South Burgandy’s Voies Vertes Cycling Tour

Upon your arrival in Mâcon, you will be able check into the hotel after 3 pm and enjoy free time in the evening. Mâcon, a former border between the French Realm and the Holy German Empire (843 to 1600), boasts an exceptionally charming old town for exploration.

The first day of cycling on the tour will see you embark from Mâcon along the 'Voie Bleue' by the Saône River, passing through Fleurville with its historic Marigny and Marfontaine castles. Navigate paths and quaint roads leading to the Romanesque Abbey of Tournus and its charming old town, adorned with unique streets and traboules. Don't miss the 11th-century St Philibert Abbey, a remarkable Romanesque architectural gem that will enrich your journey with historical and architectural wonders.

Today you will pedal beside the Saône River, diverging from its tranquil flow to traverse Gigny. After navigating the floodplain between the Saône and Grosne, you will pass through St Loup de Varennes, the home of photography inventor Joseph Nicéphore Niepce.

After, you will reconnect with the Saône's banks, passing by St Rémy on the route to Chalon-sur-Saône, where you will spend the night.

Day 4 of the tour will begin on the cycle path known as 'Voie Verte,' which stretches northwest to Givry, then turns southwest, guiding you through the captivating, fortified town of Buxy amid the scenic vineyards of Cote Chalonnaise in Burgundy. This renowned wine region features prestigious appellations like Mercurey and Givry.

As you pedal through the historic towns of St. Boll and St. Gengoux le National, both of which exude medieval charm, your journey unfolds in Cormatin with a 17th-century castle, a labyrinth, and an enchanting ancient vegetable garden.

Following 'Voie Verte,' you'll reach the monastic community of Taizé and, 13km/8.1mi later, the splendid Benedictine abbey of Cluny, established in 910 and once considered Christianity's most significant monastic complex by 1080.

Before embarking on today's shorter ride, make sure to set aside some time for a visit to Cluny. After, you will transition from the spiritual atmosphere of Cluny to immerse yourself in the poetic world of Alphonse de Lamartine. His influential formative years in this captivating landscape, rich in nature, castles, and monuments, undoubtedly shaped his literary works.

Continuing on your journey, you will cross Europe's longest illuminated and secured cycling tunnel (1.6km/1mi), leading to the castle of Berzé le Chatel. A climb here unveils a splendid view of the Mâconnais vineyard district.

After enjoying one final breakfast in your hotel, you will gather your things and depart from Mâcon.