting rivers and hidden castles | Cycle through a château-dotted valley to charming Vézelay—another Plus Beaux town—and explore its 12th-century Benedictine abbey, a World Heritage site | Looking for a great photo? One stunning vista follows another as you ride across rolling pastures past historic manors and fortresses.
A moated 16th-century castle with a 13th-century dungeon, this hotel is brimming with charm, from its fine antiques and tapestries to the ducks and peacocks roaming its grounds. (pool)
Ride from one postcard-perfect village to the next as you make your way along the Burgundy Canal from Flavigny-sur-Ozerain to Châteauneuf | Follow forested bike routes through a pastoral landscape that is home to world-class vineyards | Relax by the river Ouche at our palatial 15th-century abbey-turned-hotel.
Now a luxurious country house, the abbey was originally a spiritual retreat after its founding in 1131. A Relais & Châteaux member.
Delve into the venerable winemaking tradition in the Côte de Nuits at iconic Clos de Vougeot, a restored medieval château and vineyard | Explore Beaune, the lively capital of the Côte d’Or | Enjoy private cellar tours and wine tastings that highlight the quality and extraordinary variety among Burgundy wines | Bike the Côte de Beaune’s Route des Grands Crus to the famed towns of Gevrey-Chambertin and Chassagne-Montrachet | Journey deeper into the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune | Take a private tour of the Hospices de Beaune, a tile-studded showcase of Flemish-Burgundian architecture | Sample the region’s superb and nuanced varietals.
This elegant hotel in historic Beaune features chic design elements and a lovely garden patio. (spa)
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy
SMALL GROUP? TRY RENDEZVOUS
An extra leader and van for even more flexibility | +$2,400 for Europe and +$2,900 for North America | Call us to book your Rendezvous
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
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. LEARN MORE.
The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Read on for your available bike options for this trip.
This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork.
A proven classic, our most popular custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
Our newly redesigned titanium e-bike is a lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. It provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Ride like a pro with the top-of-the-line carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package—it’s built for hard-core riders.
$400 rental fee
This hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. For experienced tandem riders.
$400 rental fee
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
On many nights, the gourmet restaurants where we dine offer specially prepared limited or fixed menus featuring a delicious selection of authentic regional cuisine.
Abbaye de la Bussière is a Premiere Hotel housed in a beautiful historic building. While it offers outstanding service and amenities, please note that it is not equipped with air-conditioning. Despite the region's generally temperate climate and cool nights, guest rooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.
Long considered a global center of art, science, philosophy and sophistication, France boasts incredible diversity in its offerings to travelers.
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