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Beyond
the Vineyards
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Travel
on a circuit through the gentle pastureland in the south to the
vineyards of Beaune in the north. Some of the finest wines in the
world come from these vineyards and the terrain makes for perfect
cycling.
As you cycle along your route, there are many opportunities for
wine tasting, chateaux to visit and gastronomic meals to enjoy.
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Day
1: Arrive at Tournus |
 You
will be met at the railway station by our representative
who will take you to our base hotel. |
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Day
2: Tournus - Verdun sur le Doubs
48 kms |
Buy yourself
a picnic lunch for later in the day at a boulangerie-pâtisserie
in Tournus before you leave. Today you travel across the gentle
Bresse countryside, along quiet country lanes and eventually
along the banks of the Saône river into the small town
of Verdun sur le Doubs where you stay in the best location in
the centre of town.
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Day
3: Verdun
sur le Doubs |
 Spend
the day exploring the banks of the Saône and Doubs
rivers which meet at Verdun. Experience the tranquillity
of the unspoilt countryside by following a circuit of
narrow lanes and tracks. |
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Day
4: Verdun
sur le Doubs - Meursault
39 kms |
Into Beaune
today, the world capital of fine wines, for a long lunch stop
or perhaps the whole afternoon. Maybe visit the Hospices de
Beaune, a jewel of medieval architecture and world famous for
its colourful glazed roof tiles.
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Day
5: Meursault |
 A
visit to the famous 13th century Chateau at Rochepot is
not to be missed. Perched on its outcrop of solid rock,
it is one of the most photogenic in France. On the return
leg of your circuit is the picturesque small town of Nolay.
In Meursault, taste and buy a bottle or two of wine at
one of the many wine shops. |
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Day
6: Meursault
- St Denis de Vaux
36 kms |
 Cycle
through some of the most celebrated wine producing areas
in the world, passing Poligny-Montrachet and the Chateau
at Rully. Then continue along lanes and small tracks through
acres of vineyards to St Denis de Vaux with its commanding
views of the surrounding countryside. |
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Day
7: St
Denis de Vaux |
You stay
in a charming chambre d’hôte with a swimming pool
in the hilltop village of St Denis de Vaux. The wine producing
village of Mercurey is a possibility for a day trip or you might
want to stay in the shade by the swimming pool and catch up
on your reading.
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Day
8: St Denis de
Vaux - Cormatin
44 kms |
If you wish,
you can stay on the Voie Verte, 44 kms of disused railway line
for almost all of today’s cycle. We have also devised an
alternative route which is a bit more challenging for those
who like a few hills. You choose, but a great day’s cycling
either way.
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Day
9: Cormatin |
 Down
the Voie Verte to Cluny, with its famous abbey and, on
your return journey, visit the medieval fortress of Berzé
le Chatel. The Bicycle Museum has a fascinating, unique
collection. Don’t miss the imposing 17th century
Chateau of Cormatin. |
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Day
10: Cormatin
- Tournus
26 kms |
 Leaving
the vineyards, today’s cycle is through mixed woodland
and pasture. Visit the fortified village of Brancion and
its chateau, partly dating back to the 10th century. |
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Day
11: Leave
for Home |
After breakfast,
our representative will take you to the railway station for
your journey home.
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| BURGUNDY
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Beyond
the Vineyards |
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| Quick
Facts |
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| Duration |
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| 11 days
- 10 nights |
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| Grading |
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| Accommodation |
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| 2 x
3star hotel, 1 x 2star Hotels, 1 unclassified (2star equiv.) 1 with
pool all 1/2 board |
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| Travel
Arrangements |
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| Self
drive; or air/rail to Paris, rail to Tournus, then transfer to Tournus |
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