The Voie des Vignes cycling route, a slow tourism adventure among friends

Dijon has plenty to boast about, including beautiful architectural features and a worldwide reputation for great food. With your friends, you’ll begin your journey exploring the streets of the capital of the Dukes. Take to the multiple cycle paths and head for the city’s cultural and historic centre. Stop on the way to visit the Palace of the Burgundy Dukes, a mix of Gothic and classical architectural styles that dates back hundreds of years. The Palace houses Dijon’s Fine Arts Museum where you can see some of the most ancient treasures of Burgundy and France. While you’re in town, go for a bite to eat at the international food and wine centre, the Cité internationale de la gastronomie et du vin. 

Where to stay? At the Mama Shelter, the trendy new place for the young at heart, right in the centre of the Burgundy capital.

Some twenty kilometres south of Dijon, you’ll reach Nuits-Saint-Georges. This village of Côte-d’Or should appeal to every member of your group, with a host of activities to enjoy and a chance to learn lots about the history of blackcurrants. So you’re likely to pursue your adventure by tasting crème de cassis and other blackcurrant-based beverages at the Cassissium. You can also attend an interactive show at the Imaginarium and learn all about Burgundy wine and humankind’s historical relationship with the grapevine. 

Where to stay? La Layotte, alovely eco-friendly gîte that you’ll find half way between Beaune and Dijon. 

On the third day, cycle to the beautiful city of Beaune, just an hour away. This is a key stopping place on any Burgundy cycling tour as it is packed with places that revolve around food and/or wine. You’ll love the Gothic architecture of the Hospices Civils, established in 1443  and now a hotspot for fans of the wine-growing heritage of France. Take the time to wander in the narrow village streets and visit some of the wine cellars.

For dinner, why not treat yourself to a meal at an amazing restaurant, Loiseau des Vignes.

Where to stay? At the Hôtel de Beaune in the heart of the city. 

After cycling for five kilometres through the vineyards of Burgundy, you’ll come to Pommard. The Pinot Noir grapes that go into the local red wines need no introduction. On the Clos Marey-Monge wine estate, enter the bucolic courtyard of the great Château Pommard, for a group tasting session in this heavenly setting. 

For your evening meal, try a local, eco-friendly restaurant called Auprès du clocher. 

Where to stay? La Maison de Pommard. You’ll find these luxury guestrooms between the vineyard and the historic village centre of Pommard.

Your Burgundy cycle tour then takes you to Meursault. This village of white stone, surrounded by vines, is where you’ll find one of the most extensive selections of Burgundy white wines on your entire trip. Which definitely makes it worth spending a couple of days here. Between tastings of some of the best Chardonnay wines in Burgundy, stroll in the busy streets of the ancient village, wander around the markets and visit the medieval castles. 

The next day, you’ll be back on your bike on the set of “La Grande Vadrouille”. Many of the scenes from this cult 1960s French movie were filmed on the streets of Meursault. Round off your second day here by joining a tasting session in which you'll sample some outstanding red and white wines, at the Château de Meursault, one of the greatest wine estates in Burgundy.

Where to stay? At the Maison de Lucien, an eco-friendly stone gîte of modern style.  

Your Burgundy cycling tour ends in the lovely village of Santenay, which has history and culture oozing from its churches, mills and châteaux. Visit the 15th-century Château de la Crée, surrounded by hectares of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapevines. 

Afterwards, you can finally enjoy a rest and a breath of fresh air in this wine-growing village that embraces the good things in life.

Where to stay? Aux Sarments, an old winegrower’s house converted into a five-star character gîte.