burgundy-burgundy-bike-tour

Self-guided

Cycling

lvl. 2
New
Mon Roadbook App
Hotel
Multi-day hike
Réf : E3V8
6 days from 890 € Book / Enquire

Our trip

  • A safe and peaceful route along the banks of the Voie Bleue by the Saône.

  • Historical heritage with Romanesque abbeys and churches like those in Cluny and Tournus.

  • Terraced vineyard landscapes and the opportunity for wine tastings in the Mâconnais vineyards.

  • A loop starting from Chalon-sur-Saône for easier logistics.

"Mon Roadbook" app is available for this trip.
More info >>

Traversed by rivers and canals, bordered by forests, lakes, and hills, and dotted with picturesque towns, Burgundy offers a wide variety of landscapes. Behind this natural wealth lies a unique way of life, centered around fine wines, exquisite cuisine, and centuries-old heritage. This loop, starting from Chalon-sur-Saône, lets you safely explore the southern part of Burgundy, following the Saône River to Mâcon in the first leg, and then through the slopes of the Mâconnais in the days that follow. You'll discover remarkable historical landmarks, including the Cluny Abbey and the Château de Cormatin, which are definitely worth a visit.

Your choice of lodging + Bike

Hotel from mid-March to October

Hotel from mid-March to October

With your own bike From 890 €* Book / Enquire Devis
Bike rental From 1140 €* Book / Enquire Devis
e-bike From 1280 €* Book / Enquire Devis

* Minimum price for the current season, subject to availability based on 4 participants. (Price incl. VAT)

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Itinerary

Level 2: 4 to 6 hours of riding per day (30 to 50 kilometers) on hilly roads or paths; a maximum of 500 meters of vertical gain. Accessible to anyone who exercises on a regular basis.

Cycling : another way to enjoy the trails and back roads. For beginners and experts, a bike allows you to explore a wide variety of places and landscapes in one trip and at your own pace. Our selection of self-guided bike tours also offers the possibility of using an electric bike to make them easier and more accessible to as many people as possible.
Mon Roadbook app: designed for the self-guided trips, "Mon Roadbook" travel assistant guides you throughout your journey via a mobile application to download on your smartphone.
Duration : 6 days
Luggage transfers : With luggage transfer
Lodging : Hotel
Guiding : Self-guided
Group : Minimum 2 persons
Season : from mid-March to October

Day by day

Day 1

Welcome to Burgundy, in Chalon-sur-Saône

Lodging : hotel. Meals not included.
Chalon-sur-Saône, the pearl of Burgundy, is a city with a rich historical and cultural heritage. Famous for its charming city center and lively quays, it reveals a remarkable architectural ensemble, featuring timber-framed houses, medieval churches, and the magnificent Place Saint-Vincent. The Town Hall, with its beautiful Renaissance façade, and the Saint-Vincent Cathedral bear witness to the grandeur of this historic city. Chalon-sur-Saône is also renowned for its role in the history of photography, with the Nicéphore Niépce Museum, dedicated to the pioneer of photography. The banks of the Saône and the pedestrian streets of the city center invite you to leisurely stroll, offering a peaceful and authentic atmosphere. Check-in at your hotel for your first night in Burgundy.
Day 2

Chalon-sur-Saône and Tournus

Distance : 33 km (20.5 mi) - Ascent : 110 m (360 ft). Descent : 100 m (328 ft). 2,5 hrs of cycling.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
After picking up your bikes, you set off into the Chalon countryside for your first pedal strokes in Burgundy. Secondary roads quickly give way to the "Voie Bleue", a fully secure cycling route that follows the banks of the Saône all the way to Mâcon, allowing you to peacefully explore the villages along the way. You reach Tournus, the first stop of your journey located by the Saône, where you can discover its abbey and the remarkable Saint-Philibert Abbey Church, a jewel of Romanesque architecture. Around the abbey, charming streets with old houses unfold as you stroll. Don't miss the visit to the Hôtel-Dieu and its stunning apothecary. The city's restaurants are also renowned, a great tip for food lovers!
Day 3

From Tournus to Mâcon

Distance : 34 km (21 mi) - Ascent : 100 m (328 ft). Descent : 100 m (328 ft). 2 hrs of cycling.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
This morning, you head north and leave the banks of the Saône to follow an exclusively cycling route, the greenway winding through the rolling hills of the Mâconnais. The landscapes are made up of terraced vineyards guarded by beautiful, typical properties of the region. Along the way, Berzé-la-Ville opens its doors, proudly showcasing its medieval frescoes in the Chapelle des Moines, before you slip through the longest cyclist-only tunnel in Europe, "Le Bois Clair," dominated by the imposing Berzé-le-Châtel fortress. You finish your stage in Cluny, a medieval town that today boasts a prestigious heritage, including numerous monastic buildings, an Art and Archaeology museum housing significant works of Romanesque civil sculpture, a town center rich in Romanesque and Gothic houses, two churches, a majestic Hôtel-Dieu, and a superb panorama from the top of the Tour des Fromages. The visit to its abbey is a must-Cluny was once known as the "second Rome," the most powerful abbey in medieval Christendom, playing a major role in religious history and Romanesque art.
Day 4

From Mâcon to the Abbey of Cluny

Distance : 30 km (19 mi) - Ascent : 350 m (1,150 ft). Descent : 300 m (984 ft). 2,5 hrs of cycling.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
This morning, you head north and leave the banks of the Saône to follow an exclusively cycling route, the greenway winding through the rolling hills of the Mâconnais. The landscapes are made up of terraced vineyards guarded by beautiful, typical properties of the region. Along the way, Berzé-la-Ville opens its doors, proudly showcasing its medieval frescoes in the Chapelle des Moines, before you slip through the longest cyclist-only tunnel in Europe, "Le Bois Clair," dominated by the imposing Berzé-le-Châtel fortress. You finish your stage in Cluny, a medieval town that today boasts a prestigious heritage, including numerous monastic buildings, an Art and Archaeology museum housing significant works of Romanesque civil sculpture, a town center rich in Romanesque and Gothic houses, two churches, a majestic Hôtel-Dieu, and a superb panorama from the top of the Tour des Fromages. The visit to its abbey is a must-Cluny was once known as the "second Rome," the most powerful abbey in medieval Christendom, playing a major role in religious history and Romanesque art.
Day 5

From Cluny to Chalon-sur-Saône

Distance : 52 km to 58 km (32 to 36 mi) - Ascent : 300 m (984 ft). Descent : 350 m (1,148 ft). 4 hrs of cycling.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
On this final day, you continue along the greenway and begin the stage with a visit to the unmissable Château de Cormatin: surrounded by wide moats, this building, constructed from 1606, impresses with the monumental scale of its military-style façades. It houses an architectural feat, a 21-meter-high empty spiral staircase, the oldest and largest of its kind. You can also explore its magnificent gardens, covering more than 10 hectares, as well as paintings and sculptures throughout the visit. Take your time to step back in time to the era of Marie de Medici! You'll also stop in the villages of Saint-Gengoux-le-National, Buxy, or Givry, known for their charming train stations converted into welcoming spaces. The cooperative cellars open their doors for you to taste Burgundy wines.
You will reach Chalon-sur-Saône at the end of the day, where you return your bikes and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the charming Place Saint-Vincent, the final stop of this escape through Burgundy.
Day 6

Good-bye the Burgundy!

Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.

Your trip officially ends after breakfast.

If you wish to arrive earlier or extend your stay, it's essential to book your accommodation in advance. We can arrange one or more extra nights at one of our partner hotels. Just ask!

The active times are given as an indication and may vary depending on several elements (eg. weather conditions, terrain, etc.). Transfer times may also vary depending on road and traffic conditions. If necessary (eg: weather conditions, decision of local authorities, etc.), we may also be required to adapt the program for the smooth running of your trip and in the interest of the participants.

Pricing

Prices (incl. taxes) from march to october 2025

Hotel
Price per person		With your own bikeBike rentale-bike
Low seasonPeak seasonLow seasonPeak seasonLow seasonPeak season
2 people 1 double room1020 €1080 €1320 €1370 €1450 €1490 €
3 people 1 room with 3 beds950 €990 €1190 €1260 €1330 €1390 €
4 people 2 double rooms890 €960 €1140 €1190 €1280 €1340 €
5 people 1 double room, 1 room with 3 beds870 €940 €1110 €1160 €1250 €1310 €
6 people 3 double rooms870 €940 €1090 €1140 €1250 €1310 €
  • Low season : From 01 October 2025 to 31 October 2025
  • Peak season : From 13 April 2025 to 30 September 2025

Prices (incl. taxes) from march to october 2026

Hotel
Price per person		With your own bikeBike rentale-bike
Low seasonPeak seasonLow seasonPeak seasonLow seasonPeak season
2 people 1 double room1080 €1140 €1360 €1420 €1560 €1620 €
3 people 1 room with 3 beds990 €1060 €1240 €1290 €1440 €1500 €
4 people 2 double rooms960 €1020 €1180 €1240 €1380 €1440 €
5 people 1 double room, 1 room with 3 beds940 €990 €1150 €1210 €1360 €1420 €
6 people 3 double rooms930 €980 €1130 €1190 €1340 €1400 €
  • Low season : From 15 March 2026 to 12 April 2026, from 01 October 2026 to 31 October 2026
  • Peak season : From 13 April 2026 to 30 September 2026

Pricing

The price includes / does not include

The price includes:

  • Accommodations as described.
  • Breakfast for days 2 through 6.
  • Transportation of your bags every night.
  • According to the chosen option: rental of a trekking bike; electric trekking bike; otherwise, you use your own bike.
  • The roadbook (as well as a map and reservation vouchers) for a 2-to-4-person group.
  • Access to the new mobile phone application (including GPS guidance).
  • 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office.

The price does not include:

  • Transportation to the meeting point at the start of the trip and from the point where the trip officially ends.
  • Insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, lost/stolen baggage, or assistance.
  • Lunches and dinners.
  • For reservations made less than 15 days before the start, all additional fees for priority processing.
  • Anything that is not specified in the "included in the price" list.

Other expenses

  • Tickets to any visit, monument, museums or activities during the tour.
  • Drinks and tips.
  • The additional cost for selecting an e-bike.

Currencies

France is part of the Euro zone. You may find ATMs easily in the main cities and towns.
Better to have cash in the most remote areas to purchase extras (ex.: for drinks). Huts do not always accept credit cards.
Exchange rate

 

Access

Access

Getting to the departure point:

All of our self-guided tours are sold on a Land Only basis allowing you the most flexibility.

This trip starts and ends in Chalon-sur-Saône, in the south of Burgundy. The nearest international airport for this trip is Lyon airport (LYS).

How can I reach Chalon-sur-Saône from Lyon airport (LYS) ?
From the train station of Lyon-Saint-Exupéry you'll have to take the "Rhônexpress to Lyon Part Dieu (approximately 30 minutes and 17€).
Then, you may have direct train from Lyon Part Dieu to Chalon-sur-Saône (approximately 1,5 hrs of train and around €25).

How can I reach Chalon-sur-Saône from Paris airport (CDG) ?
The fastest option is to take the RER B (30 to 40 minutes) or the Roissybus (45 to 60 minutes) from CDG to Paris Gare de Lyon.
Then, at Gare de Lyon, you can take a TGV train to Chalon-sur-Saône, with usually one connection. The TGV journey lasts around 2h30 to 3h00, with a price ranging from 80 € to 150 €, depending on the time and class.

To plan your journey, do not hesitate to check the official website of the French rail company (SNCF Connect) or feel free to ask us!

Meeting times:
As the first day is a non-bike day, you will arrive at your leisure depending on your route. Please note that rooms are usually available mid-afternoon depending on your accommodation. Please let us know if you are arriving late.

During your trip

Travel documents

You will receive the following documents for this trip:
  • The Mont Blanc Experience roadbook with a step-by-step description of each day.
  • GPX tracks for each day.
  • The list of accommodations for your tour and the contact details of the service provider for luggage transfers.
  • Useful contacts with telephone numbers in case of emergency.

Transfers

No transfers are required during your stay. You move only by bike.

Lodging

Particular attention is paid to the selection of accommodation. The emphasis is on location, welcome and quality services.

Here is an example of accommodation we work with, where you can be hosted during your stay. Please note that not all accommodations are listed in the itinerary, and it's possible that you will be hosted in a different establishment than the one mentioned below.

CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE (day 1 and day 5):

  • The Hôtel Saint Regis, 4*: ideally located in the heart of Chalon-sur-Saône, offers the perfect setting to combine exploration and relaxation. After an active day on the roads, enjoy the hotel's calm and serene atmosphere. Unwind in spacious, elegantly decorated rooms that blend modern comfort with timeless charm. The hotel also features a wellness area with a spa and fitness center, ideal for revitalizing and recovering in complete tranquility.

TOURNUS :

  • The Hôtel de Greuze, 4*: located in the heart of Tournus, just steps from the Abbey of Saint-Philibert and the Saône River. The hotel features a Michelin-starred restaurant, where the chef showcases the authentic flavors of Burgundy, offering a memorable gastronomic experience (dinner not included). The atmosphere of the hotel, steeped in history, stands out for its timeless elegance, enhanced with modern touches that create a chic and soothing environment. After a day of cycling, enjoy the tranquility of the garden to unwind, or treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the dedicated wellness area (access available for an additional fee, to be paid on-site).

MÂCON :

  • The Panorama Hotel, 4* is housed in the former Hôtel des Postes of Mâcon, a stunning early 20th-century building made of Flacé and Saint-Martin stone. The hotel's interior has been carefully renovated, blending contemporary décor with warm tones to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
    You'll also find a wellness area, featuring a hammam, sauna, jacuzzi, and an indoor pool (access available for an additional fee, to be paid on-site). To complete your experience, you can enjoy a panoramic bar located on the hotel's rooftop, offering breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings.

CLUNY :

  • Le Potin Gourmand, 3* : is located just steps away from the Abbey of Cluny, in an 18th-century building full of historical charm. This former pottery factory has been beautifully transformed into a place of accommodation, where each room invites you on a journey. Immerse yourself in a unique universe, where art, literature, and poetry intertwine. The rooms, inspired by great poets and contemporary artists, feature a décor where every detail tells a story, taking you into a world of culture and beauty. A refined yet cozy setting, perfect for immersing yourself in the past while enjoying modern comfort.

Please note:

  • Accommodation availability is subject to seasonality. In some cases, we may be able to offer you alternative solutions. Depending on availability, we may also be able to suggest accommodations usually offered on other tours, possibly of a different standard.
  • If you're traveling with friends or family but prefer your own room, single rooms are subject to availability and a supplementary payment.

Meals

Breakfasts are included. Generally consisting of pastries (pain au chocolat or croissant), fresh bread, fruit, yogurt and cereals. Some accommodations also offer savory dishes with cheese or ham and eggs. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you book.

We have chosen not to include lunches and dinners to give you more flexibility and freedom during the day :

  • For dinners: some of our accommodations have their own restaurant. If not, there are always restaurants nearby.

  • For lunch: you'll always pass by a village, a market or a bakery. Your roadbook will contain suggestions of places where you can buy supplies.

You should also bear in mind that, as a general rule, shops in small villages are closed on Sundays and Mondays. That's why we suggest you carry a small snack with you at all times.

There are drinking water points along the route where you can fill your water bottles during the day. Be sure to think ahead when it comes to water, and follow the sanitary instructions given.

Luggage transfer

You will carry only what you need for the day. Your bags will be transferred between your accommodations as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 23kg maximum per person and a maximum size of 158 cm (total height + width + length).

Mont Blanc Experience reserves the right to charge an additional fee if your luggage exceeds the specified size or weight limits.

Trails

The routes have been designed by our team. They take in a mix of cycle paths, quiet country roads and a few short segments on busier roads, usually with a narrow cycle lane or shoulder. Your regularly updated travel documents (roadbook and maps or map extracts) ensure that you can complete the program with complete peace of mind.

We also provide you with GPX tracks via our smartphone navigation application. Simply download the routes to your phone for offline use, and you're ready to go.

The "Mon Roadbook" app allows you to centralize all the necessary information for your trip:

  • The identification of service providers operating during your stay
  • GPS guidance on a map background
  • Photos of crossings
  • The various points of interest on the hike: natural or heritage.

This application, included for this trip, must be downloaded before your departure and works offline (without network).
To learn more, feel free to read our article: Mon Roadbook, your digital travel guide.

Itineraries

Our elevation gains are calculated based on altitude differences provided on maps, not by GPS, which, for technical reasons (GPS altitude inaccuracies + statistical dispersion), often give overestimated elevation gains, sometimes by up to 20%.

Bikes

According to the chosen option:
  • With your own bike: bike rental is not included in our services; you use your own bike.
  • Bike provided: you can reserve a VTC bike. We generally work with Scott and Bergamont. We'll be able to provide a Scott Cross Sub 40 model (aluminium frame, hydrolic disc brakes, 24 gears), the Bergamont Vitess 6 (lady or gent with aluminium frame, hydrolic disc brakes, 3x9 gears).

  • You can also reserve a trekking electric bike such as a Bergamont Horizon 4-RT or a Scott Sub Eride 30 model. Generally equipped with a Bosch Active 400WH engine, front and rear disc brakes.
    E-bikes are equipped with a small motor to help with pedaling, allowing the rider to use less effort than with a regular "human-powered" bike to cover the same distance. Every evening, plug your bike into a wall or designated electric socket at your accommodations to recharge your bike. The next day you will enjoy a full battery for your ride.

Your bike will be delivered to you on day two in the morning. A security deposit is required. Remember to provide us with your height when filling out the reservation form. Then, drop off your bike at your hotel on the last day of your tour.

NB:

  • In France, wearing a helmet is mandatory for cyclists under 12 years old.
  • The bike will be equipped with a pump, 1 inner tube, 1 puncture repair kit, 3 tire levers, and 1 multi-tool. You will also have a removable rear pannier, a removable handlebar bag, an adjustable helmet, and a bottle holder.
  • Of course, if these models are not available, we will ensure to offer you a similar model.

Required before leaving

Formalities

Please check with your embassy.

Getting ready

Physical fitness level 2

To take full advantage of your trip, make sure that you stay in good shape by walking or hiking at least twice per week (12km to 15km).

Your first aid kit

For the medication and pain relievers listed below, we recommend that you check with your doctor beforehand, adding what you need based on personal requirements and the specificities of your trip.

  • An analgesic.
  • An anti-inflammatory (pills or gels).
  • An anti-diarrheal tablets
  • A disinfectant, band aids (several sizes), mole skin, sterile compresses, medical tape, Steri-Strips,

Gear list

Luggage
All your luggage must be distributed in two bags: a backpack or saddlebag and a travel bag:

1/ Backpack (or saddlebag)
This is the bag or saddlebag (saddle or handelbar) you use every day while cycling, if you choose to take a picnic lunch (see paragraph "Food"). This bag should not be too large (up to 20 litres).
It will contain: a picnic for lunch, snack food, camera, waterproof and extra clothing and sunglasses...

2/ Travel bag
This is the bag that will be transported from one accommodation to the next by vehicle. It will contain all the belongings you will not use during the day. You will find it at the accommodation in the evening (or sometimes for lunch).

Important: all items carried from one accommodation to another must be in a single bag, which must not exceed 23 kilos and a maximum size of 158 cm (total height + width + length).

Mont Blanc Experience reserves the right to charge an additional fee if your luggage exceeds the specified size or weight limits. 

List of equipment to pack:

For your head:

  • A cap or other head protection against the sun
  • A hat or sweat band
  • A bicycle helmet (mandatory)

For the body :

  • Two cycling jerseys or technical t-shirts (made of synthetic or natural breathable fabrics)
  • A warm shirt or sweatshirt
  • A fleece
  • A waterproof jacket and pants
  • Two good quality cycling shorts (avoid triathlon shorts)
  • A pair of warm cycling tights or leg warmers
  • Pants
  • Casual short
  • A pair of biking shoes
  • Sport socks
  • A pair of shoes suitable for the evening
  • Sandals (not compulsory, but nice for warm evenings...)

 Miscellaneous

  • A pair of bike specific gloves
  • A headlamp with batteries
  • A toiletry kit and towel
  • 2 bike bottles 75 cl (or camelbak)
  • A pocket knife
  • A few plastic bags to protect your belonging
  • A swimsuit
  • A needle and thread
  • A small individual pharmacy: sunscreen (face and lips); band aids + double skin (Compeed); Immodium; pain killers, earplugs, other personal medication.

Safety

The Mont Blanc Experience promise

No region in the world is 100% safe and without danger.

Mont Blanc Experience keeps you informed and is fully transparent when it comes to the potential risks. We gather security risk information from multiple sources: in-house research, monitoring specialized websites, meetings with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "safety and security" trips in the field, constant contact with our regional specialists, local teams on the ground, and France's travel agency federation.

Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that we cannot make any decisions for you.

If there is a clear and elevated risk, we reserve the right to:

— Reinforce our guide team (for guided trips).
— Modify the itinerary for our tours.
— Place a tour or destination on hiatus for an extended period of time when we consider the level of risk to be too high.

Your safety and your enjoyment are our priority.