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Nivernais and Burgundy Canal 8-day Self-guided Cycling Tour Level 3
Burgundy is a heaven for people eager to explore hidden treasures by bike. Alongside the canals, in the vineyards, near the rivers, everywhere you will encounter its rich artistic and historical heritage. In Auxerre, you will start your cycling tour by the Nivernais Canal, originally constructed to facilitate timber floating from Clamecy to Paris. Then you will leave the towpath to discover the eternal hill of Vezelay, with its basilica (World Heritage Site by UNESCO). Back on the tow paths alongside the Burgundy Canal, with the end in Dijon.
7 B&B overnights: room and breakfast, (2 nights in 3* hotels, 3 in 2* and 2 in charming B&B)
luggage transfers
description of the tour, maps, and scenic information
permanent assistance in case of problems
Half board available 265€
Bike rental 135€
E-bike rental 280€
Extra B&B night in Dijon 75€
Extra B&B night in Beaune 75€
Extra B&B night in Auxerre 75€
Departure any day except Tuesday from 1 April to 31 October 2019
Slow Tours offers a number of other Cycling Tours in Europe
Arrival in Auxerre
Participants arrival in the afternoon by their own means to Auxerre. Check into your hotel. Road book, maps and delivery at the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Auxerre.
Auxerre – Clamecy : 62 km
Departure from Auxerre, along the Nivernais Canal, you will follow the path of "driftwood" built in the Middle Ages. The Forest of Morvan produced wood that was destined for the people living in Paris. And this wood was sent to the capital by floating. Enjoy this charming route, through Mailly-le-Château, Saussois Rocks, climbing mecca, to Clamecy.
Clamecy - Vézelay - Avallon: 40 km
You will leave the canal to follow a pleasant road through small villages to which the Vézelay Basilica Sainte Madeleine appears majestic Romanesque Eternal Hill, World Heritage Site by Unesco. Since the Middle Ages, Vézelay is a high place of pilgrimage and is one stop on the Chemins de Saint Jacques de Compostela. After this unforgettable experience, we travel to Avallon, Cité Vauban. Overnight stay in Avallon.
Avallon - Montbard: 50 km
Continue your cycling on small countryside roads until Montbard, cité Buffon. Overnight stay in Montbard.
Montbard - Clamerey: 36 km
Another day rich in history. The Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay, soothing place to start your day. Many visits are possible, alongside the canal or a short distances: Bussy-Rabutin, Semur-en-Auxois, the castle of the Marigny Cahouët (XII), Flavigny sur Ozerain, Alesia, ... You will continue your way along the canal. 37 locks in 12 km. Overnight stay in Clamerey.
Clamerey – Vandenesse en Auxois: 26 km
You will discover the treasures of Auxois: The Collegiate Church of St Thibault, Château d'Eguilly, the Arches of Pouilly (the Burgundy Canal is underground). Then your path will lead you through the Ouche Valley. You will be in the heart of the feudal country, with Chateauneuf-en-Auxois and Commarin, two imposing castles. Overnight stay in a charming bed and breakfast in Crugey.
Vandenesse en Auxois – Dijon: 51 km
On the way to many sites worth visiting: The Castle of Barbirey, the Abbaye de la Bussiere ... You will end your journey through the wildest part of the Canal de Bourgogne: Ouche Valley. Arrival in the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy by the Lac Kir. Overnight stay in Dijon.
Departure
After the breakfast, free time in Dijon. Back to Auxerre by train or extend your stay with an extra night in Auxerre
If you would like to drive yourself before or after your tour, ask us for a quote on any brand new Renault, Peugeot or Citroen vehicle for driving in Europe.
Pick up your vehicle from most capital cities in Europe and return it to your drop off destination. Top insurance cover. Email [email protected] for a competitive quote
Shows in English in Paris: Paris offers a wide variety of shows accessible to English-speakers. One-man shows, classic & modern theatre, musicals, cabarets and more are all performed in the city every night. You can get the full programme of shows in Paris to fit your city break dates by emailing [email protected]
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