Places to Cycle Along the Burgundy Canal

Chateauneuf-en-Auxois

Towards the southern end of the cruise route, less than a kilometre from the canal, lies the picturesque town of Chateuneuf-en-Auxois. On a cycle along the Burgundy Canal, you’ll reach the town after a short ride up a gentle hill, where spectacular vistas await! 

Chateuneuf-en-Auxois commands attractive views of the countryside and the canal. Complete with historic houses and a chateau dating back to the 12th century, the historic, calm, yet invigorating atmosphere of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois is very much in keeping with the laid-back spirit of a luxury barge cruise holiday.

Should you wish to go further, a little less than two kilometres north of the town is the Panthier reservoir. Mirror-smooth and often bathed in clear mountain sunlight, it’s well worth visiting for a swim and perhaps lunch at the nearby hotel restaurant. It’s then only a short downhill cycle back to the canal and the comfort of your boat.

Morvan Forest

A few kilometres further north on your cycle along the Burgundy Canal, the canal draws very close to a national park. Disembarking at Villeneuve-sous-Charigny, a four-kilometre ride will bring you to the eastern edge of Morvan Forest. Depending on your pace, you’ll be able to enjoy the forest’s softly rolling hills and idyllic fields.

Perhaps one for a more experienced cyclist, a medium-length 15km route can see you skim the outer edge of the park, whereas a slightly longer 25km route might have you follow the banks of the Serein for a little while before returning to the vessel. These routes are highly recommended if you prefer a little more activity.

Tonnerre

The northern end of the canal passes through the town of Tonnerre. Larger than Chateauneuf-en-Auxois, it’s nonetheless very much worth a visit on a cycle along the Burgundy Canal, and requires no additional travel to reach.

Dotted with tree-lined boulevards, narrow alleys and ups and downs to keep the ride interesting, Tonnerre features a handful of restaurants and shops along its main road.

It’s also worth cycling out to the tucked away Le Saint Père for a drink. The town’s pleasant river crossings and houses make for a slightly more urban environment without breaking the remote feel of a luxury barge cruise.

Bike and Barge Cruise Highlights

Looking for the perfect holiday to combine sightseeing and cycling? Bike and barge cruises do just that. With our specialty cycling cruises, you’ll experience some of France’s scenic waterways and enjoy private daily excursions to lesser-known regional gems. We offer bike and barge tours in France, but you can arrange private tours of other areas if you so desire.

Burgundy and the Loire Valley make for some of the most picturesque destinations in France, with stunning scenery to enjoy and a range of cycle paths to explore. Ride alongside the gorgeous canals and rivers and see the French countryside in a whole new way.

Exclusive Burgundy Bike and Barge Cruises

Don’t forget that these are just suggestions: the best part of taking a bicycle ride on a luxury barge cruise is being able to get off and explore wherever you’d like.

Remember to always ensure you can find your way back to the boat and know your limits with regards to speed and stamina, and you’ll have fun exploring both land and water on your hotel barge holiday.

Have you heard about our Biking Cruises? Click here to find out more!

FAQs

Is burgundy good for cycling?

Burgundy weather is warm in the afternoons from May through September, and thus these are the best months for cycling. Some rain can be expected every few days, totalling about 6 to 8 centimeters (2 to 3 inches) a month.

What is a Bike and Barge Cruise?

Our Bike and Barge cruises allow you to enjoy time to explore the region you’re visiting by bicycle with the assistance of a knowledgeable local guide throughout. These cruises enjoy the use of our hybrid barge bicycles each day.