Cycling Champagne, Burgundy Plus! the Côte d'Or

Cycling Champagne, Burgundy Plus! the Côte d'Or

Experience France's legendary landscapes as you cycle a route steeped in history - and wine! Bicycle along quiet roads and bike paths through Champagne, Burgundy, and the famous Côte d’Or wine regions. Cycle through the Morvan Natural Park and finish in France’s renowned Burgundy vineyards. This bicycling tour will delight your eyes and your taste buds while taking you to some of the most iconic cities of France. 

***If this sounds great but you prefer a shorter trip, check out our Bicycling Champagne and Burgundy tour***

Tour Dates & Prices

Date
Price
Private Room Fee
Note
Sep 16-26, 2023
USD$5895
USD$650
Departure confirmed. Space Running Out
Jun 8-18, 2024
USD$6245
USD$650
Book now and save $200 per person
Sep 14-24, 2024
USD$6245
USD$650
Book now and save $200 per person

* We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the private room charge. This charge will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available it will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour.

** For information about what your tour status means please see our FAQ page.

Tour Style: Classic Hold A Space Request Private Departure Download Itinerary Tour Map
  • Trip At-A-Glance
  • Tour Summary
  • Daily Itinerary
  • Travel Information
  • Map
  • Reviews
  • Similar Tours
Trip At-A-Glance

Trip At-A-Glance

  • Length / 11 Days
  • Total Distance / 484 km (302 miles)
  • Avg. Distance / 54 km (34 miles) per riding day
  • Tour Level & Tour Style / 2.5 Classic
  • Countries / France
  • Begin/End / Reims / Beaune
  • Price / From USD$5895
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Tour Summary

Tour Summary

  • Highlights
    Reims - capital of Champagne wine, Dijon and Beaune - Capitals of Burgundy wine, champagne tasting and tour, Parc Naturel Regional du Morvan, Guided visit of Semur-en-Auxois and Hotel Dieu, Châteauneuf and its castle, informal wine tasting. Four two-night stays.
  • Includes
    10 nights' accommodation; meals as noted in itinerary; champagne tasting; guided visit of Hotel Dieu; informal wine tasting; and the usual (see below)

    Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic Tour Style page.
  • Arrive / Depart
    Paris (CDG)
  • Overall Tour Level
    2.5 difficulty level 2.5

    Most of the entrances and exits from towns are on bike paths or along canals.

  • Daily Ride Summary

    Day

    Distance/Gain
    mi/ftkm/m

    Terrain

    Day Level

    Notes

    1
    Test ride
    2
    63km / 600m
    Rolling hills
    difficulty level 2.5
    3
    77km / 660m
    Hilly
    difficulty level 3.5
    4
    39km / 675m
    Hilly
    difficulty level 3.0
    5
    53km / 779m
    Hilly
    difficulty level 3.0
    Today's ride is an optional loop ride
    6
    58km / 653m
    Hilly
    difficulty level 3.0
    7
    50km / 207m
    Mostly flat
    difficulty level 1.0
    8
    53km / 586m
    Hilly
    difficulty level 3.0
    9
    50km / 452m
    Hilly
    difficulty level 2.5
    10
    60km / 700m
    Rolling hills
    difficulty level 2.0
    11
    Last day

Terrain Legend

Gentle Gentle

Rolling hills Rolling hills

Hilly Hilly

Very hilly Very hilly

Mountainous Mountainous

Daily Itinerary
Download Itinerary

DAY 1: Welcome to Reims

Highlights: Champagne, Notre Dame de Reims

Reims is not only the capital of the Champagne region, but also home to the cathedral where the Kings of France were crowned since 987 A.D. Come early to explore the incredible cathedral and taste champagne from the many Maisons de Champagne. We'll meet this afternoon for a bike fitting and a quick spin along Reims' scenic canal. This evening join us to toast the start of our trip together with champagne of course!

DAY 2: Loop ride from Reims

Highlights: Bike paths; champagne tasting

We leave Reims on a bike path this morning pedaling over rolling hills and through vineyards overlooking forests. The Montagne de Reims, where many of the Pinot Noir grapes are grown, is also home to an extensive national park. This evening we'll be back in Reims where we'll visit a famous champagne producer and enjoy a tasting.

DAY 3: Reims to Châlons-en-Champagne

Highlights: Dom Perignon's stomping grounds, Châlons-en-Champagne

This morning we'll bicycle to the legendary birthplace of champagne. Dom Perignon was a Benedictine monk here in the 17th Century and made important advancements in wine making. Did he invent sparkling wine? Well that depends on who you ask. Our scenic route crosses through Hautvillers where he lived and worked, then joins up with the Canal latéral à la Marne into lovely Châlons en Champagne. This charming town will surprise you with its medieval and Gothic churches and half-timber houses from centuries past.

  • Distance: 77km (48mi)
  • Gain: 660m (2165ft)
  • Terrain: Hilly
  • Day Level: difficulty level 3.5
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Lodging:

DAY 4: Shuttle to Semur-en-Auxois ride to Saulieu

Highlights: Burgundy, Guided visit of Semur-en-Auxois

Today we enter Burgundy. But before we get to the famous wine regions, we’ll pedal through the western countryside, known for its down-to-earth people and natural beauty. After breakfast, we’ll shuttle to Semur-en-Auxois. Semur is a charming town overlooking the Armonçon river. Explore the town and lunch before starting our ride through forests and tiny villages to Saulieu.

DAY 5: Saulieu Loop

Highlights: Parc Naturel Regionál du Morvan

We’ll be in Saulieu again tonight, so treat yourself to a rest day at the spa across the street and/or ride into the lake region of the Morvan Natural Park. Today’s loop follows tiny roads through pastures, Christmas tree farms, and authentic villages to the center of the Morvan Natural Park. The visitors center offers a scenic walk around the lake, gardens, and insight into the French Resistance, which was strong in this area.

DAY 6: Saulieu to Sainte Sabine

Highlights: Chateâuneuf and its castle

We leave the Morvan Park today for a day filled with castles. Commarin Castle’s roots go back to the 13th Century and the castle’s architecture reflects the stylistic changes over the centuries. The town of Chateâuneuf is one of the loveliest you’ll ever visit, and its imposing medieval castle is worth a visit. This evening we’ll spend the night in the third castle of the day in the tiny village of Sainte Sabine. Take a splash in the pool and enjoy the surrounding park before a special dinner prepared by an award-winning chef.

  • Distance: 58km (36mi)
  • Gain: 653m (2142ft)
  • Terrain: Hilly
  • Day Level: difficulty level 3.0
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Lodging:

DAY 7: Sainte Sabine to Dijon

Highlights: Burgundy Canal, Dijon

We pedal along the famous Canal de Bourgogne (Burgundy Canal) this morning to Dijon, another capital of an equally famous and delicious wine; Burgundy. Made with similar grapes as champagne, for many, Burgundy is the epitome of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay country. Dijon was also home to the Dukes of Burgundy. Burgundy was a powerful country in its own right until it was annexed by France in 1477. Take your time getting here, or plan to arrive in time for lunch at one of Dijon’s wide array of cafés and restaurants. Start exploring Dijon this afternoon and we’ll enjoy dinner together this evening.

  • Distance: 50km (31mi)
  • Gain: 207m (679ft)
  • Terrain: Mostly flat
  • Day Level: difficulty level 1.0
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Lodging:

DAY 8: Optional Rest Day in Dijon

Highlights: Dijon

Take it easy today and discover all the monuments, museums, and great shopping Dijon has to offer. Visit any number of wine shops and climb to the top of the Ducal Palace’s Tower. Feel like cycling today? Choose between a short loop around Lake Kir, just outside of town, or a longer loop into the neighboring hills. For dinner this evening we’ll suggest restaurants from amazing French cuisine or lighter international fare.

  • Distance: 53km (33mi)
  • Gain: 586m (1922ft)
  • Terrain: Hilly
  • Day Level: difficulty level 3.0
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Lodging:

DAY 9: Dijon to Beaune

Highlights: Legendary wine villages, "Hotel" Dieu visit

Today we'll bicycle through some of the most famous vineyards and wine villages on the planet: Gevrey Chambertin, Clos de Vougeot, Nuits San Georges, Romanée Conti...vineyard country is synonymous with excellent cycling so it's going to be a great day! We'll have a guided visit of the 15th century "Hotel" Dieu museum, originally built as a hospital for the poor, it is one of the finest examples of Burgundian architecture in Beaune.

  • Distance: 50km (31mi)
  • Gain: 452m (1483ft)
  • Terrain: Hilly
  • Day Level: difficulty level 2.5
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Lodging:

DAY 10: Beaune Vineyard Loop

Highlights: Immaculate vineyards, Château de la Rochepot

Today tiny country roads featuring immaculate vineyards take you out of Beaune and south through Pommard, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, and the Hautes Côtes de Beaune. Stop at the historic Château de la Rochepot for a visit. This evening we'll celebrate this wonderful cycling vacation with an informal wine tasting and exceptional dining experience in Beaune.

  • Distance: 60km (38mi)
  • Gain: 700m (2296ft)
  • Terrain: Rolling hills
  • Day Level: difficulty level 2.0
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Lodging:

DAY 11: Bon Voyage

Highlights: Beaune

Your tour ends after breakfast this morning. Stick around in Beaune for some wine tasting, or head to Paris or Lyon.

  • Meals: Breakfast
Travel Information

Travel Information

Day 1: Arrival Information

Welcome to Reims

Meeting time 2 p.m. - on Day 1, meet your fellow cyclists and Tour Leaders at the Day 1 Hotel specified on the itinerary.

Note:

As you are planning, remember that the hotels listed in our itineraries are our primary hotels and are - in rare cases - subject to change. Before you make arrangements, check with us if your tour departure is guaranteed. If your tour departure is out further than 6 months, please also check with us as there might be slight changes to the itinerary.

The below information will help you plan your arrival. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio. The fare and timing information listed below is approximate.

We suggest flying into the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).

  1. Airport Shuttle to the Aéroport CDG 2 TGV Train Station (located beneath the airport) (10 min/no cost)
  2. Train from Paris Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport to Reims (1 hour/fares vary)
  3. Taxi or walk to the Day 1 Hotel (5 min/EUR 10)

Look up French train schedules and book tickets, if necessary, SNCF.com or Trainline.eu. Questions? See our information on taking trains in Europe here or ask us.

Day 11: Departure Information

Bon Voyage

Your trip ends on the final day after breakfast.

The below information will help you plan your departure. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio

We suggest flying out of Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). Lyon (LYS) is also an option, about 2.5 hours away.

  1. Taxi from the ending hotel to the Beaune train station (5 min/EUR 10-15)
  2. Train from Beaune to Paris Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport (3.5 hours/fares vary)

Pre-Trip Planning Checklist

To do right after you booked!

6 to 3 Months Prior to Tour Start Date

  • Refer to your Tour Packet/Itinerary to see step-by-step arrival and departure information for your tour, meeting place and time, if a reservation on a complimentary ExperiencePlus! Shuttle (if applicable) is required, and other important information to help you plan your arrival and departure.
  • Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed.
  • Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights.
  • Begin your chosen training program.
  • Final payment is due 90 days (120 days for Bike &Barge/Boat tours) prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail we send 10 days prior to the due date for detailed instructions.

6 to 2 Weeks Prior to Tour Start Date

  • Start reading one of the books or watching one of the movies from our Reading and Movie Lists: https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/
  • Plan what you are going to pack and start packing! Refer to the Packing Lists on our website at https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/packing/.
  • We'll email you your access code to Digital Daysheets, Hotel Itinerary, Participant Roster, names and contact information of your Tour Leaders, emergency phone numbers, and other important departure information about 2 weeks prior to your tour start date. All this will be provided to you via a feature called Experiences via the RideWithGPS App (tracks available but not necessary for navigation on Classic, Expedition and Bike & Boat tours).

Day of Your Flight

Get as much sleep on the plane as you can. Pack your one day of cycling gear in your carry-on. See you soon!

What to Expect on Tour

Classic Tour Style

Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic page.

Map

Map

Reviews

Reviews

  • It is a challenging and educational ride through two wine producing regions. Favorite things: It might be the visit to the Domaine de la Monette vineyard, though the rides themselves and staying in the chateau in St. Sabine were very special too.

    Peter P., Rockville MD - May 2019
  • I loved it all - the beauty of the country, the riding, THE ARROWS, the guides, the wine and champagne, the food, the town tours, the bikes and the other participants. I love France and wanted to see more of the country plus I''m not fond of long hill climbs so I thought the riding might be more to my taste which it was. 30. Final comments: Another great tour! Cheers to you.

    Betsy I., Boulder, CO - May 2018
  • Beautiful country with all the small villages, personal contact with some locals, gorgeous cathedrals, good biking roads and great guides.

    Carolyn B., Longmont, CO - May 2018
  • It was marvelous. Thank you for doing this. Your trips are a complete pleasure.

    Susan W., Boulder, CO - May 2018
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