Cycling in Burgundy

Spring is here and days are longer, so what better way to discover Burgundy than on your bike?

Spring is here and days are longer, so what better way to discover Burgundy than on your bike? With 400 miles of marked itineraries reserved for cyclists Burgundy is a real haven for those in search of an off-the-beaten-track peaceful holiday.Cycling is an eco-friendly, active and fun way to explore the varied landscapes of the region and you can do so at your own pace following a mostly flat network called “Le tour de Bourgogne � v�lo” (Burgundy by Bike), made of 400 miles of “Voies Vertes” (dedicated cycle paths) and “V�loroutes” (safe, clearly marked itineraries).They are safe, well signposted itineraries, following towpaths, running alongside the canals, or making use of old and now abandoned railway lines or vineyard paths. There are five main itineraries taking you around the region:

From Dijon to Montbard, along the Burgundy Canal and through some masterpieces of Romanesque architecture.From Auxerre to Decize, along the Nivernais Canal, following the course of yesteryear’s “log floaters” and where you can make a detour to the Unesco World Heritage medieval village of V�zelay.From Paray-le-Monial to Cronat and Digoin, with the opportunity to visit Paray-le-Monial beautiful Cluny-inspired Romanesque basilica.From Ch�lon–sur-Sa�ne to M�con, through the one-mile Bois-Clair tunnel, the longest in Europe exclusively reserved for cyclists.From Beaune to Santenay, the “Voie des Vignes”, where the road reads like a roll call of the great wines of Burgundy: Pommard, Volnay, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet…New from June 2010, a daily luggage transfer service along the Tour de Bourgogne a V�lo, is open to everyone*.You can book your transfer on-line, leave your luggage at your hotel, g�te or campsite and they will be waiting for you at your next stop-over for the night.So there are no excuses: young and old alike can hop on their bike and travel light around Burgundy to explore the many facets of the region at their own speed.For more information about the region and to organise your next trip, visit www.burgundybyrail.co.uk*operates only through some sections to start with, please check on the website www.bagtransfert.comPhotograph � Tourisme Fluvial – Alain Doire – Bourgogne Tourisme