Cycling the Grand Crus of Burgundy

Experience 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.
Profile
— 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)
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)
Trip For You
Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)Average daily distance: 31km (19 miles). No. of days cycling: 3Terrain 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. FamiliesSelf-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 Description
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.
Eating Drinking
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.
Transportation
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.
Joining Instructions
Flight InclusiveAir-rail prices include our standard flights, onward rail and station transfersBritish 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 OnlyStandard transfersTransfers can be arranged at a supplement from Beaune station at 16:58 and back to Beaune train station at 08:15. Alternative transfersIf 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.
Weather Information
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
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.

Highlights