Experience France’s legendary landscapes as you cycle a route steeped in history, and wine! Bicycle along quite roads and bike paths through Champagne and Burgundy wine regions and the Morvan Natural Park. This bicycling tour will delight your senses and your taste buds! while taking you to some of the most iconic cities of France.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Welcome to 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 through the vineyards. Dinner together tonight, with champagne of course! Meals included: Dinner

Day 2 – Loop ride from Reims (41 miles, 2,000 feet gain) 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. Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3 – Reims to Châlons en Champagne (48 miles, 2,100 feet gain) 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 a’ 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. Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4 – Shuttle to Semur en Auxois – Saulieu (24 miles, 2,200 feet gain) 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 Armoncon river. Our local guide will bring Semur’s history to life as we wind through some of the town’s most interesting sites. We’re back on our bikes right after lunch pedaling through forests and tiny villages to Saulieu. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5 – Saulieu Loop (33 miles, 2,500 feet gain) 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. Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6 – Saulieu to Ste Sabine (36 miles, 2,100 feet gain) 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 Chateauneuf 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. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7 – Sainte Sabine to Dijon (33 miles, 1,000 feet gain) 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. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8 – Tour ends in Dijon There is more of Dijon to explore or Paris is under two hours away. Whatever you decide, enjoy and thanks for joining us. Meals included: Breakfast

Lodging

Holiday Inn Reims – City Centre – 2 nights
Hôtel Pasteur– 1 night
Hostellerie de la Tour d’Auxios– 2 nights
Chateau Ste. Sabine– 1 night
Philippe Le Bon – 1 night

PUBLIC DATES AND AVAILABILITY