Burgundy wine trail from Beaune to Macon

Exploring Burgundy by bike is a fantastic way to experience one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions. This self-guided 6-day bike tour from Beaune to Mâcon offers a blend of leisurely riding, stunning landscapes, and cultural highlights, all carefully curated by Bourgogne Velo Evasion. With five nights’ accommodation, detailed maps, GPS apps, and a flexible itinerary, it’s designed for travelers who want to combine active exploration with authentic regional flavors.

What I love most about this experience is how it balances independent adventure with expert guidance. The inclusion of a detailed road book, GPS apps, and the opportunity to visit revered vineyards like Montrachet and Batard Montrachet makes for a truly immersive journey. Plus, the two-night stays in Beaune, Burgundy’s wine capital, and Vougeot, famed for its grand cru vineyards, provide ideal bases to explore at your leisure.

One of the few considerations worth noting is that while the tour is very well-organized, it’s best suited for those with moderate physical fitness. The terrain varies, and some sections, like the hillier parts near Macon, might challenge less experienced cyclists. Also, as tastings are at your own expense, budget planning for wine visits is essential. But overall, the flexibility and scenic routes outweigh these minor points.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Fully self-guided: All you need are the maps, GPS, and your sense of adventure—perfect for independent travelers.
• Authentic regional experience: Visits to top vineyards and charming villages like Pommard, Puligny-Montrachet, and Givry.
• Comfortable accommodations: Stay in well-rated 3-star hotels with pools in Beaune, Chagny, and Macon.
• Flexible itinerary: Customize your days, choose which wineries to visit, and take scenic detours.
• All necessary gear provided: Bicycle, helmet, panniers, and detailed route maps make planning a breeze.
• Cultural highlights: Explore medieval Beaune, the Cluny Abbey, and the castle of Berze Le Chatel.

Exploring Burgundy on Two Wheels: A Practical Guide

When I first considered a bike tour through Burgundy, I appreciated how this experience offers a taste of the region’s diverse landscapes, history, and, of course, wine. The itinerary’s combination of scenic bike paths, picturesque villages, and renowned vineyards makes it a compelling choice for those who love the idea of active travel with plenty of opportunities to relax and indulge.

Day 1: Discover Beaune’s Medieval Charm

Your journey begins in Beaune, the region’s historic wine hub. A quick visit to its medieval town center reveals ancient ramparts, cobbled streets, and notable sights like the Hospices de Beaune. It’s a perfect introduction before cycling begins. You’ll meet your local operator at 6 pm, where they’ll help you set up your GPS apps and give tips for your trip. From the reviews, guides like Corine are praised for their warmth and helpfulness, making initial introductions smooth.

Day 2: Cycling Through Pommard, Volnay, and Montrachet

This day is the highlight for many: riding through the famous Côte de Beaune vineyards. The route passes through villages like Pommard and Volnay, known for their elegant reds, then continues into the grand cru vineyards of Montrachet and Batard Montrachet. The guided notes highlight multiple wine tasting options along the way—though tastings are at your own expense, the scenery and quality of the vintages make it worthwhile.

The route along the canal offers a flat, relaxing section before arriving at your hotel in Santenay, which features pools to unwind after the day’s ride. An enthusiastic reviewer mentioned the availability of electric bikes, like Paul’s, which greatly ease the more challenging climbs, especially for those less used to cycling hills.

Day 3: The Charm of Rully and Chalon-sur-Saône

Moving inland, you cycle through Rully, a tiny village famous for its wines. The route continues along small country roads to Chagny and the Canal du Centre, adding variety to the landscape. You’ll pass through small villages like Dracy Le Fort, which offers a glimpse into local life. The hotel in Chalon-sur-Saône provides a comfortable stay with a pool, giving you a restful night.

Day 4: Givry, Cormatin, and Cluny’s Abbey

This day combines cycling with some sightseeing. The Green Way—a historic rail trail—guides you through Givry, known for its red wines loved by French royalty. The route continues through Buxy, St Gengoux Le National, and Malay, with their Romanesque architecture adding cultural flair. A visit to Cormatin castle offers a charming lunch stop and a look into regional history.

Next, you head to Cluny, where the Abbey of Cluny and local stud farm provide fascinating stops. The hotel here again is well-rated, with pools to refresh after your ride.

Day 5: Toward Mâcon and the Romantic Castle of Berze Le Chatel

The final riding day is hillier but still relaxed. The route offers spectacular views, including the castle of Berze Le Chatel, which many reviewers find romantic and worth the detour. The ride through the Val Lamartinien with sweeping views of Solutré Rock is particularly memorable. Arriving in Mâcon, you’ll stay in another comfortable hotel, with the city’s riverfront setting making for a lovely evening.

Day 6: Departure and Reflections

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye. This tour’s flexible structure means you can choose to linger or head home, feeling like you’ve truly experienced Burgundy’s countryside at your own pace.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for active travelers who enjoy self-guided adventures and want to explore Burgundy with a sense of freedom. It’s perfect for those with moderate fitness levels, as the terrain includes some hills but overall remains accessible. If you’re a wine enthusiast, the chance to visit top vineyards and charming villages makes it even more appealing.

While it’s not suited for those looking for a fully guided experience or with very limited cycling experience, the flexible itinerary, excellent route maps, and GPS assistance make it manageable for most. The inclusion of comfortable hotels with pools adds a relaxing touch after days on the bike—great for families, couples, or friends traveling together.

Price and Value

At around $1,200 per person, this tour offers a good balance of value considering accommodations, bicycle use, detailed route planning, and the opportunity to customize your experience. The cost does not include wine tastings or meals outside breakfast, so budget planning is necessary. However, the chance to visit some of the best vineyards and charming towns at your own pace makes this a memorable, worthwhile investment.

Practical Tips for Your Burgundy Bike Tour

• Bring your own cycling gear if you’re particular about comfort, but rental bikes and helmets are included.
• Plan your wine tastings in advance if certain vineyards are must-visits; many are at your own expense.
• Charge your smartphone and familiarize yourself with the GPS apps provided—these are essential for navigating rural paths.
• Be prepared for some hills, especially near Macon, but electric bikes are available if needed.
• Book early as this is a popular experience, especially in peak seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
It’s best for travelers with moderate cycling skills and fitness levels. The tour involves several days of riding, which might be tiring for very young children or those unaccustomed to cycling long distances.

Are the accommodations included in the price?
Yes, the price covers five nights in 3-star hotels with pools, ensuring you can relax comfortably after each day’s ride.

What equipment do I need to bring?
Bicycles, helmets, and panniers are provided, but you should bring your own cycling gear, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing suited to the weather.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Absolutely. The tour offers ample free time to explore villages, visit wineries, or relax, giving you control over your daily plans.

Are food and wine tastings included?
No, these are at your own expense. The tour provides recommendations, but tastings and meals outside breakfast are not included in the base price.

What if I prefer guided visits?
This is a self-guided experience; if you want guided winery tours or city visits, you might consider adding separate guided options.

How physically demanding is this trip?
While overall manageable, expect some hills, especially near Macon. The use of electric bikes can ease the effort.

What is the cancellation policy?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Burgundy wine trail by bike offers a wonderful blend of scenic beauty, cultural richness, and personal freedom. It’s designed for those who want to see authentic villages, taste world-class wines, and enjoy the region’s landscapes without the rush of guided tours. If you’re comfortable on a bike and enjoy a bit of adventure, this trip will reward you with unforgettable views, delicious wine, and a real sense of discovery. The knowledgeable guides and well-chosen accommodations amplify its appeal, making it a smart choice for an active, authentic Burgundy experience.