The Burgundy Canal

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A trip along the Canal de Bourgogne, where you will admire wonderful landscapes  and discover small Burgundy villages. From Dijon to Tonnerre, you will pass through lands that have been famous for centuries: the Ouche Valley, the abbey of La Buissière, Châteauneuf, Voûte de Pouilly, the Collègiale St Thibault , Alésia, Fontenay l’Abbaye, Ancy-le-Franc… these are just a few of the highlights!

Key features

  • Canal tour
  • Encounter with French history and medieval villages
  • Peaceful and stunning landscapes

Discover in video

Starting from

645€

/ pers. (based on 2 pers.)

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Duration:
6 days
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Start:
Dijon
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Type:
Self-Guided
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Difficulty:
 
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Tastings:
Up to 1

Your itinerary

  • 1

    Arrival in Dijon

    After checking-in at your hotel, enjoy a walk through downtown Dijon. Welcome meeting and delivery of your bikes at the end of the day. Overnight at the hotel.

  • 2

    Dijon - Chateauneuf-en-Auxois

    Distance : ~52km

    Leaving the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy you will pass close to Lake Kir, then follow the Canal de Bourgogne. You will begin your journey through the wildest parts of the canal, then on to the Château of Barbirey and  the Abbaye de la Buissière. The final stage of the day is the climb up to Châteauneuf. Enjoy a magical night overlooking the Ouche Valley.

  • 3

    Chateauneuf-en-Auxois - Semur-en-Auxois

    Distance : ~44km

    Begin your day with a nice downhill ride to join the canal you left the day before. The view over the valley is stunning. Continue through the Burgundy countryside in the heart of the Auxois region. Here you will discover its many treasures: the Vôutes de Pouilly (where the canal runs underground), the Château d’Eguilly, the collegiate church of St Thibault. Your day will end in the medieval city of Semur-en-Auxois.

  • 4

    Semur-en-Auxois - Buffon

    Distance : ~35km

    Another stage full of discoveries! Several visits are possible close to the canal: Bussy-Rabutin, Semur-en-Auxois, Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, Alésia. You will keep biking alongside the canal. At the end of the day, if you have time, you will be able to visit the Abbaye de Fontenay, a quiet place to end the day. Overnight in Buffon.

  • 5

    Buffon - Tonnerre

    Distance : ~42km

    Keep riding along the towpath next to the Canal de Bourgogne until you reach your next destination. You will arrive in the pretty Vallée de l’Abbaye de Quincy and the Vallée d’Armançon unless you decide to go and explore the magnificent Château de Tanlay. When you arrive in Tonnerre, there will be time to visit the town and the famous Fosse Dionne converted into a magnificent washhouse. Overnight stay in Tonnerre.

  • 6

    Departure

    Departure after breakfast.

    Possible return to Dijon by train (supplement 22€/ person)

Itinerary

Carte schématique du séjour Canal de Bourgogne
Un crayon et une règle

A « homemade » experience

We offer itineraries selected by our ACTIVE TOURS team, focusing on their tourist attractions and cyclist-friendly environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the roads.

Accommodations are carefully chosen for their quality of hospitality, warm atmosphere, services, and authentic local cuisine.

The flexibility of our organization adapts to your needs and desires: you can depart on the date that suits you and select additional overnight stays where you want to extend your explorations! It’s simple! You only add to your basket the additional services you need, without paying for those you deem unnecessary.

Un logo de téléphone avec une flèche de navigation

GPS Navigation

We provide you with a roadbook containing all the essential addresses, restaurant recommendations, tourist information, detailed maps, and a complete description of the route.

Furthermore, a free application available on your smartphone is provided for you to follow the itinerary without the risk of getting lost (bike smartphone holder provided).

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On-site assistance

All our trips include a personalized welcome on the first day of your journey. We provide you with travel documents and bikes, if you rent them with us. We offer a 24/7 telephone assistance service to meet all your needs. Luggage transfer is available as an option to perfectly adapt to your choices, whether you opt for complete autonomy or prefer to travel light with our luggage transfer service.

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Vineyard Discovery

Based in Burgundy, immersed from a young age in the intoxicating aromas of fermentations; we invite you to come and discover ancestral cellars to experience the local essence and grasp the uniqueness of each vineyard. All our itineraries offer optional local wine tourism experiences that will leave you enriched with unforgettable memories. As a bonus, perhaps a few bottles to enjoy at home, allowing you to relive the moments of your vacation.

OPTIONAL :

Add the following options for peace of mind:

  • Classic bike rental: 110€ / bike
  • Electric bike rental: 238/ bike
  • Luggage transfer: 308€ (up to 4 people)
  • Half-board: 300€ / person
Example of accomodation in affordable category

The Affordable category includes hotels and B&Bs with a standard level of comfort. You will enjoy a pleasant room that guarantees the best value for money.

Example of accomodation in comfort category

The Comfort category includes hotels that offer 3-star comfort. Warm and inviting, these rooms will make your stay a moment of peace and relaxation.

Classic bike

Un Vélo Tout Chemin bleu de marque Scott

Bike features:

  • Aluminum frame for men and women
  • Shimano 24-speed derailleurs
  • Hydraulic disks brakes

Supplied equipment with the bike:

  • 1 bottle holder
  • 1 back pannier
  • 1 handlebar pannier
  • 1 repair kit
  • 1 pump
  • 1 lock (for 2 bikes)
  • 1 helmet

Optional equipments:

  • Pair of SPD/Look KEO pedals
  • A second back pannier

E-bike

Image de vélo électrique

Bike features:

  • Aluminum frame
  • Bosch Active Plus 250 W engine, 400W battery
  • 9-speed brakes
  • Hydraulic disks brakes

Supplied equipment with the bike:

  • 1 20L back pannier
  • 1 handlebar pannier
  • 1 repair kit
  • 1 pump
  • 1 lock (for 2 bikes)
  • 1 helmet
  • Bosch charger

Optional equipments:

  • Pair of SPD/Look KEO pedals
  • A second back pannier

THE VINEYARD

Your journey along the canal will take you from the vineyards of Dijon to those of the Chablis.

To the south, Dijon’s vineyards spread out across 500 hectares. Its steep vineyards offer breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding are. The vineyards are fragmented, with plots often owned by many small producers. The area’s temperate climate is ideal for vine growing..

To the north, nestled between hills and forests, lie the Chablis vineyards extending over 20 villages. Famous for its fresh, mineral chardonnays, its north-west facing vineyards benefit from the cool and sunny climate. A wide variety of styles are produced, from sharp, fruity wines to grand crus wines perfect for ageing.

OPTIONAL

One tasting available:
– Arrive in Dijon before 5pm on the first day and discover the largest wine tasting cellar by the glass in the world: 20€ / person

Tuesday to Sunday only.

Practical information

Welcome meeting: At the hotel in Dijon

Bike delivery: At the hotel in Dijon

How to get here? Only 1h30 from Paris, Dijon is easily accessible by train, bus or car. Dijon railway station is only 10 minutes walk from the city center..

Suggested equipment: Bring appropriate clothing for protection from the cold, rain and sun (waterproof windbreaker, scarf, sleeves, gloves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, high-visibility jacket, water bottle, …)

 

This price includes

  • 5 nights in hotels or guest houses
  • 5 breakfasts
  • Tourist taxes
  • Detailed itinerary, maps and tourist information
  • GPS app + Road Book
  • Our round-the-clock helpline in the event of a problem

This price does not include

  • Transfer of luggage from hotel to hotel
  • Bike rental
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Suggested activities

Are you interested in this trip?

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