South Burgundy’s Voies Vertes Cycling Tour
Discover art and wine while cycling through South Burgundy.
Lifetime Deposit
Self-Guided
South Burgundy’s Voies Vertes Cycling Tour Overview
The South Burgundy's Voies Vertes Cycling Tour will allow you to explore Southern Burgundy on one of Europe's most beautiful walking and cycling paths, the 'Voies Vertes.' This self-guided bike tour winds through the scenic landscapes of Côte Chalonnaise, unveiling old railways, charming villages, and historic castles. Traverse vineyards to reach the Cistercian Abbey of Cluny and Mâcon. Follow the 'Voie Bleue' along the Saône River valley, passing through Tournus and its romanesque abbey.
Nearly three-quarters of the route unfolds on greenway paths, ensuring a tranquil ride, with the remainder on quiet shared-use roads. The tour seamlessly blends vineyards, bocages, villages, and cultural cities, offering a relaxing exploration of Burgundy's treasures. Cycling at your own pace, this tour promises a unique and unforgettable holiday, immersing you in the charm and history of southern Burgundy.
Trip highlights
Cycle past the famous vineyards of the Côte Chalonnaise in Burgundy.
Visit the beautiful and historic Cistercian Abbey of Cluny.
Travel along bicycle paths surrounded by old world charm.
Witness the natural beauty of the French countryside.
Day By Day Itinerary
Upon your arrival in Chalon-sur-Saône, you will be able check into the hotel after 3 pm. Enjoy free time in the evening to walk along narrow streets to the historic centre, where you can admire the beautiful architecture of half-timbered houses.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Chalon-sur-Saône
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Day 2 of the tour will begin on the cycle path known as 'Voie Verte,' which stretches northwest to Givry, then turns southwest, guiding you through the captivating, fortified town of Buxy amid the scenic vineyards of Cote Chalonnaise in Burgundy. This renowned wine region features prestigious appellations like Mercurey and Givry.
As you pedal through the historic towns of St. Boll and St. Gengoux le National, both of which exude medieval charm, your journey unfolds in Cormatin with a 17th-century castle, a labyrinth, and an enchanting ancient vegetable garden.
Following 'Voie Verte,' you'll reach the monastic community of Taizé and, 13 km/13 km later, the splendid Benedictine abbey of Cluny, established in 910 and once considered Christianity's most significant monastic complex by 1080.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Cluny
- Distance:
- 52km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Before embarking on today's shorter ride, make sure to set aside some time for a visit to Cluny. After, you will transition from the spiritual atmosphere of Cluny to immerse yourself in the poetic world of Alphonse de Lamartine. His influential formative years in this captivating landscape, rich in nature, castles, and monuments, undoubtedly shaped his literary works.
Continuing on your journey, you will cross Europe's longest illuminated and secured cycling tunnel (1.6 km/1.6 km), leading to the castle of Berzé le Chatel. A climb here unveils a splendid view of the Mâconnais vineyard district.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Mâcon
- Distance:
- 28km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Day 4 of the tour will see you embark from Mâcon along the ‘Voie Bleue ’ by the Saône River, passing through Fleurville with its historic Marigny and Marfontaine castles. Navigate paths and quaint roads leading to the Romanesque Abbey of Tournus and its charming old town, adorned with unique streets and traboules. Don’t miss the 11th-century St Philibert Abbey, a remarkable Romanesque architectural gem that will enrich your journey with historical and architectural wonders.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Tournus
- Distance:
- 40km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Today you will pedal beside the Saône River, diverging from its tranquil flow to traverse Gigny. After
navigating the floodplain between the Saône and Grosne, you will pass through St Loup de Varennes,
the home of photography inventor Joseph Nicéphore Niepce. After, you will reconnect with the Saône’s banks, passing by St Rémy on the route to Chalon-sur-Saône, where you will spend the night.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Chalon-sur-Saône
- Distance:
- 30km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
After enjoying one final breakfast in your hotel, you will gather your things and depart from Chalon-sur-Saône.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 5 breakfasts are included.
- Accommodations for 5 nights are included.
- This tour includes luggage transfers between your accommodations. Any other transportation is not included.
- Digital travel pack
- Access to our phone travel app during the trip
- Telephone assistance
- Tourist taxes
- Luggage Transfers
Not included
- Flights or airport transfers
- Drinks
- Entrance fees to tourist attractions
- Personal expenses
- Insurance
- Everything that is not noted as included
Optional Extras
- Upgrade to single room
- Bike rental:
-
- Hybrid bike
- E-bike
- Extra night in Chalon-sur-Saône
- Printed travel pack
- Bike insurance
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate the difficulty of this tour as a 2 / 5. Enjoy easy to moderate cycling. Mostly following walking/cycling paths on an old railway from Chalon-sur-Saône to Mâcon, following the rolling hills of the Côte Chalonnaise; on the ‘Voie Bleue’ stages, you will often be on a shared-use lane on quiet small roads. Expect to bike 28 to 52 km daily, with easy to moderate ascents in elevation throughout the rides. It is appropriate for children from age 13 and up, potentially younger if they have prior experience on similar cycling itineraries.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
5 breakfasts in hotels are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your travel insurance.
The nearest major airport to Chalon-sur-Saône is Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (IATA: LYS), which is about 145 km (129 km) away. After arriving at the Lyon airport, you can continue your journey to Chalon-sur-Saône by train, bus, or rental car.
Yes, the tour material is in English language.
The tour ends where it starts, in Chalon-sur-Saône.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Why book South Burgundy’s Voies Vertes Cycling Tour with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
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