Cycling the Burgundy Canal, Chateaux & Hilltop Villages: from Montbard to Dijon

Highlights of the trip

  • Cycle the scenic Burgundy Canal from Montbard to Dijon
  • Rides among peaceful towpaths through lush countryside and quiet waterways
  • Discover Burgundy’s hidden gems: semur en auxois, Flavigny sur ozerain, hateauneuf en Auxois
  • The UNESCO-listed Abbaye de Fontenay, a masterpiece of Cistercian architecture
  • Savor Burgundy’s iconic cuisine: Coq au Vin, Boeuf Bourguignon, and the famously pungent Époisses cheese
     

    Customize your holiday here 

  • From 690€ /pers
    • Self-guided Cycling
    • Easy
      • 5 days
      • From April to October
      • Simple -
      • Comfort -
      • Charming -
      • Superior
      • Ref : E1205

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Montbard in Burgundy

best walking trip in beaune in burgundy france

Start your self-guided bike tour in Montbard, a charming town just one hour by train from Paris. Located near the famous Abbey of Fontenay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Montbard is known for its peaceful atmosphere and serves as the perfect gateway to the scenic cycling routes of Burgundy.

Meals included : none
Night : Montbard

    Day 2 - Pedal along the Burgundy canal

    CYCLING in the countryside of Burgundy, chateauneuf en auxois

    After breakfast, hop on your bikes and set off on a scenic ride along Burgundy’s canal. Take a detour to the historical Abbaye de Fontenay, a UNESCO World Heritage gem, explore the ancient Roman site of Alesia. From there, you will climb to Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, a village renowned as one of the most beautiful in France, featuring a pastis factory and an abbey. You then ride along small country roads passing quiet villages, concluding your day in the medieval town of Semur-en-Auxois.

    Ride : Montbard > Alise - Flavigny sur Ozerai > Semur en Auxois | 56 km | Elevation : +450m / -390m
    . If you are staying in Chateauneuf en Auxoix : 58km | Elevation :  +400m / - 250m

    Meals included : breakfast
    Night : Semur en Auxois / Chateauneuf en Auxois

    Saturday morning market in Semur en Auxois

    Day 3 - From canal paths to Chateau Commarin & Lake Panthier

    self-guided cycling holiday burgundy france

    Leave Semur-en-Auxois and cycle through charming small villages, until you rejoin the canal bike path leading you to Pouilly-en-Auxois.  Then leave the canal route behind and head towards Lake Panthier, a perfect spot for a refreshing swim. Afterward, continue on to the impressive Château de Commarin, a must-see landmark, one of Burgundy’s best-preserved castles, before cycling onward to Vandenesse-en-Auxois or Chateauneuf for the night.

    Loop Ride : Semur en Auxois > Lake Panthier-Commarin > Vandenesse en Auxois | 53 km | Elevation : +90m/-200m
    . If you stay in Chateauneuf-en-Auxois : add +2km
    Meals included : breakfast
    Night : Chateauneuf en Auxois / Vandenesse

    Day 4 - From charming villages along the Ouche valley to Burgundy capital

    beautiful ride in burgundy france

    Begin your day cycling from Vandenesse-en-Auxois to Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, labelled as one of the most beautiful villages in France. After a little exploring, follow the scenic bike path along the Burgundy Canal, enjoying the ride through the Ouche Valley, dotted with small, charming villages. As you continue, you'll make your way to Dijon, famous for its stunning medieval architecture, the iconic Palais des Ducs, and its world-renowned mustard, offering a perfect blend of culture and gastronomy before you embark on the wine route

    Ride : Vandenesse en Auxois > Chateauneuf en Auxois-Ouche valley > Dijon | 53 km | Elevation : +90m/-200m
    . if you stay  in Chateauneuf en Auxois  : 51km | -229m no uphill
    Meals included : breakfast
    Night : Dijon

    Saturday morning market in Dijon

    Day 5 - End of tour in Dijon!

    best rides in a self guided cycling trip in burgundy

    After a delicious breakfast, your journey concludes in Dijon. Take the opportunity to visit the famous Les Halles de Dijon market (on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays) to shop for local delicacies, such as Dijon mustard and other regional specialties.  End of your trip in Dijon.

    Meals included : breakfast

    • From 690€ /pers
      • Self-guided Cycling
      • Easy
        • 5 days
        • From April to October
        • Simple -
        • Comfort -
        • Charming -
        • Superior
        • Ref : E1205
    YOUR TRIP

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    From the blog

    More Burgundy cycling tours

      • 4 days
      • Moderate
      • Self-guided Cycling
        • From March to November
    •   Accommodation choice :
        • Simple
        • /
        • Comfort
        • /
        • Charming
        • /
        • Superior

    Highlights of the trip

    • Short cycling break through one of France’s finest wine regions
    • Enjoy well-paced rides on scenic country roads with time to unwind and explore
    • Burgundy’s finest gastronomy & "Grand Cru" wines
    • Visit historic Clos de Vougeot, a symbol of Burgundy’s winemaking tradition


      Customize your holiday here 

      • 5 days
      • Easy
      • Self-guided Cycling
        • From April to October
    •   Accommodation choice :
        • Simple
        • /
        • Comfort
        • /
        • Charming
        • /
        • Superior

    Highlights of the trip

    • Cycle the scenic Burgundy Canal from Montbard to Dijon
    • Rides among peaceful towpaths through lush countryside and quiet waterways
    • Discover Burgundy’s hidden gems: semur en auxois, Flavigny sur ozerain, hateauneuf en Auxois
    • The UNESCO-listed Abbaye de Fontenay, a masterpiece of Cistercian architecture
    • Savor Burgundy’s iconic cuisine: Coq au Vin, Boeuf Bourguignon, and the famously pungent Époisses cheese
       

      Customize your holiday here 

      • 6 days
      • Moderate
      • Self-guided Cycling
        • From April to October
    •   Accommodation choice :
        • Simple
        • /
        • Comfort
        • /
        • Charming

    Highlights of the trip

    • Cycle from the Burgundy canal to the legendary wine route
    • UNESCO listed Abbaye de Fontenay & Château Commarin
    • Picturesque hilltop villages: Chateauneuf en Auxois & Flavigny sur Ozerain
    • Chateau Clos Vougeot symbol of the region's winemaking heritage


      Customize your holiday here 

      • 6 days
      • Easy
      • Self-guided Cycling
        • From March to October
    •   Accommodation choice :
        • Simple
        • /
        • Charming
        • /
        • Superior

    Highlights of the trip

    • Easy Cycling on the "Voie Bleue" Bike Path
    • Explore Berzé-le-Châtel, a stunning hilltop village with a medieval fortress
    • Visit Cluny Abbey, the renowned Benedictine monastery rich in history
    • Discover Château de Cormatin, a beautifully preserved Renaissance château
    • Experience the vibrant Sunday morning market in Cluny

      Customize your holiday here 

      • 7 days
      • Moderate
      • Self-guided Cycling
        • From April to October
    •   Accommodation choice :
        • Simple
        • /
        • Comfort
        • /
        • Charming
        • /
        • Superior

    Highlights of the trip

    • The beautiful medieval towns of Dijon & Beaune with the must-see Hospices de Beaune
    • The wine roads of the "Grand Cru" route
    • The famous Burgundy wines & renowned Chateau wine estates 
    • The Unesco listed Cluny Abbey

      Customize your holiday here