Cycling the Grand Crus of Burgundy

Cycling the Grand Crus of Burgundy Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
Destination: France
Programmes: Cycling
Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
7 Days: Flight Inclusive
7 Days: Land Only
Ages: 12+
Trip Code: C06BN

Trip Overview

Burgundy is an open invitation to discover, taste and share. The Burgundian menu includes UNESCO World Heritage sites, exceptional food and the oldest wine trail in France.

With nearly 100 appellations, Burgundy wine is distinguished by its great diversity (of both red and white) and ‘climates,’ shaped by soils and very specific geographical properties. On the Route des Grands Crus, the famous names are crisscrossed into a Burgundian patchwork: Meursault, Gevrey-Chambertin, Clos de Vougeot, Nuits St Georges, Vosne-Romanee, Pommard, Aloxe-Corton, Puligny-Montrachet…

In a region known for its epicurean finesse, you can really enjoy fine dining. There will be excellent local dishes such as Oeufs en Meurette, Poulet de Bresse a la Creme, Perche aux Noix and of course exquisite cheeses like the pungent Epoisses de Bourgogne, to pair with the region’s incredible Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. You’ll stay in excellent hotels including a handsome 19th century house in Beaune and in a charming hotel located in the heart of Vougeot vineyard.

At a Glance

6 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3 star hotels
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies)

Highlights

Discover historical Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy
Relax at your 3 star hotels, enjoy the peaceful garden or the terrace with wonderful views.
Explore the most famous Grands Crus villages with numerous wine tasting opportunities.

Is This Trip for You?

Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)
Average daily distance: 31km (19 miles).
No. of days cycling: 3
Terrain and route: Gentle cycling along quiet roads and well marked paths through charming villages.

Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. A representative will be there to meet you, make sure the bikes are all set up and will be on call throughout the trip should you need.

It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The routes notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Families
Self-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. We have suggested the minimum age for this trip is 8yrs as we feel they will be able to ride the bikes we have to offer and complete the route. However our local partner is able to offer child seats for children aged 2-4yrs (max. weight 22 kg, hills will be tricky). These are all subject to availability, and therefore we ask that you enquire about these on booking. Please note due to the size of the bikes and distanced required to cycle, this trip is not appropriate for children aged from 5-7yrs (who are too big for the child seats, but not big enough to ride the children’s bike). As a guide we have suggested that 8yrs is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all published in the trip notes along with a description of each days cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. However, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities. Please bear in mind the weather when choosing to book, temperatures can be very high in the middle of summer and the child seats provided do not have any shade. We therefore recommend going either earlier or later on in the season if you have young children.

Group

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to set up your bike and go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number. In an emergency, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Adult min age: 12

Min group size: 1

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Beaune
End City: Vougeot

Land Only Itinerary

Wander the streets of Beaune and explore the historical city centre.

A route through Cote de Beaune passing by all the most famous wine villages:

First stop is in Pommard :When one thinks of red wine, Pommard is a name that first comes to the lips, a name evocative of a village and an iconic vineyard of Burgundy where Pinot Noir reigns supreme. A pleasure for the eyes as well as the tongue, Pommard is home to an 18th century castle built in front of the vineyards, boasting magnificent French-style gardens, vaulted cellars and an astonishing art gallery with exceptional cuvees.

Then, Volnay and Meursault :The unjustly charming capital of the great white wines of Burgundy, with a vineyard mostly planted with chardonnay grapes, lying in the middle of the hills of a gentle slope.

Continue via Santenay towards Chassagne and Puligny Montrachet : located on a rocky hill of a bald mountain which is a terroir of excellence in the heart of the Cote de Beaune. In this ocean of vineyards, Chassagne and Puligny Montrachet are two villages, accomplices and rivals at the same time, share the honour of producing the world’s grandest dry white wine.

Distance covered: 18mi (29km)

Meals included: Breakfast

A day to explore Beaune: The wine Hospices, the Basilica, and the mustard factory are some of the places to enjoy.

A jewel of flamboyant Gothic architecture, this polychrome roof of The Hotel Dieu announces the splendour of what’s inside, like the la grande salle des Pauvres, the chapel and the kitchen of this medieval hospital, a treasure of Burgundy. Its reputation is also due to the nectars of the winery, which are sold at auction every November under the market.

Meals included: Breakfast

Cycle from Cote de Beaune to Cote de Nuits appellations, and through charming wine villages.

The small town that gives its name to the famous Cote de Nuits deserves a stop, and not only because it is the cradle of some of the world’s greatest red wines. Nuits-Saint-Georges also welcomes the Imaginarium, an institution meant to teach all about the vineyard world by having fun, and the Cassissium, a place dedicated to cassis, the black gold of Burgundy.

Distance covered: 16mi (25km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Follow the ‘Route des Grands Crus’ to Fixin and Gevrey Chambertin. At the end of the Lavaux valley, Gevrey-Chambertin is the village of nine Grands Crus and 26 first vintages. Known worldwide, the small town didn’t let fame change it-it’s still peacefully wrapped around its Romanesque church and medieval castle. To get a look at the town’s panorama, you have to take the high path, just behind the vineyards. It is worth a look!

Distance covered: 19mi (31km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Visit the Clos Vougeot wine estate. A majestic castle crowned with a roof of glazed tiles, standing like an islet planted in the middle of the vineyards. You can see it from a distance, and approach the awe-inspiring portal of this mythical enclosure with a little thrill. This is the den of the knights of Tastevin, a venerable brotherhood of 12,000 ambassadors of Burgundy all over the world. The old grape presses, the wine cellar and the large cellar set the scene as it was in the 12th century, under the motto: ‘Jamais en vain, toujours en vin’ (‘Never in vain, always in wine’).

Or, ride to the Abbey of Citeaux. Founded in 1098, in what was at the time a ‘desert’, Citeaux Abbey, the cradle and headquarters of the Cistercian Order, was to become, along with Cluny, a flagship of Christianity. Today, the monks make a delicious artisan cheese called Citeaux cheese. This production is performed three times a week using the milk of a herd of cattle raised on the Abbey’s farm.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart Nuits St Georges after breakfast.

Meals included: Breakfast

Ascents, descents and distances

All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.

Accommodation

Hotels

HOTEL GRILLON, BEAUNE
Set in shaded, flower-brimming grounds just 1 km from Hospices de Beaune in the city center with restaurants… this handsome late 19th-c. dwelling offers calm, charm and personality..life’s finer things in Burgundy! Every moment of your stay at Hôtel Grillon is a discovery experience of hospitality and a pleasant atmosphere just made for relaxation. Sunny breakfast, sheer relaxation at the pool, 20air conditioned rooms, each one with a décor that says ‘come along on a journey to dreamland’

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

HOTEL DE VOUGEOT, VOUGEOT
The hotel offers accommodation in a traditional building with an on-site wine cellar. All the rooms are equipped with a bathroom, TV and minibar. Some of them overlook the vineyards and the castle Clos de Vougeot. The vault of the hotel is home to regional wines. There is a breakfast buffet which serves homemade jams, gingerbread, fresh fruit and cereals. Guests can request picnic lunches.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Single supplement from £ 314

Food & Drink

All breakfasts and 3 evening meals are included.

Burgundy is in short a gold mine for those who have a passion for both fine food and fine wine.

Burgundy is first and foremost a land of excellent wines and so naturally they are omnipresent in the local cuisine. From the traditional beef bourguignon, a wine-based dish bien sûr, to dishes that are “en meurette,” meaning cooked with lardons and red wine. Such dishes include œufs au vin (eggs), coq au vin, as well as charcuterie and jambon persillé (parsleyed ham). All regional dishes are either prepared and/or enjoyed with wine made by one of the marvelous winemakers of Burgundy.

Transport

Your luggage will be transported between the hotels by taxi or minibus. The local representative is often able to dispatch a taxi should you need it in an emergency, but may wish to charge you for this service.

Weather & Seasonality

In Burgundy, the summers are comfortable and partly cloudy which makes it ideal for cycling. The winters are very cold, windy, and mostly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from -0°C to 25°C and is rarely below -7°C or above 31°C.

The hottest month is July with daily average temperatures being around 24°C

Weather Charts

Joining Instructions

Flight Inclusive
Air-rail prices include our standard flights, onward rail and station transfers
British Airways Heathrow to Paris CDG 07:20/09:35 then rail Paris Bercy to Beaune 13:33/16:58 (Mon-Fri), Paris Bercy to Beaune 13:26/16:58 (Sat) & Paris Lyon to Beaune via Lyon Part Dieu 12:59/16:58 (Sun) and transfer to the hotel 5 mins. Return: Transfer hotel to station 30 mins then rail Beaune to Paris Lyon via Dijon Ville 08:54/11:04 (Mon-Fri), Beane to Paris Bercy 09:00/12:37 (Sat) & 09:00/12:24 (Sun) then British Airways Paris CDG to Heathrow 17:40/17:55 (Tues), 18:05/18:20 (Sun, Mon & Weds) & 18:50/19:05 (Fri, Sat & Thurs).

Business/club/first class seats are available on request.

Land Only
Standard transfers
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Beaune station at 16:58 and back to Beaune train station at 08:15.

Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Beaune
Location end: Vougeot

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Water bottle
Daypack
Sun hat, sun cream and sunglasses
Warm jumper
Waterproof jacket

Please note that cycling helmets are compulsory in France for children under 12. As we are unable to provide these, we strongly recommend that you bring your own.

Self-Guided Hire Bikes

We use custom made Headwater hybrid bikes. All bikes are supplied with:

1 handlebar map holder
2 rear panniers
1 bike lock per 2 people
1 puncture repair kit per 2 people which includes puncture repair spray and a pump.

If you are booked as a group, but intend to cycle separately please let us know in advance if you wish to have additional map holders or repair kits.

Bike sizes will have been given to the local operator in advance from the heights you have given us on booking. However, when you receive your bike there will be the opportunity to test and adjust. Our representative will be on hand to assist you and can fit pedals and your saddle if you wish to bring these with you. Please note helmets are not provided and we recommend that you take your own on this trip.

E-Bikes

Electric bikes offer all the thrills and healthy exercise of a regular bike, but with one crucial difference – power! A tiny electric motor (capped at 25mph) assists your pedalling, allowing you to make molehills out of mountains. Cycle further, see more, have more fun. They are just perfect if you want to try a trip with companions of differing fitness level – or a trip at a slightly harder grade – and want to know there’s a bit of motor power available if you need it. You can upgrade to an E-bike on a number of our European trips.

Please note: we can only provide e-bikes for over 18’s between 5 and 6 feet tall. Although our e-bikes are easy to use, they are heavier than regular bikes and as such are better suited to proficient cyclists. We do not recommend these for anyone out of practice on a bike. Please contact us to discuss their suitability for any members of your party.

Bike Repairs

As you are riding unaccompanied, it is wise to know at least how to repair an inner tube before setting off on your bike! The bikes are serviced before being rented out so there should be no problems but there are emergency numbers provided in the Route Notes for more complex problems.

If you prefer the familiarity of your own bike, you may, of course, bring it along. Please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the holiday, as specified above. You will be responsible for any extra baggage charges, please speak to your sales representative for individual airline fees. Please note, this does not apply to trips within the UK, for which local bike hire is not included.

You will also be responsible for assembling and disassembling your bike as well as bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. It is also your responsibility to ensure your bike is roadworthy and suitable for the type of cycling undertaken. If in doubt, the model of local bike hire available should act as a guide and details of terrain, ascent and descent are available both in the itinerary and in the ‘Is this trip for you?’ sections. Our cycling team only carry the relevant spares for the hire fleet. Any clients bringing their own bike should ensure they have adequate cover for loss, damage or theft under their travel, home contents or a specialist insurance policy. If Exodus is confident we have taken all reasonable care to ensure the safety of your bike, in the rare event of loss, damage or theft, you will need to claim under your own insurance policy.

Extra bike accessories

You may like to bring your own pedals and saddle (excluding the seat post) or gel saddle cover to fit to the hire bikes. We encourage this, if it is your preference. However, please note that you are responsible for your own equipment, and removing your saddle/pedals at the end of the trip. We cannot guarantee the return of any bike parts left behind.

Recommended Cycling Clothing

Padded cycling shorts (with loose ‘over-shorts’ where recommended), breathable clothing, and a lightweight waterproof/windproof top. Shoes with relatively stiff soles are better for biking, but are not essential unless you are cycling long distances. Most people want to carry certain items with them during the day while cycling, for this we recommend a large bum bag (fanny pack) or small close-fitting daysack.

Local Bike Details

A quality local hire bike is included in the overall price of our cycling holidays. At the time of booking we will take your height in order to reserve equipment. There may on occasions be insufficient bikes available in the correct size; we will endeavour to find suitable alternative equipment but this cannot be guaranteed. We will tell you before you book whether suitably sized bikes are available.

Conditions

1. The equipment remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, hire out or part possession with the equipment.
2. You must not misuse the equipment and must return it in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear excepted). The supplier is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the equipment during the period of hire.
3. You must ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use. In the event of the equipment being lost or stolen, you may be liable for the replacement value of the equipment
4. You must not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and should immediately notify the Supplier in the event of breakdown or loss.

E-Bikes Available

Electric bikes offer all the thrills and healthy exercise of a regular bike, but with one crucial difference – power! A tiny electric motor (capped at 20-25mph/32-40kph) assists your pedalling, allowing you to make molehills out of mountains. Cycle further, see more, have more fun. They are perfect if you want a trip with companions of differing fitness level – or a trip at a slightly harder grade – and want to know there’s a bit of motor power available if you need it.

Practical Information

Visa

France

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter France. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/france
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/france
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/France.html

Vaccinations and Health

France

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

France's time zone: Europe/Paris (UTC +02:00)

Electricity

230 Volts AC, standard European adapter required.

Money

France's currency: Euros (EUR)

ATM Availability

ATMs are widely available, but we recommend taking some Euros cash with you in case you can’t get to a bank at the start of the trip.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

Lunches can cost from €6-12 depending on the size of lunch and the establishment you choose. Dinners can cost €20-35 for a set menu or a la carte meal. If you will be ordering wine with meals, please add extra for this.

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Important Information

Your safe participation

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

How to Book

Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.

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