Cycling in Burgundy & Provence

Arrival in the beautiful city of Dijon. Take the day to explore this captivating city, where medieval charm meets modern French elegance. Wander through the narrow streets lined with elegant architecture – from impressive Gothic churches to stately Renaissance buildings. Dijon is also known for its rich culinary heritage, particularly its world-famous mustard and local delicacies. Make sure to enjoy the flavors of Burgundy at a traditional bistro, preferably with a glass of the region's classic Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.

After picking up your bikes, you set off from Dijon and begin a scenic tour along the iconic Route des Grands Crus. Cycle through Burgundy's prestigious wine villages, including Marsannay-la-Côte, Gevrey-Chambertin and Aloxe-Corton – all known for their outstanding wines. Stop at the stately Château Clos de Vougeot (entrance not included) to learn about the region's winemaking history, then continue to the charming village of Vosne-Romanée. Your bike tour ends in Beaune, Burgundy's wine capital.

If you still have energy left when you arrive in Beaune, there's an opportunity to do an extra tour. (39 km, +500m/-500m)

Start the day with a visit to Beaune's Saturday market and taste local delicacies such as Cîteaux cheese, truffles and honey-spiced gingerbread. Then continue the bike tour through the famous Côte de Beaune, passing well-known wine villages such as Pommard, Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet. Continue into the quieter and more picturesque Côte Chalonnaise, where you'll discover hidden gems like Rully, Mercurey and Givry – known for their exquisite wines and peaceful landscapes. End the day in Chalon-sur-Saône.

After breakfast, you bid farewell to Burgundy and take a direct train to Avignon, the heart of Provence (tickets not included). The journey takes just two hours and offers a quick and comfortable ride through the beautiful French countryside. After the train journey, you arrive in Provençal Avignon. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of this papal city, a UNESCO World Heritage site – a beautiful medieval city, rich in history with the famous Papal Palace and the iconic St Benezet bridge.

Pick up your bikes in Avignon and begin your tour through the fantastic Luberon region, known for its picturesque landscapes and vineyards. Your route takes you to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, known for its canals and antique shops. Enjoy a peaceful lunch or picnic by the river before continuing into the heart of the Côtes du Luberon wine region. As you cycle through charming villages, you'll pass vineyards that produce excellent local wines. End your tour in Venasque, one of France's "most beautiful villages".

If you still have energy left when you arrive in Venasque, there's an opportunity to do an extra tour. (27km, +300/-300m)

Cycle through Côtes du Rhône, where roads wind through vineyards with Mont Ventoux in the background. Pedal through Bédoin, known as a starting point for the Tour de France, and on to the medieval village of Crillon-le-Brave. Stop for wine tasting at prestigious vineyards and visit the impressive 12th-century Romanesque chapel Notre-Dame d'Aubune. End the day in Beaumes-de-Venise, famous for its sweet Muscat wines, before reaching Vacqueyras.

If you still have energy left when you arrive in Vacqueyras, there's an opportunity to do an extra tour. (51km, +550m/-550m)
 

Today you cycle through the scenic plains of the Rhône Valley, along quiet country roads lined with vineyards with opportunities for wine tasting. The journey goes via Sarrians to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, famous for its full-bodied and characterful red wines. The ruins of the old castle watch over the village and bear witness to its long wine history. Take the opportunity to visit a wine cellar for a tasting before continuing towards Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and enjoying your last evening in Provence.

After a final breakfast, your bike journey through Burgundy and Provence comes to an end. From Isle-sur-la-Sorgue there are direct trains to both Marseille airport and Avignon's TGV network. If it's a Sunday, don't miss the town's famous morning market – one of the best in all of Provence – before taking a final stroll along the peaceful Sorgue river. With scenic bike tours, exquisite wines and historic villages behind you, you leave the region with warm memories of an unforgettable adventure.