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Along the Burgundy Canal, one of the most remarkable France’s cycling greenways stretches for nearly 240 kilometres linking the Yonne valley to Dijon. We offer you a cycling tour through Burgundy as a self-guided journey, carefully designed for an in-depth discovery of the region at your own pace. This self-guided route immerses you in the heart of rich historical and natural heritage.
Starting from Auxerre, a City of Art and History, your itinerary will guide you through the renowned Chablis vineyards before joining the shaded towpaths of the canal. The stages will reveal architectural treasures, such as the Renaissance châteaux of Tanlay and Ancy-le-Franc, or the unmissable Cistercian abbey of Fontenay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will pass through characteristic villages like Semur-en-Auxois, a true medieval city.
The highlight of your journey will be the “Burgundy watershed” at Pouilly-en-Auxois, which marks the watershed line between the Seine and Rhône basins. From there, you will begin a gentle descent towards Dijon, the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, punctuated by the passage of numerous locks that enliven the landscape. This self-guided touring route is accessible, rated at level 2, and is suitable for cyclists who enjoy stages of 40 to 60 kilometres per day.
This circuit is a true invitation to immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of Burgundy, between hedgerows, vineyards and historic cities. An authentic experience for all cycling trips enthusiasts.
Hotel check-in. A City of Art and History with exceptional architectural heritage, Auxerre can be discovered through its narrow winding streets. The Abbey of St Germain, the Clock Tower and Old Auxerre, as well as the House of the Water Coach are absolutely remarkable!
You will cycle along small bucolic roads to the Burgundy Canal passing through the prestigious Chablis vineyard. To see: the old hospital, Hôtel-Dieu, of Tonnerre founded in 1292 by Margaret of Burgundy, the circular washhouse built on the Fosse Dionne spring.
The towpath that follows the Burgundy Canal is flat and shaded. Very pleasant to cycle, it passes on this stage by the two superb Renaissance châteaux of Tanlay and Ancy le Franc, built in the 17th century. The Tonnerre vineyards, once very renowned, are now undergoing reconstruction and produce excellent red and white Bourgogne-Tonnerre wines. Several remarkable churches (Argentenay, Ancy le Libre, Lézinnes, Pacy sur Armançon) follow one after another before arriving at Ancy. To see in Ancy: its square château.
Along the canal, numerous curiosities await hikers, in addition to the spectacle of its natural landscape. The Great Forge of Buffon, Burgundy stone quarries, mills and castles punctuate the route. Additional option: the Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay, the oldest intact abbey, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The distinctive profile of the Auxois valleys is revealed: a cliff reaching about ten metres, on the edge of the plateau, with limestone scree at its base that was once covered with vineyards. After admiring the refined architecture of the houses, make a detour to Bussy Castle, then the medieval town of Flavigny sur Ozerain.
As you rejoin the canal you will discover the medieval castle of Marigny le Cahouet, Royal St Thibault Bridge, Eguilly and its castle, and finally Pouilly en Auxois, the highest point of the Burgundy Canal. The Pouilly tunnel, dug between 1826 and 1832, to allow the Canal to cross the “Burgundy threshold”, is remarkable for its 3350m in length, and reaching up to 50m in depth!
All that remains is to glide along the canal to Dijon, passing 51 locks. Take the opportunity to climb (but steeply) to Châteauneuf en Auxois, a masterpiece of medieval architecture, and a whole string of villages that stretch along the canal to Dijon, capital of the Dukes of Burgundy.
End of the journey after breakfast. Dijon deserves a visit for its monuments and museums: Palace of the Dukes, St Bénigne Cathedral, Notre Dame and St Michel churches, parliamentary buildings…
We may sometimes need to modify the itinerary shown: either at the organizational level (accommodation overload issues, terrain condition changes, landslides, degraded paths, etc.), or due to weather conditions. These modifications are always made in your interest, for your safety and for greater comfort!
Booking dates are not currently available for this trip. Please check back soon or contact us to plan your journey.
Departure possible from April to October.
| Price per person | With luggage transfer | Without luggage transfer | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| From 2 to 3 people | 4 to 5 people | 6 people and + | ||
| From 01/04/2026 to 30/10/2026 | 1115 € | 1090 € | 1060 € | 795 € |
Cécile Henard
Travel Advisor
Estelle Torterotot
Travel Advisor
Average level cyclist. The route mainly follows canal towpaths and small paved roads. Daily stages from 25 to 57km km. Suitable for children from 14 years old.
You only carry your daily essentials in a small bag or satchel, and your packed lunch. You will find your luggage at your accommodation in the evening: your luggage is transported by vehicle and is limited to one bag per person.
From 2 people.
8 days, 7 nights, 6 days bikes.
Depart at your convenience from April to October.
Freedom route, without guide
We provide you with a digital travel document that includes: access to our smartphone guidance app, a list of your accommodations, any exchange vouchers and all the information necessary for your stay to run smoothly.
If you wish, we can provide you with a paper version of the travel document with maps, topographic guide and travel folder, for an additional 35 € per document.
For any request for a paper travel document: less than 45 days days before departure and for residents abroad, documents will be sent to the first hotel.
In double room in 2\* and 3\* type hotel or bed & breakfast, with shower and toilet in the room.
In France, more and more hotels and guest houses are refusing any official classification, even establishments that were still classified a year or two ago. These establishments don’t lose out on quality, far from it. Among guest houses, many are charming rooms.
If we indicate, for example, a comfort level of “3* or equivalent”: this means the establishment is not necessarily classified, but has comfort corresponding to that of a 3* hotel.
Stay with bed and breakfast, 3 dinners included in Tonnerre, Ancy le Franc, and Montbard.
For picnics: The route runs through villages. This allows you to choose your lunches: restaurant, village café, crêperie or picnic!
Please let us know at registration of any food allergies or special dietary requirements; we will do our best to adapt your meals.
Note: Accommodation photos are non-contractual. Accommodations may be subject to change. Depending on availability, we can book other hotels of equivalent comfort and standard.
Day 1 in the afternoon in Tonnerre.
Day 8 after your breakfast in Dijon.
It is entirely possible for you to add an extra night after your cycling stay in Dijon.
Bike Rental
The bikes are hybrid-type (VTC) for greater comfort. They are all equipped with a kickstand, mudguards, and a luggage rack. Provided with a lock, tool kit (inner tube, pump, basic tools), helmet, map holder, and rear panniers. Or electric-assisted bicycle (e-bike). Your bikes will be delivered to your hotel on day 2 in the morning before 09:30, and you leave them at the last hotel on the final evening.
Bank security deposit required on site.
E-bike Velodeville CEB 500:
Dijon Airport: Dijon Airport
Arriving in Auxerre
From Paris (Gare de Bercy): Direct TER or TER with a connection at Laroche-Migennes, approximately 2 hours
From Lyon (Gare Part-Dieu): TER with a connection at Laroche-Migennes, approximately 4 hours
Bikes allowed on board on most trains (remember to check this before booking your ticket).
Return from Dijon
Flexibus from Dijon to Auxerre approximately 2 hours route 759.
TER train Dijon / Auxerre via Laroche-Migennes, approximately 2 hours. Most TER trains accept bikes but you must verify before departure if you are returning to Auxerre with your own bike.
If you bring your own bike, we can organize your return from Dijon / Auxerre with a private transfer: people + luggage + personal bikes with a vehicle of 2 to 5 seats.
You can check the timetables on the following website: https://www.sncf-connect.com/
Attention! This information is provided for reference only and must be verified; it does not commit our responsibility in any way.
from Paris, Motorway A10 towards Auxerre.
You can create your route on Via Michelin
Auxerre: covered hotel parking approximately 10 € / day
Option to take the train from Dijon to Auxerre: TER with a connection at Laroche-Migennes, journey approximately 2 hours.
A number of our trips lend themselves to swimming, during a stage or at the end of the day. It would be a shame not to take advantage of it. However, we want to emphasise that you are the sole judges of the opportunity to swim; these swimming sessions are therefore done at your own responsibility and at your own risk.
Since 2012, Grand Angle is a member of ATR, the reference association for more responsible tourism. We design our trips – on foot, by bicycle, on snow – to invite everyone to discover the world differently: with curiosity, respect, and goodwill.
Present on the board of directors since 2018, we actively contribute to evolving sector practices towards greater meaning. Specifically, we ensure:
We also share the values of the traveller’s ethical charter, which encourages everyone to adopt simple gestures to protect the places visited and foster beautiful encounters.
Since 2025, Grand Angle is recognised as Travelife Partner, an international label that certifies our responsible practices regarding environment, ethics, and sustainable management, both within our company and with our partners and in the organisation of our trips.
This label, second level of a demanding international certification, attests to our concrete actions in favour of responsible tourism. We actively pursue our progress towards the highest level, Travelife Certified, in accordance with our sustainable development policy
For the Bicycle
Note: synthetic technical clothing is very effective. New merino wool clothing has also appeared; it is very effective and pleasant to wear, and has the advantage of not developing sweat odours (brand Icebreaker, Ruka, etc…)! In general, avoid cotton, which gets cold when wet.
For the midday picnic
Against the sun and rain
After the effort
Country: France
Capital: Paris
Travellers, including minors, must be in possession of a national identity card or a passport (EU nationals).
Bring your Vitale card and your usual medications for the duration of your stay.
Address: 21500 BUFFON
Phone: 0757102099
Opening hours: Every day from 10am to 12:30pm and from 2:30pm to 6pm. Please note, closed on Tuesdays in April, May, June, September and October. July and August: 10am to 6pm 7 days/7.
Rates: Full adult rate 8€, Reduced rate 6.50€, free for children under 12 years.
Opening hours and rates are given as indicative information, please check on the website.
Address: 21500 MONTBARD
Phone: 0380921500
Open every day of the year.
Full price: 11.5€
Opening hours and rates are given as indicative information, please check on the website.
7 Town Hall Square
89000 AUXERRE
Tel: 0386520619
Dijon Metropolis Tourism Office
11 Forges Street
21000 DIJON
Tel: 0380441144
Phone code for calling France if you are abroad: +33.
No time difference, GMT +1.
Estimated carbon footprint per traveler, in kg CO₂ equivalent.
5 · 5 reviews
Marc 7/26/26
— A magnificent journey along the Burgundy Canal, featuring interesting sights and excellent cuisine to enjoy along the way
Christine 12/27/25
— Well-calibrated for a first week's cycling experience
—
— Reply from the team
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