The South Burgundy's Voies Vertes Cycling Tour allows you to explore Southern Burgundy on one of Europe's most beautiful walking and cycling paths, the 'Voies Vertes.' This self-guided bike tour winds through the scenic landscapes of Côte Chalonnaise, unveiling old railways, charming villages, and historic castles. Traverse vineyards to reach the Cistercian Abbey of Cluny and Mâcon. Follow the 'Voie Bleue' along the Saône River valley, passing through Tournus and its romanesque abbey. Nearly three-quarters of the route unfolds on greenway paths, ensuring a tranquil ride, with the remainder on quiet shared-use roads. The tour seamlessly blends vineyards, bocages, villages, and cultural cities, offering a relaxing exploration of Burgundy's treasures. Cycling at your own pace, this tour promises a unique and unforgettable holiday, immersing you in the charm and history of southern Burgundy. Day 2 begins on the cycle path known as 'Voie Verte,' stretching northwest to Givry, then southwest, guiding you through the captivating, fortified town of Buxy amid the scenic vineyards of Cote Chalonnaise in Burgundy. This renowned wine region features prestigious appellations like Mercurey and Givry. As you pedal through the historic towns of St. Boll and St. Gengoux le National, both exuding medieval charm, your journey unfolds in Cormatin with a 17th-century castle, a labyrinth, and an enchanting ancient vegetable garden. Following 'Voie Verte,' you'll reach the monastic community of Taizé and, 13km/8.1mi later, the splendid Benedictine abbey of Cluny, established in 910 and once considered Christianity's most significant monastic complex by 1080. Day 3 involves a shorter ride from Cluny to Mâcon. Before embarking, visit Cluny. Then, transition from the spiritual atmosphere of Cluny to immerse yourself in the poetic world of Alphonse de Lamartine. His formative years in this captivating landscape, rich in nature, castles, and monuments, undoubtedly shaped his literary works. Continuing on your journey, you will cross Europe's longest illuminated and secured cycling tunnel (1.6km/1mi), leading to the castle of Berzé le Chatel. A climb here unveils a splendid view of the Mâconnais vineyard district. Day 4 sees you embark from Mâcon along the ‘Voie Bleue’ by the Saône River, passing through Fleurville with its historic Marigny and Marfontaine castles. Navigate paths and quaint roads leading to the Romanesque Abbey of Tournus and its charming old town, adorned with unique streets and traboules. Don’t miss the 11th-century St Philibert Abbey, a remarkable Romanesque architectural gem that will enrich your journey with historical and architectural wonders. Day 5 involves pedaling beside the Saône River, diverging to traverse Gigny. After navigating the floodplain between the Saône and Grosne, you will pass through St Loup de Varennes, the home of photography inventor Joseph Nicéphore Niepce. Afterward, you will reconnect with the Saône’s banks, passing by St Rémy on the route to Chalon-sur-Saône, where you will spend the night. The tour is rated as a 2/5 difficulty, offering easy to moderate cycling. It mostly follows walking/cycling paths on an old railway from Chalon-sur-Saône to Mâcon, navigating the rolling hills of the Côte Chalonnaise. On the ‘Voie Bleue’ stages, you will often be on a shared-use lane on quiet small roads. Expect to bike 28 to 52km daily, with easy to moderate ascents in elevation throughout the rides. It is appropriate for children from age 13 and up, potentially younger if they have prior experience on similar cycling itineraries. Self-guided travelling means you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information needed to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, it requires good navigation skills. The nearest major airport to Chalon-sur-Saône is Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (IATA: LYS), about 145 kilometers (80 miles) away. You can continue your journey to Chalon-sur-Saône by train, bus, or rental car. The tour material is in English language. The tour ends where it starts, in Chalon-sur-Saône. The tour offers the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all logistics are taken care of. It includes accommodations, luggage transfers, and gear rentals.
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