Burgundy is famous for its warm hospitality and inimitable knack for enjoying life. Rich in tradition, gastronomy, history and excellent wines. Even before Julius Caesar fought his decisive battles with the Gauls, people have been lured to this beautiful land of gently rolling landscapes, sleepy villages, rivers and canals. Burgundy is the old France, a land of culture, countryside, fine food and wine. Stately historic castles, miles of straight Roman roads and magnificent Romanesque churches give constant reminders of Burgundy’s heritage. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the beauty of its traditional architecture.

Accommodation in ** and ***hotels/guest houses ( 2 x 2 ** and 4 x 3 * ** Hotels )
Breakfast buffet or extended breakfast, 4-course evening dinner meals

Day 1
Arrival in Montbard in Burgundy (travel by TGV from Paris )
Adjustement of the bikes and dinner.

Day 2 Montbard – Tonnerre 64 km
During your cycling trip along the romantic Canal de Bourgogne, you will pass by the castle Renaissance “ Ancy-le-Franc” built by the Architect Serlio in the 17th century and the castle Renaissance “ Tanlay “. Arrival in Tonnerre and dinner.

Day 3 Tonnerre – Joigny 56 km
Before you leave Tonnerre you have to visit the Hotel Dieu, former hospital from the 13th of century. Here the sick and needy could be housed and cared for. Don’t miss to visit the wash-house from Tonnerre. Back to the Canal de Bourgogne you will cycle in a landsmark which change between vineyards and fields.
Dinner and hotel in Joigny, a small town which has preserved its numerous half-timbered houses and churches.

Day 4 Joigny – Accolay 54 km
From Joigny it isn’t so far to the beautiful town Auxerre. Its historical town, stretched along the Yonne River and which has been classified in its entirety as a protected site, with its numerous half-timbered houses and its picturesque clocktower.
Then you continue your cycling tour along the Canal du Nivernais.
One more and important stop you have to do at the Caves de Bailly. Here you will taste the famous Crémant de Bourgogne before leaving to Accolay.

Day 5 Accolay – Clamecy 44 km
Along the Canal du Nivernais the cycling trip passes on the “ Log Floaters Route “ which was very important in the Middle Ages, as the Morvan Forest was producing the wood for Paris. They transported the wood by floating. Exceptional landscapes with charm.

Day 6 Clamecy – Avallon 49 km
You’re leaving the waterside.
Via small villages and on side roads you will reach today's destination Vézelay. One of Burgundy’s finest landscapes, with a stop in Vézelay and its Sainte-Madeleine Basilica, a Romanesque art masterpiece listed as UNESCO world heritage. During the Middle Ages, Vézelay was a major pilgrimage site and a special halt on the ways to Compostella.
The mediaeval town with its fortifications is dominated by its Basilica.

Day 7
You will be picked up at the hotel and brought back to your car in Montbard or to the train station.

Dates Note: Daily departures in season.
Guided trips: June 13, Aug 8, Sept 12 2009

Other Info
Meeting: Montbard hotel
Airport: Paris
Transfer: Montbard

Burgundy Canals

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