Burgundy vineyards and canals

This self-guided loop explores the Côte d'Or, riding the famous Route des Grands Crus between Dijon and Chagny, through terroirs bearing legendary names such as Chambertin, Romanée-Conti and Montrachet. Riders take in UNESCO-listed vineyard landscapes and architectural landmarks including the Hospices de Beaune and the Palais des Ducs in Dijon.

Away from the vines, the route heads into the hinterland along the Canal du Centre and Canal de Bourgogne, passing the medieval market town of Nolay and the fortress village of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, perched on a rocky spur.

Each stage offers a shorter or longer route option, depending on fitness and interest. The loop can also be started from Dijon instead of Beaune. Accommodation is in 2 and 3-star hotels in the heart of Beaune and Dijon, with the surrounding nights in smaller wine-country towns.

Highlights

• Route des Grands Crus through Chambertin, Romanée-Conti and Montrachet vineyards
• Hospices de Beaune and Beaune's medieval ramparts
• Canal du Centre and Canal de Bourgogne towpaths
• Medieval market town of Nolay
• Fortress village of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois
• Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne in Dijon

Surface and terrain:
Country roads and canal towpaths, with each stage offering a shorter, flatter option or a longer, hillier one through the hinterland plateau. Notably hilly on the longer options; ascent up to roughly 2,400m across the 4 riding days.

Suitable for:
Riders wanting a wine-focused self-guided loop with flexible daily distances; the shorter route options suit less experienced riders, the longer ones suit those wanting more of a challenge.