Biking in Burgundy France

Why choose Burgundy for your biking tours ?

A world of international renowned fine wines, gentle routes, stunning sceneries upon La Roche Solutré, the cliffs of Saint-Romain, the vineyards of Nuits-Saint-Georges, Chassagne, Puligny-Montrachet, Volnay, Monthélie, Meursault, Santenay, a balanced mix of tradition, the old, and the modern… If you want to disconnect from everything and reconnect with simple, tranquil living, come bike in Burgundy.

Biking holidays are well known for their health benefits ; it’s a holistic experience boosting both physical and mental well-being. They allow you to explore a region at a relaxed pace while fully immersing yourself in the surrounding atmosphere. If you’re looking for a fun resting destination, you should definitely choose Burgundy for its local winegrowers villages, its beautiful vineyards, its exquisite gastronomy and wines, and lovely warm people. Whether you’re a hobby-ish passionate cyclist or a casual rider just getting started, Burgundy bike routes are spectacular, well-maintained, and diverse, giving you multiple choices where to ride. Most biking paths are indeed well-paved and secured, making them perfect for road bikes, electric bikes and hybrid bikes.

While much of Burgundy offers easy biking through vineyards and along canals, certain routes like those around Hautes-Côtes de Nuits and Chassagne-Montrachet have mild elevation gains, adding variety without being too challenging. Traffic is light, especially in wine villages like Volnay, Puligny-Montrachet, and Meursault, making for a relaxed and safe riding experience. Moreover, popular biking routes and paths are well-marked, with clear signage pointing to key villages, towns, vineyards, and landmarks such as wineries, wine estates, to taste mind-blowing burgundy wine, viewpoints and cultural gems and unmissable places such as architectural wonders such as UNESCO sites, Hospices de Beaune, Château de Santenay, Fontenay Abbey, Abbey church and hill in Vézelay, and of course natural sites, the Climats of Burgundy’s vineyards, Mont Beuvray…

Top routes for your Burgundy biking tours 

Whether you want to explore Côte de Beaune, Côte de Nuits, Côte Chalonnaise, Mâconnais or Chablis, there is a biking itinerary to suit everyone’s preferences in Burgundy, especially if you are looking to combine bike tours and wine tours ! Keep on reading below to get some bike and wine tours and itineraries recommendations:

• Voie des Vignes: this scenic route, starting from Beaune, is the ideal introduction to Burgundy’s vineyards. It winds through vineyard views in Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits. Along the way, you will explore villages and charming little towns: make sure to stop by local wine estates such as Domaine des Comtes Lafon in Meursault or Domaine de la Pousse d’Or in Volnay to taste some of the best Burgundy wine.
• Route des Grands Crus: it is one of the most famous biking routes in Burgundy and stretches from Beaune through Côte de Beaune to Côte de Nuits, where riders can discover prestigious wine villages like Pommard, Volnay, Gevrey-Chambertin, and Nuits-Saint-Georges. The route offers plenty of opportunities to taste world-renowned wines, with stops at notable wineries such as Domaine Faiveley in Nuits-Saint-Georges, Domaine Armand Rousseau in Gevrey-Chambertin near Vosne-Romanée. It’s a must for any wine lover, offering a deep dive into Burgundy’s Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards. One of the highlights of this route is the Parcours Art In Situ. The collaboration between artists and wine estates provides an inspiring opportunity for cyclists to engage with the landscape and with the world of wine in a more profound, creative way.
• Canal de Bourgogne: for a more tranquil biking experience, the Canal de Bourgogne is idyllic. This peaceful route meanders through picturesque countryside, offering cyclists a chance to enjoy the hidden beauty of Burgundy while riding along the water. If you want to mark a pause from the beautiful vineyards and discover something else,off the beaten track, the Canal de Bourgogne is the place you should go! It stretches through historical villages like Montbard, Venarey-les-Laumes, and Pouilly-en-Auxois: it is ideal for those looking to combine biking with some in depth exploration of the region’s history and natural sites. It’s also a fantastic ride for families or leisurely group rides as it offers mostly flat terrain.
• Côte Chalonnaise: known for its charming villages and more “wild side” of Burgundy’s wine region, this destination is perfect for those seeking a relaxed biking experience with the chance to explore some lesser-known but equally delightful wines. Mercurey, Rully and Givry are the star appellations here, and you can visit wineries such as Château de Chamirey, Domaine François Raquillet in Mercurey or Château de Rully.
• Chablis: a region known for its crisp, mineral Chardonnay wines. Visit wineries such as Domaine William Fèvre and Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard. Chablis is a haven for bikers and wine lovers looking to explore the nuances of the region’s white wines.
• Mâconnais: this one is also a gem for those loving the beauty of the French countryside and the perfect mineral nuances of Chardonnay. As you ride through the vineyards, be sure to stop at wine estates in Pouilly-Fuissé or Saint-Véran to taste the best white wines from this area. The stunning villages of Solutré and Vergisson offer breathtaking views and a chance to enjoy the peaceful countryside.

Highlights of a Burgundy bike tour

The Burgundy region offers a perfect blend of biking, lovely landscapes and villages, hiking tours, fine wines, picturesque landscapes, and historical landmarks. Here are some highlights you won’t want to miss out on your Burgundy bike tour:

Wine Tastings in Beaune and its Surroundings

Beaune, known as the wine capital of Burgundy, is an essential stop for wine lovers. As you cycle through the Côte de Beaune, you’ll have the chance to visit renowned wine estates and wineries that produce some of the finest Pinot Noirand Chardonnay in the world. Start your day in Beaune by visiting the Hospices de Beaune, a historic site that doubles as a winery and museum. Then, continue to Domaine Bouchard Aîné & Fils or Maison Joseph Drouhin, Louis Jadot, Maison Champy… to sample their prestigious wines. If you still have time in the day for your biking trip, trip further to the surrounding renowned villages of Pommard, Volnay, and Meursault, each with its own unique wine heritage. Be sure to stop at local cellars and chat with the winemakers and if it is not during harvest season! Enjoy tasting sessions, wine discovery and guided tours to fully appreciate the savoir-faire of Burgundy.

Exploring Dijon, the Little Paris

Dijon, often referred to as the “Little Paris” for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, is another must-see on your Burgundy bike tour. Start by biking through its Old Town, where you can admire the well-preserved medieval and Renaissance buildings. The Palais des Ducs and Place de la Libération are among the highlights, offering a glimpse of Dijon’s regal past. Don’t miss the Rue de la Liberté, lined with beautiful boutiques, cafés, and mustard shops. Dijon is not just about history and culture; it also offers a gastronomic scene that pairs beautifully with the wines of the region. Stop for a taste of Dijon mustard, local cheeses, and regional delicacies in one of the city’s charming bistros. Whether you’re cycling through the Parc de la Colombière or along the Canal de Bourgogne, Dijon provides the perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and biking pleasure.

Biking Through Vineyards and Villages

One of the greatest pleasures of biking in Burgundy is the chance to pedal through the vineyards and charming villages that dot the landscape. As you ride through the famous Route des Grands Crus, you’ll pass world-class vineyards in the Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, and Côte Chalonnaise regions. The gentle slopes and well-maintained roads make for a scenic and enjoyable ride, with plenty of stops for wine tasting along the way. Bike through Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-Saint-Georges, and Chassagne-Montrachet, each village offering a unique atmosphere and a chance to discover the local wines and gastronomy. As you explore these villages, you’ll experience not just the region’s famous wines but also its rich traditions, local culture, and  hospitality.

Now that you know how to make the most of a Burgundy bike tour, contact us to customize your experience and only have to enjoy it, without the burden of the organization !