Southern Burgundy by Bike - Grands crus and Romanesque art

Difficulty level 2/5, easy to moderate cycling. Mostly following walking/cycling paths on an old railway from Chalon-sur-Saône to Mâcon, following the rolling hills of the Côte Chalonnaise; on the ‘Voie Bleue’ stages, you will often be on a shared-use lane on quiet small roads.

28 to 52km/17.4 to 32.3mi daily stages with easy to moderate ascents in elevation throughout the rides. It is appropriate for children from age 13 and up, potentially younger if they have prior experience on similar cycling itineraries.

Clients only carry the essential things for the day (lunch/picnic, water & personal belongings) in a saddlebag/backpack. The rest of your travel luggage will be transported for you from hotel to hotel each day. Your luggage will arrive at the hotel in the evening. We ask you to limit your luggage to a maximum of 20kg/44lbs per person. Only one piece of luggage per person allowed.

Availability to book with 2 or more people.

Departures at your convenience from early April to late October.

6 Days / 5 Nights / 4 Days of Cycling

Start

On Day 1 in Chalon-sur-Saône at hotel check-in (~3pm).

Finish

On Day 6 in Chalon-sur-Saône after breakfast and hotel check-out (~10am).

Self-guided tour, without a human guide. A digital travel packet will be sent by email that includes: the list of your accommodations, travel vouchers, all the detailed information you need to make your trip a success (documents in German, French or English as guests request), and access to our phone travel app for navigating bike rides and accessing local maps. The application is available in English only. If a guest wishes to have a “printed travel packet” (with paper roadbook in German, French or English + topo maps), it needs to be requested at the time of booking and there is a supplement fee per package. For all requests, the printed travel packet will be waiting and given to guests at the 1st accommodation included in the itinerary. There is no welcome meeting at the arrival hotel or bike rental orientation meeting on this tour.

Accommodation

In double bedrooms in B&B, in 3* hotels (2 nights) and 4* hotels (or equivalent) (3 nights) or in guesthouses with the same level of comfort. Single rooms are subject to availability and require a supplement fee.

Please Note: In Europe, more and more hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses are refusing to take part in the star-rating system, even establishments which were classified a year or two ago are now choosing to not take part. This doesn’t mean that they are of a lesser quality, in fact far from it. If we indicate that an accommodation is ‘3-star or equivalent to’ this means that the establishment may have chosen not to receive an official classification, but we believe the level of comfort provided is equal to that of a traditional 3-star establishment.

Meals

Breakfast: Included at accommodations. Lunch: Usually, it is possible to order picnics at the hotels (price not included). You can also make your own picnic or stop in small restaurants along the way during rides. Dinner: Always available in restaurants near the hotels or directly in your accommodations (not included).

Please let us know of any food allergies or special dietary requirements when you register; we’ll do our best to accommodate your meals.

Extra Night(s)

It is possible to add extra nights before or after your tour in Chalon-sur-Saône . Please contact us for availability.

Bike rental

Rental Bikes

If you choose to rent a bike, it will be delivered at your 1st hotel of this itinerary. You will be asked to give a deposit to hold during the rental. At the end of the tour, you will leave the rental bike at the last night’s hotel.

The bikes are hybrid bikes, for your comfort. E-Bikes are also available.

They are all equipped with a side stand, a mudguard, a pannier rack and lights. They also have a bike lock, a toolkit (inner tube, pump and basic tools), a helmet and saddlebags.

Bringing Your Own Bike

We recommend that you use a hybrid bike for this trip, and that you make sure to check everything is working well before you set off for your holiday. At the end of the trip you will need to take care of getting your bike home with you.

Trip Starting Destination

This tour starts in Chalon-sur-Saône, France

Trip Ending Destination

This tour ends in Chalon-sur-Saône, France

By Plane

The closest international airport is in Lyon, France (Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport – LYS) and is 145km/90mi away from Chalon-sur-Saône.

Lyon Airport Saint-Exupéry: flight tickets and services - Official Website | Lyon Aéroport (lyonaeroports.com)

Another nearby option is Geneva, Switzerland/France (Geneva International Airport – GVA) and is 206km/128mi away from Chalon-sur-Saône. Both options have train or bus services to Chalon-sur-Saône.

Home page Passengers - Genève Aéroport (gva.ch)

By Train

Plan arrival to the Chalon-sur-Saône train station.

If you wish to come by train with your own bikes: check the SNCF website: https://en.voyages-sncf.com/en/train-services/bicycle-on-board

By Car/Bus

Chalon-sur-Saône is easily reached by highways. There are a few private secured car parks around the accommodation and a public car park around 1km from the hotel (Quai Sainte Marie).

Bus Option: - Flix Bus: https://www.flixbus.com/ - Bla Bla Car (bus and carpool options): https://www.blablacar.co.uk/bus

Swimming

A number of our trips lend themselves to swimming, either during the stage or at the end of the day. It would be a shame not to take advantage of them. Please note, however, that you are the sole judge of whether or not to go for a swim, and that you do so under your own responsibility and at your own risk.

Responsible tourism

Travelife Partner

Since 2025, Grand Angle has been recognized as a Travelife Partner, an international label that certifies our responsible practices regarding the environment, ethics, and sustainable management, both within our company, with our partners, and in the organization of our trips.

This label, the second level of a rigorous international certification, attests to our concrete actions in favor of responsible tourism. We are actively working toward the next level, Travelife Certified, in line with our sustainable development policy.

It is the client’s responsibility to arrive prepared with the items listed below to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

The following items are required for this trip unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.

• Cycling Shoes – sport shoes that are comfortable for cycling in.
• Socks – one pair for every day or two days of the trip. Sport specific padded socks, no cotton please!
• Sun Hat – wide brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo
• Cycling Gloves – padded gloves used specifically for cycling.
• Cycling Shirts – non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long sleeve shirts (Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection)
• Cycling Pants & Shorts – nylon pants AND shorts, zip-offs or leggings
• Windbreaker Layer – a lightweight wind resistant jacket or pullover
• Warm Top – mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material such as merino wool, fleece or polypropylene
• Insulating Jacket – down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, lightweight fleece jacket (Note: this item may not be needed in summer months)
• Rain Gear – waterproof jacket and pants or high-quality poncho, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. For the pants look for side zippers that will easily allow pulling them over footwear.
• Casual Clothing & Footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes to wear in the evening after activities.

Important Note: Please, no cotton hiking/cycling clothes. Synthetic clothing is very efficient in drying quickly. Merino wool material clothing is also efficient in drying quickly, is comfortable to wear and has the advantage of not developing a bad odor after use.

• Saddlebag – If choosing to use a rental bike or your own on this trip, 2 saddlebags are included with trip.
• Personal Luggage – small duffel bag, suitcase or backpack – for extra items and casual clothes
• Cycling Helmet – (Note: mandatory for this trip) comfortable fitting, with rain cover. If choosing to use a rental bike on this trip, a helmet is included with the rental.
• Hydration System – 2+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system (if planning to wear a backpack during cycling) and an additional water bottle
• Headlamp – preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries (Note: always test headlamp before trips and travel/pack without batteries in device)
• Picnic/Lunch Kit – knife, plate or bowl, box with closeable lid, utensils, etc.
• Phone & Charger – local sim card or international plan may be needed. Consider bringing a small power bank to use to recharge devices during trip activities.
• Map or Phone Holder – Not included with the rental
• Waterproof Travel Case or Pouch – used to keep important documents (i.e. passport, health/travel insurance, etc.) & phone safe from weather/water
• Sunglasses, Sunscreen, & Lip Balm
• First Aid Kit – see first aid kit suggestions below*
• Personal Toilet Paper Kit – most public restrooms outside of lodging will have toilet paper available, but it is good to be prepared with a personal toilet paper kit to potentially use during portions of this tour. Along the trail, there may be the need to use natural settings for toilets (i.e. digging catholes, etc.) when there are no public toilets available. Kits should include toilet paper, wet wipes, sanitizer & sealable plastic bag(s) for carrying out used paper/wipes.
• Toiletries
• Contact Lenses & Glasses – if wearing contact lenses, please also bring back-up pair of glasses and contacts.
• Prescription Medication – with emergency back-up supply
• Money – It is good to have some local currency, often smaller local businesses do not accept credit cards and/or prefer cash. Some public restrooms require small amounts of cash to use.

• Backpack – a small sized comfortable pack with a waterproof cover. Taking a backpack is useful as it makes it easy to carry your belongings when you go on a short walking trip along the way. If your bike has a rack system this bag can be easily attached or even packed within a saddlebag.
• 2-3 Face Masks; 1-2 Over-the-counter Rapid Antigen COVID-19 Tests (Note: recommended but optional)
• Travel Power Adapter – Electric power voltage in France is 230 V / 50 Hz and the plugs are E type
• Support Braces – consider bringing any joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries (i.e. knee, ankle, elbow, etc.)
• Sleep Mask & Ear Plugs
• Bug Repellent
• Quick Drying Towel or Bandana(s)

After years of experience planning adventure travel around the world, we’ve learned that anything can happen, and every traveler should carry a basic personal first aid kit. We want to ensure our guests are well-prepared and make smart informed travel decisions. In many of the places we operate trips, it may be challenging to find certain medications and/or first aid supplies, and sometimes common items you desire may not be available in the destination you are travelling. That’s why it’s good to be prepared and carry a small supply of first aid supplies, any prescription medication, and/or over-the-counter medications you may require during your travels.

First Aid Kit Suggestions

We recommend discussing your travel plans, vaccination requirements, and any medication usage with your primary healthcare provider before embarking on our trips. This helps ensure you have a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

Here is a basic list of what we think makes a good personal travel first aid kit:

• Medications – Brands of your choice, all medications should be either prescribed directly by your doctor or discussed with a doctor prior to use.
• Electrolyte Replacement/Drink Mix – brand of choice
• Creams – Antibiotic ointment, Anti-Itch: Hydrocortisone, Arnica
• Eye Problems: Dry/Itchy – Eye drops
• Feminine Hygiene – Tampons
• Wound Care – a various pack of bandages, antiseptic swabs
• Blister Care – blister kit made up of items of your choice
• Sun Protection – sunscreen, SPF lip balm
• Various Items – Athletic tape/"KT Tape", Nail clippers, Tweezers, Small bottle of hand sanitizer, Sewing kit (clothing/button repairs), Disposable surgical gloves (1-2 pairs)

It is recommended that you prepare your items in the following manner for your travels to this trip.

• Carry-on Bag(s): - This is the bag you will bring with you on the plane. We recommend all your pertinent information be in this bag (passport, travel documents, etc.) as well as your most important gear items (footwear, jacket, prescription medication, etc.) in case any checked luggage items becomes lost or delayed.
• Checked Bag(s): - This bag will be checked and contain the rest of your personal items (clothing and gear, etc.).

Important Note: Again, it is recommended to either wear or pack in your “Carry-on Bag” the main gear items you need for this trip vs. putting them in your checked “Travel Bag” (in case luggage is delayed). Lost or delayed luggage has become more and more common in major airports for international travel since the global pandemic.

During this trip, the packing system needs to be in 2 bags.

Extra Luggage - “Checked Bag(s)” & “Carry-on Bag(s)”: This bag will contain all the items you want to bring along on the trip. It will be transferred by vehicle to your lodging, and you will have access to it at the end of each day of activity at hotels, but not throughout the day. Extra luggage is not allowed on this trip beyond the 1 bag requirement. Maximum 20kg/45lbs.

Extra luggage, not needed during your trip can be safely stored at your start/ending accommodations.

Saddlebags/bike bag (not provided unless adding bike rental): All guests will need a bike saddle bag, which they will be responsible for carrying during trip activities. Items in this bag should include anything you may need throughout the day during the trip. (i.e. rain gear, warm layers, water, sunscreen/lip balm, snacks/food, camera/phone, etc.)

To Transport Your Belongings (while cycling): If you don’t have a saddlebag & rack on your bike, bring a 30-40L backpack with a waist strap to carry what you need for the day (i.e. rain gear, warm layers, water, sunscreen/lip balm, snacks/food, camera/phone, etc.) as you cycle. If you have a rack on your bike, you can attach your bag with the help of bungee ropes or paracord. Rented bikes are equipped with a saddlebag where you can store your belongings. You should still bring a small backpack with you, so that you can easily take your belongings with you when you are visiting attractions along the route.

France, a member of the European Union, capital city: Paris.

Documents

Travellers from the European Union, including children, need a valid identity card or passport. Check with the authorities in your home country for the conditions of entering this destination.

Health/Insurance

Do not forget your card and/or policy details for your health insurance and/or travel insurance.

When calling France from a foreign number: +33

European Emergency Number: 112

Chalon-sur-Saône Tourist Information Center: https://www.achalon.com/en/

Mâcon Tourist Information Center: http://www.macon-tourism.com/

Tournus Tourist Information Center: https://www.tournus-tourisme.com/

Cluny Tourist Information Center: https://www.cluny-tourisme.com/?lang=en

Central European Time (CET/UTC+1) and Central European Summer Time (CEST/UTC+2) during daylight saving time.

French, some english is usually spoken in tourist areas

France is a Member-State of the European Union and uses its uniform currency – the Euro €. France, as is the case with the other Member-States of the E.U. uses eight coins as follows: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 and 2 Euros. The banknotes are issued in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros. Currency exchange rates are clearly displayed in every bank that accepts currency exchange, while credit card holders may acquire money from the ATMs of the collaborating banks. French banks are generally open for the public from 8:30 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:30 Monday through Fridays. They are closed on Public Holidays. Euros can also be exchanged for notes of other foreign currencies at exchange offices that are situated at the airport and certain main ports, in the larger cities, as well as at many tourist destinations. A passport is required when exchanging currencies.

IGN top 100 map: n°136 Dijon Chalon-sur-Saône and n°142 Roanne Mâcon.