The Burgundy Canal by Bike

A greenway cycling route along the water from Montbard to Dijon

Highlights

A flat and secure greenway
Castles and medieval towns
Dijon and its lively streets
Burgundy’s gastronomy and wines

One of the most beautiful towpaths in Burgundy

Cycling along the Burgundy Canal is an invitation to step back in time, where each pedal stroke brings discovery and wonder. This six-day, five-night journey between Montbard and Dijon offers a true immersion in the heart of Burgundy, combining unspoiled nature, remarkable heritage, and delightful gastronomy.

Your journey starts in Montbard, a charming town nestled along the canal’s banks. Upon arrival, you take time to explore the UNESCO-listed Fontenay Abbey. This Cistercian gem, surrounded by lush greenery, immerses you in a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere. After a relaxing first evening, you hop on your bike, eager to set off along the canal’s dedicated cycling paths, eager for the miles ahead.

The route gently guides you along a greenway that winds between locks and meadows. The canal’s calm waters reflect the shifting colors of the sky, and the rhythmic sound of your pedaling accompanies your journey. The breeze brushes your face as you settle into your pace, embracing the joys of bike travel. Along the way, you stop at Alise-Sainte-Reine to visit the MuséoParc Alésia, which recounts the famous battle between Julius Caesar and Vercingetorix. You then reach Semur-en-Auxois, perched on a rocky outcrop. Its cobbled streets and medieval houses transport you back in time. After strolling through this historic town, you enjoy a traditional Burgundian dinner, paired with a glass of local wine.

Continuing your ride, you follow the canal to the majestic Château de Bussy-Rabutin, where its frescoes and historical anecdotes both entertain and enlighten you. The surrounding landscapes shift between wooded hills and sunlit plains, creating a serene panorama. Your legs turn effortlessly, carried by the beauty of your surroundings. As you approach Vandenesse-en-Auxois, the imposing silhouette of Châteauneuf Castle appears on the horizon. You may choose to make a detour to visit this fortress, listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France,” which overlooks the valley. In the evening, the sunset casts golden and ochre hues over the canal’s waters, a breathtaking reward for your day’s efforts.

Before reaching Dijon, you pass through the spectacular Vallée des Quarante Écluses—the “Valley of Forty Locks”—an impressive stretch of the canal where a series of locks successively allows boats to overcome a significant elevation. This engineering marvel offers a captivating sight. The slow movement of water, the aged stone structures, and the surrounding nature create an atmosphere that is both peaceful and majestic. Here, you experience the true essence of bike travel—a deep connection with nature, where each mile is an invitation to wonder.

The route gradually leads you toward Dijon, the capital of Burgundy. Riding along the canal, you pass through Pont de Pany and its charming lock before arriving in the “City of a Hundred Bell Towers.” Dijon welcomes you with its beautifully preserved historic center, the magnificent Place de la Libération, and the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy. After dropping off your bike and easing the tension from your saddle, you wander through the lively streets, sampling artisanal mustard and local delicacies.

A loop through the prestigious vineyards of the Côte de Nuits reveals yet another side of Burgundy. Between Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée, and Nuits-Saint-Georges, the road winds through the vineyards. In late summer, the scent of ripe grapes lingers in the air, and the names of the estates evoke legendary wines. You pedal along rolling country lanes, relishing the fluidity of your motion and the freedom that this mode of travel provides. A stop at a passionate winemaker’s estate offers the perfect opportunity for a tasting, where you learn about the art of Burgundian wine. This immersion in Burgundy’s wine culture is the perfect conclusion to your journey.

With your legs still light and your heart full of memories, you take a final moment to savor a coffee on a Dijon terrace before heading home. The unique sense of freedom that comes with bike travel lingers within you, and one thought crosses your mind—you’ll return to explore even more of this stunning region, with your trusted bike ready to take you on new adventures.

Carte séjour Le Canal de Bourgogne à vélo
Niveau LeisureLeisure or Niveau FitFit
Day 1

MONTBARD

Arrive at your leisure in Montbard. This charming little town nestled on the banks of the Burgundy Canal welcomes you for a delightful cultural stopover. Upon arrival, take the time to explore the Fontenay Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This Cistercian gem, surrounded by greenery, immerses you in a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere. The serenity of the place contrasts with the excitement of the journey ahead. As you wander beneath the majestic vaults, you can feel the power of silence and the history that lingers within these centuries-old walls.

Meeting with our local guide

Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.

Day 2

From MONTBARD to SEMUR-EN-AUXOIS 35km 277m Niveau Loisir

From Montbard, you follow the peaceful Burgundy Canal, lined with shimmering reflections, flowered locks, and old lock-keepers’ houses. A detour to Fontenay Abbey is a must: this Cistercian masterpiece, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies untouched in a wooded valley for over nine centuries. At Granges-sous-Grignon, you leave the calm waters and begin to climb gently through hedgerows and dry-stone walls. In Grignon, time seems to have stood still in the quiet village. The road winds through the forest to the Château de Lantilly, an elegant 15th-century stronghold nestled between glade and hillside. Then, after one last rise, Semur-en-Auxois appears: a listed Town of Art and History, crowned with ramparts and rose-colored towers, it overlooks the valley like a movie set, ready to welcome you into its maze of cobbled streets.

  • For a few more km 50km 422m Niveau Forme

    In Venarey-les-Laumes, you leave the waterway to climb toward Alise-Sainte-Reine. There, the remains of the Gallo-Roman city of Alésia stretch out before you, with the towering figure of Vercingetorix watching over the valley. You rejoin the canal at Chassey, then branch off through gentle countryside dotted with small stone villages. Semur-en-Auxois, designated a Town of Art and History, rises proudly around a bend, perched on its pink granite spur and encircled by ramparts and medieval towers.

Day 3

From SEMUR-EN-AUXOIS to VANDENESSE-EN-AUXOIS 45km 257m Niveau Loisir

You leave Semur-en-Auxois, a designated Town of Art and History, and descend into the green Armançon Valley before joining the peaceful banks of the Burgundy Canal.

In Pouilly-en-Auxois, you encounter the Voûte — a 3.3 km canal tunnel carved in the 19th century to let boats pass beneath the watershed between the English Channel and the Mediterranean. Ventilation shafts line the route, still visible today from the bike path. In the past, an electric tugboat slowly pulled barges through; its wooden shelter, designed by architect Shigeru Ban, stands as a tribute. From the port of Escommes, the descent begins. The canal winds gently through wooded hills and quiet locks. You ride through a tranquil landscape all the way to Vandenesse-en-Auxois, a peaceful village nestled at the water’s edge.

  • For a few more km 58km 516m Niveau Forme

    You follow its peaceful course to Pouilly-en-Auxois, passing flower-lined locks and lock-keepers’ houses. From there, you branch off toward the Château de Commarin, a noble residence still inhabited, surrounded by moats and centuries-old trees. The route then leads you to the Panthier Reservoir, a large canal feeder lake and perfect spot for a break by the water. The climb to Châteauneuf-en-Auxois begins: perched high above the valley, this fortified village is listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. You then descend gently to Vandenesse-en-Auxois, a peaceful canal-side port nestled at the foot of the slope.

Day 4

From VANDENESSE-EN-AUXOIS to DIJON 52km 113m Niveau Loisir

You leave Vandenesse-en-Auxois along the Burgundy Canal, surrounded by wooded hills and calm waters. At Pont-d’Ouche, a former canal port, the route enters the Ouche Valley. Narrower and wilder, it winds beneath limestone cliffs and dense foliage. You follow a smooth greenway, dotted with flower-lined locks and stone footbridges. Near La Bussière-sur-Ouche, the old Cistercian abbey appears through the trees. Gradually, the terrain opens and the landscape becomes more urban. Still riding in the calm of the canal, you enter Dijon, a UNESCO-listed Town of Art and History, where gothic spires, townhouses, and cobbled streets welcome you to the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy.

Day 5

DIJON 45km 186m Niveau Loisir

From Dijon, a Town of Art and History, you leave the city following the peaceful Burgundy Canal. The towpath, lined with locks and groves, takes you to Bretenière.

There, the countryside opens up gently before you reach the first vineyards. Arriving in Gevrey-Chambertin, you enter the sanctuary of the Climats of Burgundy’s vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, every plot has a name, a story, and a distinct character passed down through centuries. Stone walls, vine shelters and perfectly ordered rows shape a living, thousand-year-old wine landscape. You ride at the foot of legendary names, through Gevrey, Brochon and Fixin, before returning to Dijon via quiet roads winding among the crus.

  • For a few more km 60km 294m Niveau Forme

    The countryside then opens onto the vineyards of Nuits-Saint-Georges, the beating heart of the Climats of Burgundy’s vineyards, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You ride through Vosne-Romanée and its legendary crus before reaching the Clos de Vougeot: a former Cistercian winery and the true spiritual seat of the Climats — a visit is well worth it. Further on, the names resonate like promises: Chambolle-Musigny, Morey-Saint-Denis, then Gevrey-Chambertin, powerful and noble. You follow the Route des Grands Crus, among dry-stone walls, vine shelters and tight vineyard rows, all the way to the gates of Dijon.

Day 6

DIJON

End of your stay after breakfast. You can take advantage of the morning to stroll through the streets of Dijon. After several days in the saddle, enjoy the city’s morning ambiance with a coffee on a terrace, watching the lively activity of the covered market, where stalls overflow with local delicacies. A final walk through the historic alleys allows you to admire the elegant mansions and the city’s distinctive façades.

Comfort Range

Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.

Accommodation example

Starting from 960€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Essential Range

You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.


Quote on request | Contact us

Privilege Range

Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.


Quote on request | Contact us

Price includes

  • Accommodation: 5 nights in a Double room
  • 5 breakfasts
  • 1 dinner
  • Luggage transfer
  • Phone assistance 24/7
  • Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
  • Application fee
  • Taxes
  • The trip itineraries available on the following supports:
    • Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
    • Cycling practical guide including restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner and topo maps
  • Additional services included:
    • Day 1 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
  • Price does not include

    • bike rental (see option)
    • Breakfast on day 1
    • Lunches
    • Dinners not included in "Price includes"
    • Drinks, visits & other personal expenses

    Homemade and fully tested itineraries
    • Routes selected for their cycling and touristic interest entirely tested and away from traffic
    • Accomodations selected for their hospitality, atmosphere, services and quality meals
    • A flexible organisation to suit you needs and wishes: You choose the date you want to you leave on! We check the availability of each accomodation to make sure it is possible.

    Close assistance
    • One of our guides greets you on your first day. He will hand out all the needed documents for the trip (hotel vouchers, maps of the area,GPS, practical guide), get you settled on your bikes (for rental bikes).
    • Phone assistance, you can reach the Abicyclette team whenever you need
    • A Luggage transfer service which respects your hours of rest (we pick them up after 10:00 and deliver them before 16:00)

    Follow your itinerary anyway you like – modern, practical, traditional

    appareil GPS TwoNav Cross

    • We loan you a GPS so that you can easily follow your itinerary without having to look for your way around (bike support included)
    • Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
    • A practical cycling guide with all the useful information (addresses, highlights for the day, topo maps, and touristic information)

     

     


    You can also

    On our guided tours (for groups on demand), we accompany you every step of the way
    • One of our state qualified instructor and professional cycling guide accompanies you every step of the way
    • Full board (all meals covered unless asked otherwise)
    • A picnic buffet set up for lunch with a wide choice of fresh and local produce

    We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
    Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.


    Touring bike

    Aluminum frame
    Shimano 24 speed
    Disc brakes

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 rear bag
    • 1 front bag
    • 1 repair kit
    • 1 pump
    • 1 anti-theft device (for 2 bikes)
    • 1 helmet
    vélo randonnée active tours

    Ebike

    Aluminum frame
    Shimano 9 speed
    Bosch Active Plus 250W motor, 400W battery
    Disc brakes

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 rear bag
    • 1 front bag
    • 1 repair kit
    • 1 pump
    • 1 anti-theft device per couple
    • 1 helmet
    vélo éléctrique activie tours

    Children's Bike

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 child helmet
    vélo enfant active tours

    Tag along bike

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 child helmet

    Child trailer

    remoque enfant active tours

    Getting here

    Departure city : MONTBARD

    Coming by car

    • at 2h45 from PARIS
    • at 6h from BORDEAUX
    • at 2h30 from LYON

    Coming by train

    • Montbard Train Station - 1h from Paris

    Coming by plane

    • Paris Charles de Gaulle airport
    • Lyon Saint Exupéry airport
    • Bâle airport
    • Geneva Airport

    Arrival city : DIJON

    Coming by car

    • at 2h from LYON
    • at 3h15 from PARIS
    • at 6h from BORDEAUX

    Coming by train

    • Dijon train station - 2h45 from Paris

    Coming by plane

    • Lyon Saint Exupéry airport
      1h30 by train from Dijon
    • Bâle airport
      2h by train from Basel
    • Geneva Airport
      4h by train from Dijon
    • Paris Charles de Gaulle airport
      3h by train from Dijon

    *Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.

    * Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.

    How to get back to the starting point

    • By train from Dijon to Montbard in 35 minutes (hotline)
    • Return by car in 1h15 to your starting point
    • Private shuttle: see detailed fares or contact us

    Recommended equipment

    Bike

    • Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
    • 18 to 30-speed transmission
    • 26- to 29-inch wheels
    • Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
    • Disc brakes recommended
    • 2 bottle cages
    • Bell
    • Front and rear lighting

    Clothing and equipment

    • Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
    • 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
    • Suitable cycling clothing:
      • bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
      • Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
      • Breathable windbreaker
    • Thermal or fleece jacket
    • Waterproof jacket
    • 1 pair of sunglasses
    • 1 pair of cycling shoes
    • 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
    • 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
    • 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
    • Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
      • 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
      • Padded bib (chamois)
      • High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
      • Neck warmer and cap

    Bike maintenance

    • Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
    • Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads

    Other

    • A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
    • Street clothes
    • 1 pair of evening shoes
    • Fleece jacket for the evening
    • Toiletry bag
    • Telephone and charger

    Terms of payment and cancellation

    The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/

    Booking and payment

    • Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
    • Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.

    Cancellation of the Contract

    You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:

    Cancellation periodFees
    From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of

    100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer

    Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme 

    10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of

    120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer

     

    Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of

    150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer

    Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses)
    Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme75% of the total cost of the trip (including options)
    Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme100% of the total cost of the trip (including options)
    No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme

    You migh also be interested in

    Discover the must-have travel essentials in our newsletter!