Northern Burgundy & Côte d'Or, France -- June 9-17 and September 8-16 2018
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Bonjour Mes Amis!
In 2018 we are offering two opportunities for a 9-day cycling journey exploring the rich history, verdant countryside, and culinary delights of Northern Burgundy and the famous vineyards of the Côte d'Or...your choice of either June or September! Our adventure begins in the town of Auxerre and from here we'll see centuries-old châteaux and abbeys, cycle through orchards, vineyards, and of course, taste the wines of the world renown Nuits-St-George, Chambolle-Musigny and Pommard. We'll explore the shops and markets of Beaune with a visit to the awesome Hospices de Beaune. So, if you have always wanted to visit France while cycling through the beautiful Bourgogne region, while tasting some incredible wines….this is the tour for you. The Burgundy region is excellent for exploring by bike. With its level terrain, canal paths, small back roads and dedicated bike routes, any level of cyclist can enjoy the area. We will cycle an average of 35 to 45 miles with many optional cycling days, too. If you would like to relax by the pool or linger over your morning café, that can also be your day’s agenda. So, come and join us as we explore this special region of France...Northern Burgundy and the Côte d'Or and create a new adventure for you! Merci Beaucoup Jeff and Francine! |
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Itinerary
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Day 1. Auxerre to Vézelay - We’ll meet you early morning in the riverside town of Auxerre. From here you'll get sized on your bike and then enjoy a ride along the peaceful and tree lined canal of Nivernais. Stopping for a mid-day picnic at the water's edge and continue to Vézelay home to the 12th century Benedictine Abbey Ste-Madeleine a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Exploring the lovely medieval homes and shops lining the street known as "Pilgrims Hill, we'll have our first gourmet dinner joined by the luscious wines of northern Burgundy. Day 2. Vézelay and Environs - Today is a loop ride taking us through the scenic Valle de Le Cousin and into the fortified town of Avallon. We'll hunt for the delicious honeys and cheeses of the Morvan that we'll spread on crusty baguettes at our "pique-nique au savage." In Avallon check out the old clock tower leading to the ramparts of Promenade de la Petite Porte! Continuing on through the lush countryside, past small stone villages, and farms we'll return to Vézelay for another quiet and comfy evening. Day 3. Vézelay to Sainte Sabine - Leaving Vézelay in the early morning we'll cycle into the heart of the Forêt de Morvan reaching our château in Sainte Sabine. This will be our longest ride of the tour. We'll cycle on small country roads through the dense forest of the Morvan, past rich farmlands, and the lovely blue lakes. One stunning view after another is around each corner as we stop mid-way in the town of Saulieu for a cafe lunch or an urban picnic. We'll continue our ride east to reach Sainte Sabine for a quick dip in the pool and an amazing evening feast. Day 4. . Sainte Sabine Loop Ride - After breakfast we’ll start our short loop ride that will take us to the historic village of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois. High on a rocky spur this small village of merchant houses and narrow streets is one of the best preserved and imposing 14th century fortresses in Burgundy. We'll stop in for a visit and then cycle on into the countryside and ending up along the "voie verte" or the "green route" that's part of the canal de Bourgogne. A leisurely ride along the canal takes us back to our own château. Day 5. Sainte Sabine to Gilly les Cîteaux - Now we head to vineyards of Burgundy. We'll follow the canal de Bourgogne and pass the many "écluses" or locks while waving to the barges passing by. Take a side trip to one of the nearby villages shops or stop for a cappuccino. In the afternoon we'll connect with the Rue de Grand Crus and begin our journey into the Côte d’Or. We'll arrive at our 16th century luxury château, a former Benedictine Priory with its beautiful gardens and hidden pool. Tonight we dine like royalty in the former wine cellar of Cistercian monks from the Clos de Vougeot vineyard. Day 6. Gilly and Environs - Go for a morning dip and then a late morning ride through the vineyards of the Côte d’Or. Riding through the villages of Gevrey Chambertin and Vosne-Romanée we have a chance for a little wine tasting. Be sure to take in the Château Clos du Vougeot a must see in Burgundy. We’ll arrive back at our own château. Dinner tonight will be at a special restaurant in Chambolle-Musigny. Day 7. Gilly les Cîteaux to Beaune - Today is a leisurely ride arriving in the capital of Burgundy, the village of Beaune. Through the rolling hills of vineyards we'll be riding past the well known regions of the Côte d’Or such as Nuits St Georges, Aloxe-Corton and Savigny-les-Beaune. Once arriving in Beaune there is time to explore the medieval streets, ramparts and the inspiring Hospices de Beaune. Tonight's repast is at a restaurant which is well known in the region for its fabulous cuisine. Day 8. Beaune Loop Ride - Today is market day in Beaune! This is an opportunity to discover the sights, sounds and smells this incredible market offers. Afterwards we'll head out for a late morning ride with our route passing through Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet and the small village of Chassangne for lunch and a wine tasting. In the early evening join us for a celebratory happy hour of hors d'oeurvre and champagne to toast our Northern Burgundy adventure. Free night to have dinner on your own...if you're still hungry! Day 9. Beaune Train Station - After breakfast, we say au revoir to the Burgundy and shuttle you to the Beaune train station. Here you can rent a car or take a regional train to other parts of the country. NOTE: Itinerary may change due to availability. |
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Dates - Price - Reservations
Tour Dates
June 9-17 or September 8-16 of 2018
Tour Price
$4,200 per person - double occupancy
Reservations, Deposits & Payment
To reserve a space contact us at France@hwbt.com and we will send you a brochure with a reservation form. Fill out the reservation form and include a deposit of $1,000 per person. Please make the check payable to HWBT. We will send you an information packet with more details about the tour. By sending a deposit, you certify that you have no physical condition or disability that would create a hazard for you or other guests.
NOTE: Credit cards are not accepted.
Single Supplement (SS) $1,400
The tour price is based on double occupancy. If you prefer a single room, the SS is charged. If you are traveling alone, and do not wish to incur the SS charge, we will attempt to pair you with a roommate. If we are unsuccessful, the SS charge will apply.
Cancellation Policy
Based on hotel deposit policy in France, HWBT’s cancellation policy is as follows: Deposits are refundable, less a $100 fee for cancellations received prior to January 1, 2018. Cancellations received 60-days prior to departure will result in full loss of deposit. Refunds for cancellations received before 60- days or less from departure will be calculated based on non-refundable moneys paid to hotels, restaurants and other vendors by HWBT, in addition to loss of deposit. Where replacements are found for a cancellation, HWBT may at its sole discretion modify this cancellation policy to reflect any actual losses.
Fitness
Most of the people who join us are recreational cyclists. If you prepare in advance by riding once or twice a week for about 2-3 months prior to departure, you should do quite well. Our daily mileage is typically 35 to 45 miles. So, in your preparation, try to get comfortable with that distance and still feel fresh the next day. The more prepared you are, the more you will enjoy the trip. An active travel adventure is just that…active, and requires good aerobic health. The riding level for the Burgundy region is easy to moderate. The terrain varies from level, to gentle hills with a few areas that include some fun and challenging climbs. However, with good preparation, most levels of cyclists should find this tour very doable.
June 9-17 or September 8-16 of 2018
Tour Price
$4,200 per person - double occupancy
Reservations, Deposits & Payment
To reserve a space contact us at France@hwbt.com and we will send you a brochure with a reservation form. Fill out the reservation form and include a deposit of $1,000 per person. Please make the check payable to HWBT. We will send you an information packet with more details about the tour. By sending a deposit, you certify that you have no physical condition or disability that would create a hazard for you or other guests.
NOTE: Credit cards are not accepted.
Single Supplement (SS) $1,400
The tour price is based on double occupancy. If you prefer a single room, the SS is charged. If you are traveling alone, and do not wish to incur the SS charge, we will attempt to pair you with a roommate. If we are unsuccessful, the SS charge will apply.
Cancellation Policy
Based on hotel deposit policy in France, HWBT’s cancellation policy is as follows: Deposits are refundable, less a $100 fee for cancellations received prior to January 1, 2018. Cancellations received 60-days prior to departure will result in full loss of deposit. Refunds for cancellations received before 60- days or less from departure will be calculated based on non-refundable moneys paid to hotels, restaurants and other vendors by HWBT, in addition to loss of deposit. Where replacements are found for a cancellation, HWBT may at its sole discretion modify this cancellation policy to reflect any actual losses.
Fitness
Most of the people who join us are recreational cyclists. If you prepare in advance by riding once or twice a week for about 2-3 months prior to departure, you should do quite well. Our daily mileage is typically 35 to 45 miles. So, in your preparation, try to get comfortable with that distance and still feel fresh the next day. The more prepared you are, the more you will enjoy the trip. An active travel adventure is just that…active, and requires good aerobic health. The riding level for the Burgundy region is easy to moderate. The terrain varies from level, to gentle hills with a few areas that include some fun and challenging climbs. However, with good preparation, most levels of cyclists should find this tour very doable.