The Tour de France is back in Burgundy

Having already welcomed three stages in 2007 and two stages in 2009, Burgundy is hosting another two stages of this incredible sporting event this summer.

Having already welcomed three stages in 2007 and two stages in 2009, Burgundy is hosting another two stages of this incredible sporting event this summer.

On Friday 9th of July, the racers will leave Montargis, also known as the “Venice of the G�tinais” and ride through the region to finish at Gueugnon, the heart of the Charolais area.

This stage will be the longest of the 2010 edition and if the weather is hot, it could really impact on the outcome of the race.

On Saturday the 10th, the Tour de France and its unique atmosphere will for the first time ever, depart from Tournus, the Sa�ne et Loire department county town and head towards the Haut-Jura.

The Tour de France racers will cross Burgundy with an average speed of 40km/hour only giving them a glimpse of this region’s unique diversity. You on the contrary, should slow your pace down and make the most of your time there to visit what the region has to offer.

If you are interested in Romanesque Art, Burgundy offers three Unesco World Heritage cultural sites which are all exceptional examples of Romanesque art: V�zelay hill and Basilica in the Yonne department, Fontenay abbey in the C�te d’Or department and the priory church of La Charit� sur Loire, in the Ni�vre department, within the context of the Saint-Jacques of Compostelles Routes.

Of course no visit to Burgundy would be complete without a stopover in Cluny, especially this year which is the 1100th anniversary of the foundation of its Abbey. Numerous events are organised throughout the year for this celebration, and not to be missed is the “Cluny, the pinnacle of Romanesque art” exhibition which takes place from the 29th of June to the 30th of September.

Cluny � Alain Doire – Bourgogne Tourisme

If you are inspired by the Tour de France racers and want to make your visit in Burgundy a bit more active, you can choose between golfing, hiking, horse riding, (gentle) cycling or even more “adrenalin rush” activities.

There are eleven 18-hole golf courses spread over Burgundy, situated in quiet and charming surroundings, never too far away from a vineyards giving you the opportunity to get into the swing of things!

For gentle cycling, Burgundy offers more than four hundred miles of “Voies Vertes” (dedicated cycle paths) and “V�loroutes” (safe, clearly marked itineraries). There is no need for a yellow jersey here, on the contrary, it’s the perfect opportunity for young and old alike to discover the many facets of the region at their own pace.

At the heart of the region, the Morvan Regional Nature Park is a true paradise for nature enthusiasts, offering hiking, cycling, horse riding, rafting and also tree-climbing for the more daring. You can spend a night in a Tree Boat hammock, under the watchful eyes of a guide, totally immersed in the mysterious world of the night and forest.

If you are after a true adrenalin rush, head towards one of three Burgundy race tracks where you can drive your own high-powered car: Nevers Magny-Cours, Dijon Prenois and Bresse race tracks. Take the wheel of a real F1, F3, Ferrari, Porsche 911 or GT racing cars and experience a great risk-free way of having a blast!

On the 9th and 10th of July, the spotlights of the sporting world will be on Burgundy with the biggest annual event on earth riding through this unique and diverse region. It’s also time for you to go and enjoy all it has to offer…at your own pace !

For more information and to organise your trip to Burgundy this summer, visit www.burgundybyrail.co.uk