The secrets of Burgundy by bike in 7 days

Free time of arrival in Chalon, check-in at your accommodation during reception hours. Discover the historical center in the heart of which stands the amazing Saint-Vincent cathedral. Then stroll along the banks of the Saône to enjoy the view of the bridge and the Saint-Laurent island. Châlon is also the birthplace of photography, whose fascinating history will be told to you at the Nicéphore Niepce museum.

You will leave Chalon by the banks of the Saône and then take small country roads through the villages. Take time to visit Tournus, its medieval streets, its Saint-Philibert abbey, masterpiece of the first Romanesque art, and its Hôtel Dieu-Musée Greuze.

You continue along the Saône by taking the bicycle path built on the old towpaths. Enjoy the quietness and the bucolic landscapes of the banks of the Saône. In Mâcon, admire the Saint-Laurent bridge from the quays. The city has a varied heritage, including the Saint-Pierre church, the Maison de Bois and the Musée des Ursulines, which presents the local history as well as an art collection.

You leave Mâcon and quickly find the bicycle path in the middle of the vineyards of Mâconnais. A detour is possible to the birth house of Lamartine, omnipresent in the local memory. Stop in Berzé-la-Ville to marvel at the medieval frescoes of the Chapelle des Moines, before entering the Bois Clair tunnel at the foot of the majestic fortress of Berzé-le-Châtel, the longest tunnel in Europe reserved for cyclists. The greenway continues to Cluny. Don't miss the visit of the abbey's remains to plunge back into the splendors of the most powerful monastic order of the medieval West.

You continue gently on the greenway. The itinerary takes you past the castle of Cormatin, a must-see for its 17th century mural paintings, unique in France, then continues through varied landscapes, alternating between forests, fields and vineyards. Stop in the villages of Buxy, Givry or Dracy-le-Fort and don't miss the opportunity to taste Burgundy wines.

Ride quietly on the towpath of the Canal du Centre until Santenay. A small detour to visit the castle of Rully is also possible (+6kms). Then you will definitely pass by the vineyard side by taking the spectacular way of the vineyards of the Côte de Beaune which winds on the slopes of mythical appellation such as Chassagne-Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault and Pommard until Beaune. A real pleasure!