What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local bike guide with extensive knowledge of the area Six days of biking Seven nights of 3-star & 4-star accommodations in double/twin rooms* Luggage transfers Breakfasts, dinners, and packed lunches as indicated in the itinerary A visit to the Hospice de Beaune Tourist taxes What’s not included: Transportation to and from Mâcon Drinks Bike and biking gear (can be rented) Entrance fees to tourist attractions Trip insurance *Your guides can help you organize an additional night in your hotel in Mâcon after the tour. If you would like that, feel free to let them know before the trip.

How fit do I need to be?

This tour is made up of easy to moderate cycling day trips, mostly following walking/cycling paths on an old railway from Chalon-sur Saône to Mâcon or following the rolling hills of the Côte Chalonnaise. On the ‘Voie Bleue’ stages, you will often be on a shared-use lane on quiet small roads. If you can manage cycling daily distances of 28 – 52 km / 17.4 – 32.3 miles with easy to moderate elevation changes, you should be good to go.

What are the accommodations like?

During this tour, you will be staying in double bedrooms in B&Bs, 3-star hotels (4 nights), and 4-star hotels (or equivalent) (3 nights), or in guesthouses with the same level of comfort. Single rooms are subject to availability and require a supplement fee. Note : in Europe, more and more hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses are refusing to participate in the star rating system. Even establishments that were classified a year or two ago are now choosing to not take part. This doesn’t mean that they are of lesser quality – far from it, in fact. If we indicate that an accommodation is “3-star or equivalent”, the establishment may have chosen not to receive an official classification, but we believe the level of comfort provided is equal to that of a traditional 3-star establishment.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Clothing: Cycling Shoes – sport shoes that are comfortable for cycling Socks – Sport-specific padded socks, one pair for every day of the trip. No cotton Sun hat – wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo Cycling gloves – padded gloves meant specifically for cycling Cycling shirts – non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long-sleeve shirts (Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection) Cycling pants & shorts – nylon pants and shorts, zip-offs or leggings Windbreaker – a lightweight wind-resistant jacket or pullover Warm top – mid-weight wicking sweater or pullover such as merino wool, fleece, or polypropylene Insulating jacket – down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, lightweight fleece jacket (Note: This item may not be needed in summer months) Rain gear – waterproof jacket and pants or high-quality poncho, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. For the pants, look for side zippers that will easily allow them to be pulled over footwear Casual clothing & footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes to wear in the evening after activities Cycling gear: Saddlebag Personal luggage – small duffel bag, suitcase, or backpack for extra items and casual clothes Cycling helmet – comfortable fitting, with rain cover Hydration system – 2+ L capacity, water bottles or bladder/hose system Extra water bottle Headlamp – preferably with an LED bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries Picnic/lunch kit – knife, plate/bowl, a box with closeable lid, utensils, etc. Phone & charger – a local SIM card or international plan may be needed Small power bank – optional, but recommended Map or phone holder for handlebars Waterproof travel case or pouch – used to keep important documents & phones safe from weather/water Sunglasses, sunscreen, & lip balm First aid kit Personal toilet paper kit Toiletries Contact lenses & glasses – bring a back-up pair Prescription medication – with an emergency backup supply Money – some local currency, often smaller local businesses do not accept credit cards and/or prefer cash. Some public restrooms require small amounts of cash to use. Optional items: Backpack – a small sized comfortable pack with a waterproof cover Travel power adapter – Voltage in France is 230 V / 50 Hz, E-type plugs Support braces – joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries Sleep mask & ear plugs Bug repellent Quick drying towel or bandana(s) If you choose to rent a bike from your guides, the cycling helmet, saddlebag, and a handlebar phone holder will come included with the bike. Your guides emphasize that you should not bring cotton hiking or cycling clothes. Synthetic clothing is very efficient in drying quickly. Merino wool material clothing is also efficient in drying quickly, is comfortable to wear, and has the advantage of not developing a bad odor after use. Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 12:1. It takes a minimum of 6 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants. Cycling in Burgundy can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 but older than 14 may be permitted to join the trip on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. Minors under 14 years of age cannot participate in this tour. If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Mâcon, the starting point of this Burgundy bike tour, most people fly into Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport in Lyon 45 minutes away, or Geneva Airport 3,5 hours away. You can take a train, bus, or ride-sharing service from any of these two locations to Mâcon. You will meet your guides in Mâcon at the check-in of your hotel around 3pm. More details on the hotel will be provided by your guide.

Safety measures in Burgundy, France

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

A winding panoramic road in Burgundy, France

Visitors toasting and enjoying local food in Burgundy

Woman looking over a bridge in Chalon sur Saone, France

Vineyards and a village in Burgundy, France

A view of the Cluny abbey in Burgundy, France

A view of the Route des Grands Crus in Burgundy

A woman overlooking some vineyards in Burgundy, France

BURGUNDY | FRANCE

Burgundy by Bike: Tour of the Voies Vertes Greenways

Season

June through October

Duration

8 days, 6 days of cycling

Accommodation

3-star and 4-star hotels

Difficulty

Guide

Grand Angle

Book a call

From $2,100 () / 8 days

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Things to know

Ready to pedal through paradise? Explore the enchanting greenways of Burgundy, France, on this 8-day bike tour for foodies and wine lovers! We will ride along the picturesque Voies Vertes, where rolling vineyards and charming villages paint a postcard-perfect scene. Along the way, we will immerse ourselves in a world of fine cuisine and wines as we explore the famous Côte Chalonnaise. From the spectacular Cistercian Abbey of Cluny to the calm, idyllic beauty of the countryside, expect an adventure for all the senses!

Adventure highlights

Ride & savor Burgundy

Immerse yourself in the French countryside on two wheels.
Visit wine paradise

See – and taste – the famous wineries of the Côte Chalonnaise.
Dive into French history

Visit historical sites, including the beautiful Cistercian Abbey of Cluny.

Download itinerary

Itinerary

Discover the magic of Burgundy on two wheels! Embark on an 8-day guided bike tour along the stunning Voies Vertes greenways. Immerse yourself in rolling vineyards, charming villages, and historic chateaus. Taste local cuisine, world-class wine, explore historic sites, and unwind in the pastoral heart of France. Perfect for foodies, wine lovers, and cycling enthusiasts!

You will arrive in Mâcon and check into the hotel after 3pm. Mâcon is a former frontier between the French Realm and the Holy German Empire (from AD 843 to 1600), and we recommend spending the day exploring this beautiful old town.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Mâcon
Today, we will leave Mâcon via the ‘Voie Bleue’ path.

Today’s ride follows the Saône River to Fleurville and the historic castles of Marigny and Marfontaine. We will wind along paths and small roads to the beautiful Romanesque Abbey of Tournus and a splendid old town with unique streets and traboules (hidden passages that cross buildings and connect streets).

Make sure to stop by the abbey of St Philibert. Constructed in the 11th century, it is a Romanesque architectural masterpiece!

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, restaurant dinner
Cycling: 40 km / 24.9 mi
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Tournus
On Day 3, we will cycle along the Saône river before moving away from the calm flowing waters to pass through Gigny. Once out of this town, we will ride through the flood plain between the Saône and Grosne.

Further along the ride, we will come by St Loup de Varennes, where Joseph Nicéphore Niepce, the inventor of photography, lived. Then, it’s time to head to Rémy, where we’ll get back to the banks of the Saône until reaching Chalon-sur-Saône.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Cycling: 30 km / 18.6 mi
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Chalon-sur-Saône
We will join the Voie Bleue from the town center, heading for the banks of the Saône. Passing through the villages of Allériot and Verdun, we will finally reach Beaune. Famous for its Hospices and wine cellars, it’s an ideal final destination for cycling and wine enthusiasts!
Visit to the Hospices de Beaune included.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, restaurant dinner
Cycling: 40 km / 24.8 mi
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Beaune
On Day 5, we’ll ride from Beaune to Santenay. Burgundy’s “Voie des Vignes” officially winds between the most famous appellations, Grands Crus de Pommard and Meursault, surrounded by beautiful stone walls.

If you want to, you can visit the famous wine cellars during the day (not included in the price). From Santenay, join the voie verte to follow the Canal du Centre to Chagny and Chalon-sur-Saône.

Overnight in a 4-star hotel in Chalon-sur-Saône; half board.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Cycling: 46 km / 28.5 mi
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Chalon-sur-Saône
The cycling path (‘Voie Verte’) starts in the city and goes to the north-west towards Givry. It continues its journey toward the southwest, leading you to the enchanting, fortified town of Buxy, nestled amidst the picturesque vineyards of Cote Chalonnaise in the Burgundy region, encompassing renowned appellations like Mercurey and Givry.

As you ride across this famed vineyard landscape, your path will lead you through the historic towns of St. Boll and St. Gengoux le National, which have tons of medieval charm. Your next destination is Cormatin, where you’ll discover a magnificent 17th-century castle, an intricate maze, and a charming ancient vegetable garden! The ‘Voie Verte’ will lead you to Taizé (a monastic community), and 13 km / 8.1 mi further, to the beautiful Benedictine abbey of Cluny, founded in AD 910. By AD 1080, it was considered the most important monastic complex of Christianity.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, restaurant dinner
Cycling: 52 km / 32.3 mi
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Cluny
If you haven’t explored Cluny, take some time to do so before you leave on today’s shorter ride.

Following our visit to Cluny, we’ll transition from the spiritual realm to immerse ourselves in the poetic romanticism of author & revolutionary Alphonse de Lamartine. His formative years were spent amidst these captivating landscapes, with a harmonious blend of nature, castles, and monuments, undoubtedly left an imprint on his literary works.

Along the way, we will cross the longest cycling tunnel in Europe (over 1.6 km / 1 mi) leading to the castle of Berzé le Chatel. A climb here will reward us with a wonderful view over the Mâconnais vineyard district.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, restaurant dinner
Cycling: 28 km / 17.4 mi
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Mâcon
After breakfast and check-out, it’s time to end your Burgundy adventure!

Meals: Breakfast

Burgundy by Bike: Tour of the Voies Vertes Greenways

Adventure Brochure

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Talk with us and let one of our adventure experts help you plan your perfect adventure.

Meet your guide

5.00

Grand Angle

Grand Angle was born in 1983, when its founders Jean-Claude and Anne-Marie wanted to professionally do what they enjoy the most in life—spend time in the great outdoors. Today Grand Angle has grown into a tour operator with a great team of guides and in-office experts offering trips throughout Europe. Hiking or biking, on snow or by the sea, luxury or cultural, Grand Angle has it all!

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local bike guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - Six days of biking
  - Seven nights of 3-star & 4-star accommodations in double/twin rooms*
  - Luggage transfers
  - Breakfasts, dinners, and packed lunches as indicated in the itinerary
  - A visit to the Hospice de Beaune
  - Tourist taxes
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to and from Mâcon
  - Drinks
  - Bike and biking gear (can be rented)
  - Entrance fees to tourist attractions
  - Trip insurance
*Your guides can help you organize an additional night in your hotel in Mâcon after the tour. If you would like that, feel free to let them know before the trip.
This tour is made up of easy to moderate cycling day trips, mostly following walking/cycling paths on an old railway from Chalon-sur Saône to Mâcon or following the rolling hills of the Côte Chalonnaise. On the ‘Voie Bleue’ stages, you will often be on a shared-use lane on quiet small roads.

If you can manage cycling daily distances of 28 – 52 km / 17.4 – 32.3 miles with easy to moderate elevation changes, you should be good to go.
During this tour, you will be staying in double bedrooms in B&Bs, 3-star hotels (4 nights), and 4-star hotels (or equivalent) (3 nights), or in guesthouses with the same level of comfort. Single rooms are subject to availability and require a supplement fee.

Note: in Europe, more and more hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses are refusing to participate in the star rating system. Even establishments that were classified a year or two ago are now choosing to not take part. This doesn’t mean that they are of lesser quality – far from it, in fact. If we indicate that an accommodation is “3-star or equivalent”, the establishment may have chosen not to receive an official classification, but we believe the level of comfort provided is equal to that of a traditional 3-star establishment.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

Clothing:
- - Cycling Shoes – sport shoes that are comfortable for cycling
  - Socks – Sport-specific padded socks, one pair for every day of the trip. No cotton
  - Sun hat – wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo
  - Cycling gloves – padded gloves meant specifically for cycling
  - Cycling shirts – non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long-sleeve shirts (Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection)
  - Cycling pants & shorts – nylon pants and shorts, zip-offs or leggings
  - Windbreaker – a lightweight wind-resistant jacket or pullover
  - Warm top – mid-weight wicking sweater or pullover such as merino wool, fleece, or polypropylene
  - Insulating jacket – down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, lightweight fleece jacket (Note: This item may not be needed in summer months)
  - Rain gear – waterproof jacket and pants or high-quality poncho, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. For the pants, look for side zippers that will easily allow them to be pulled over footwear
  - Casual clothing & footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes to wear in the evening after activities
Cycling gear:
- - Saddlebag
  - Personal luggage – small duffel bag, suitcase, or backpack for extra items and casual clothes
  - Cycling helmet – comfortable fitting, with rain cover
  - Hydration system – 2+ L capacity, water bottles or bladder/hose system
  - Extra water bottle
  - Headlamp – preferably with an LED bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries
  - Picnic/lunch kit – knife, plate/bowl, a box with closeable lid, utensils, etc.
  - Phone & charger – a local SIM card or international plan may be needed
  - Small power bank – optional, but recommended
  - Map or phone holder for handlebars
  - Waterproof travel case or pouch – used to keep important documents & phones safe from weather/water
  - Sunglasses, sunscreen, & lip balm
  - First aid kit
  - Personal toilet paper kit
  - Toiletries
  - Contact lenses & glasses – bring a back-up pair
  - Prescription medication – with an emergency backup supply
  - Money – some local currency, often smaller local businesses do not accept credit cards and/or prefer cash. Some public restrooms require small amounts of cash to use.
Optional items:
- - Backpack – a small sized comfortable pack with a waterproof cover
  - Travel power adapter – Voltage in France is 230 V / 50 Hz, E-type plugs
  - Support braces – joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries
  - Sleep mask & ear plugs
  - Bug repellent
  - Quick drying towel or bandana(s)
If you choose to rent a bike from your guides, the cycling helmet, saddlebag, and a handlebar phone holder will come included with the bike.

Your guides emphasize that you should not bring cotton hiking or cycling clothes. Synthetic clothing is very efficient in drying quickly. Merino wool material clothing is also efficient in drying quickly, is comfortable to wear, and has the advantage of not developing a bad odor after use.

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 12:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 6 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.
Cycling in Burgundy can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 but older than 14 may be permitted to join the trip on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
  - Minors under 14 years of age cannot participate in this tour.
If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Mâcon, the starting point of this Burgundy bike tour, most people fly into Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport in Lyon 45 minutes away, or Geneva Airport 3,5 hours away.

You can take a train, bus, or ride-sharing service from any of these two locations to Mâcon.

You will meet your guides in Mâcon at the check-in of your hotel around 3pm. More details on the hotel will be provided by your guide.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance.

With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits

You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Flexible
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Super Flexible
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.