This region resonates with famous wines and gastronomic cuisine. The bike trip followed ancient roads and vineyard paths, on tranquil terrain that was perfect. We explored castles, cellars, gardens, and cafés.

DAILY PLANNER
Sunday
Rendezvous in Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy and center of remarkable Flemish-Gothic architecture nestled inside massive 14th-century ramparts. Start with a brief walking tour through the narrow cobblestone streets of Beaune. Enjoy a welcoming crémant (Burgundy-method champagne) during your bike-fitting, safety talk, and map review. Then spin slowly into the scenic vineyards of the Côte de Beaune, cycling through Pommard, Volnay, and Meursault. Awaken all your senses at an introductory wine tasting or two. Appreciate the difference between a hearty Château de Pommard, an elegant Volnay, and a buttery Meursault. You’ll leave life’s pressures behind as you pedal along a leafy, wooded path to our exclusive villa, a restored stone hunting lodge where every detail has been attended to—from the luxurious bath, to the exposed beams, to fruit by your bedside. Unwind in your marble salle de bain before our first gourmet experience together. Peace achieved.

Accomplished: 18.4 miles of flat riding along vineyard paths.
Villages: Beaune, Pommard, Volnay, Meursault
Vineyards: red: Château de Pommard, Rugiens, Épenots, Volnay, Cailleret, Santenots; white: Meursault Perrières, Genevrières, and Les Charmes

Monday
Enjoy an outdoor breakfast overlooking a hillside strewn with wildflowers. On the peaceful vineyard roads we will pass Charlemagne’s favorite (and famous) Corton grapes, exquisite Bungundian tilework, a moated château, and fields of wheat and sunflowers. Enter the celebrated village of Nuits-St.-Georges where La Countesse de Loisy, our friend and incomparable storyteller, will spellbind you with tales of winemaking, historic ancestors, and the WWII German occupation of her gorgeous 15th-century home. After an authentic café lunch, we will cycle to the peaceful Hautes-Côtes de Nuits with its pastoral views. Or rest-up for our dinner feast at the local hidden jewel Losset. Each delectable course is outdone by the next. Ooh la la. Then relax in opulence at our spectacular Château André Ziltener or Chateau Gilly.

Accomplished: 18.6 miles of flat riding through vineyards, wheat and sunflower fields, then afternoon hills with spectacular views of the French countryside.
Villages: Savigny-les-Beaune, Aloxe-Corton, Nuits-St.-Georges, Curtil Vergy
Vineyards: red: Les Cailles, Les Saint-Georges; white: Le Corton, Corton-Charlemagne

Tuesday
Review the day’s route over fresh-squeezed fruit juice and a true homestyle breakfast. As you pass through Ruelle Vergy, stop in at the mouth-wateringly fragrant Biscuitterie where you’re welcome to sample regional treats. Then enjoy the views through rolling countryside on the way to Gevry-Chambertin. Taste the town’s powerful red wines to understand why they were Napolean’s favorites. Next—a wine lover’s fantasy—we cycle along the famous Route des Grands Crus, which is some of the world’s most expensive real estate. We’ll have earned every mouthful of our decadent lunch back in Nuits-St.-Georges. The 12th-century Clos de Vougeot with its 125-acre vineyard is a photo opp must. Chateau Ziltener or Chateau Gilly.

Accomplished: 22.75 miles with a mix of hills and flat spinning.
Villages: Curtil Vergy, Ruelle Vergy, Curley, Gevry-Chambertin, Morey-St.-Denis, Chambolle Musigny, Vougeot, Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-St.-Georges
Vineyards: red: Romanée-Conti, La Tâche, Romanée-Saint-Vivant, Richebourg, Grand-Échezeaux, La Romanée, Chambertin, Clos de Bèze, Charmes-Chambertin, Clos Saint-Jacques, Clos de la Roche, Clos Saint-Denis, Bonnes Mares, Clos de Vougeot, Musigny, Les Amoureuses

Wednesday
Even though you swore you’d never eat again after last night’s extravagant feast, your stomach is rumbling at our gourmet breakfast. You’ll love the beautiful spin out to the Abbey de Cìteaux, famous for making the delicious cheese. Say hello to our friend Frère Gerard in the gift shop. Then you’re in for an unforgettable afternoon discovering the fabrication of crémant with passionate Alain in Savigny-les-Beaune. Martine’s light and cheesy gougères are the perfect accompaniment to the six varieties of crémant. If you’re still upright, its an easy spin into Beaune where you can tour the 15th-century Hospice de Beaune or splurge at the boutiques that ring the charming square. Then we head to the famous 4 star Cep Hotel where we spend two nights surrounded by Premier Cru vineyards and the charming village of Beaune. Tonight is your choice for dinner; either join us at our local favorite or we can assist you in selecting another venue.

Accomplished: 32 miles: Mostly flat, past Charolais cows and through vineyards and fields of sunflowers.
Villages: Gilly-les-Cîteaux, Abbaye de Cîteaux, Savigny-les-Beaune, Montagne de Beaune
Vineyards: Savigny-les-Beaune

Thursday
Begin with a postcard morning of cycling through lost villages and the authentic French countryside. Watch oak barrels being made in St. Romaine. Stop for long-range photos of the town’s 13th-century castle ruins and extraordinary views on the way to picturesque Orches. Meander past Charolais cows and the stunningly restored 15th-century château at La Rochepot. Enjoy a café break and a fantastic downhill into Saint Aubin. Your mouth will water for our trademark picnic and wine tasting/buying spree at the famous Caveau in Chassagne-Montrachet. Spin back to have another drink with the locals, or extend your route to the vineyards of picturesque Santenay.

Accomplished: 34 miles with hills that are rewarded by spectacular views.
Villages: Montagne de Beaune, St. Romain, Orches, Evelle, Baubigny, La Rochepot, Saint Aubin, Chassagne Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet
Vineyards: white: La Romanée, Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, Bâtard-Montrachet

Friday
After breakfast on the terrace with a spectacular view over the vineyards, say goodbye to the Côte d’Or however you see fit. Challenge yourself with an optional morning loop ride, climbing high up above Pernand-Vergelesses for an eye-popping view of the vineyards and villages below. Sip a café on Place Carnot and finish your shopping in Beaune. Or we’ll see you off at the train station as you head on to your next destination.

Accomplished: Total satisfaction. 13 miles for the loop riders.
Villages: Beaune, Savigny-les-Beaune, Pernand-Vergelesses
Vineyards: Les Vergelesses, Île des Vergelesses, Les Fichots
TRIP TOTAL
138.75 MILES, averaging 25 miles per day. Optional longer rides available each day.