Exploring France's famed wine region

Taste of Burgundy (Bike and Barge)

Tour Description: Guided

Who wouldn't like to taste the Burgundy way of life? The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Burgundy are delicious wines, impressive castles, rolling landscapes, old monasteries and so much more.

Starting in the capital of Burgundy, Dijon, you follow the Canal of Burgundy and the Saône River until you reach the wine town of Macon. The scenery changes from small villages and rolling hills to lively and attractive historical towns like Beaune and Chalon sur Saône. Several times you may dream away when you travel by barge on the Saône River!

Learn more about guided tours.

Tour Description: Self-guided

Who wouldn't like to taste the Burgundy way of life? The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Burgundy are delicious wines, impressive castles, rolling landscapes, old monasteries and so much more.

Starting in the capital of Burgundy, Dijon, you follow the Canal of Burgundy and the Saône River until you reach the wine town of Macon. The scenery changes from small villages and rolling hills to lively and attractive historical towns like Beaune and Chalon sur Saône. Several times you may dream away when you travel by barge on the Saône River!

Learn more about guided tours.

Highlights: Guided

• Wine tasting of Burgundy's wines
• Cruise by boat on the Saône River
• The pearls of Burgundy: Dijon and Beaune
• Abbey Les Citeaux
• Several guided city walks

Highlights: Self-guided

• Wine tasting of Burgundy's wines
• Cruise by boat on the Saône River
• The pearls of Burgundy: Dijon and Beaune
• Abbey Les Citeaux
• Several guided city walks

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1: Arrival in Dijon
Arrival in the afternoon in Dijon, the beautiful capital of Burgundy. You embark and will meet the crew and your tour leader. For tours starting at Tournus, arrive at Dijon station for an included transfer to Tournus.
Overnight in Dijon.

Day 2: Dijon (12 miles/20 km)
In the morning you make a short cycle ride in the northwest Dijon region. Halfway in the afternoon you'll get the chance to discover Dijon by way of a special city walk.
Overnight in Dijon.

Day 3: Dijon - Longecourt en Plaine (28 miles/45 km)
The day starts with a small sailing trip to and through the first two locks in the Burgundy Canal. You walk back to the bicycles and pedal pass the beautiful abbey of Citeaux. Your trip ends in the village of Longecourt en Plaine.
Overnight in Longecourt en Plaine.

Day 4: Longecourt en Plaine - St. Jean de Losne (28 miles/45 km)
Across small roads and forestries you cycle across some pretty villages to the pretty town of Auxonne at the River Saône. Later you follow the river to St. Jean de Losne where the Burgundy Canal joins the River Saône. Here we visit the Musée de la Batellerie.
Overnight in St. Jean de Losne.

Day 5: St. Jean de Losne - Verdun sur les Doubs (34 miles/55 km)
Today you will visit the beautiful fortified town of Beaune, also known for its many tasteful wines (Cote d’Or). Your tour leader will take you on a stroll through the town and you will have time to visit for example the church ‘Collegiale Notre-Dame’ or the museum of the Burgundy wines. In the small town of Verdun sur les Doubs, the barge will await you.
Overnight in Verdun sur les Doubs.

Day 6: Verdun sur les Doubs - Chalon sur Saône (15 miles/25 km)
You start cycling to the beautiful fortified town of Beaune, also known for its many tastefull wines (Côte d’Or). Your tour leader will take you on a stroll through town and you will have time to visit for example the church ‘Collegiale Notre-Dame’, the Hôtel Dieu or the Museum of Burgundy Wines. After the visit to Beaune you go by train to Chalon sur Saône, a port town located at the Saône river and the Canal du Centre.
Overnight in Chalon sur Saône.

Day 7: Chalon sur Saône - Tournus (34 miles/55 km)
You leave Chalon and hit an old railway track, now a cycle path. In Buxy you visit a winery in an old tower. The trip continues by descending to the River Saône and then ends in the town of Tournus. Here you find the beautiful St. Philibert Church, which is certainly worth a visit. The abbey dating from the 10th century has a beautiful architecture and is one of the oldest in France.
Overnight in Tournus.

Day 8: Depart from Dijon
End of your holiday at 9:00 and transfer by train to Dijon. Tours starting at Tournus, of course end in Dijon and therefore do not include another transfer.

Start and End point: Even though the tour operates between Dijon and Tournus one week, and between Tournus and Dijon the next week; the tour includes transfers between Tournus and Dijon at the end of the week, or between Dijon and Tournus at the start of the week, as appropriate. So effectively the tour starts and ends at Dijon.

Departures from Dijon:

Apr 27
May 11
May 25
Jun 8
Jun 22
Jul 20
Aug 3
Aug 17
Aug 31
Sep 14
Sep 28  

Departures from Tournus: 

May 4
May 18
Jun 1
Jun 15
Jun 29
Jul 27
Aug 10
Aug 24
Sep 7
Sep 21
Oct 5 

Daily Program: Self-guided

Dates: Guided

Saturdays: Sep 15- Oct 6, 2012; and Apr 27- Jun 29; Jul 20- Oct 5, 2013

2013 Departures from Dijon:

Apr 27
Jun 8
Jul 20
Aug 3
Aug 17

2013 Departures from Tournus: 

May 4
Jun 1
Jul 27
Aug 10
Aug 24
Oct 5 

Dates: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Tour package (guided)
When you book, please enter the citizenship and birthdate of each person in the "Comments" section of the booking form.
Per person, double occupancy €829 Single cabin supplement (1 person/1 cabin) €148 Bike rentals Rental bike insurance (optional) €18 Discount for using own bike €20

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Included Services: Guided

• Full board ( breakfast, packed lunch, 3-courses meal)
• Tour leader for cycle tours and city walks; multilingual; English, German and Dutch
• Bike with 24 gears and saddlebag
• Info booklet
• Transfer between Dijon and Tournus (or Tournus and Dijon) depending on tour direction
• City walks
• Visit to a museum, monastery or castle
• Tasting of Burgundy wines

Included Services: Self-guided

Boats: Guided

2013 tours on the NEW Barge: Anna Maria V!

During the winter of 2012/13, the Anna- Maria V will be converated into a modern hotel barge with 9 double cabins, each with private facilities. Each cabin will be equipped with split level beds (no bunk beds!).

ON the sun deck of the ANNA-MARIA V there's enough place to be seated. From here you will have a wonderful view at the landscape passing by.

Boats: Self-guided

2013 tours on the NEW Barge: Anna Maria V!

During the winter of 2012/13, the Anna- Maria V will be converated into a modern hotel barge with 9 double cabins, each with private facilities. Each cabin will be equipped with split level beds (no bunk beds!).

ON the sun deck of the ANNA-MARIA V there's enough place to be seated. From here you will have a wonderful view at the landscape passing by.

Bike Rentals: Guided

Hybrid touring bike with 24 gears and saddlebags. 

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

Hybrid touring bike with 24 gears and saddlebags. 

Surface and Terrain: Guided

The tour follows mainly hard-packed riverside paths, sometimes muddy and asphalt surfaced quiet roads through villages and vineyards. There will be some moderate hills through the vineyards.

This tour is rated Leisurely and is for cyclists in average physical condition.  

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

The tour follows mainly hard-packed riverside paths, sometimes muddy and asphalt surfaced quiet roads through villages and vineyards. There will be some moderate hills through the vineyards.

This tour is rated Leisurely and is for cyclists in average physical condition.  

Feedback: Guided

"We had a great time on the Sept 29 'Taste of Burgundy' tour. The Summerjazz crew was amazing, especially the cook, Annalise, who went to astonishing lengths to provide lovely lactose-free and gluten-free meals for my wife.

The guide, Hugo, was exceptional. Many times, his outgoing personality gained us entry into unscheduled, fascinating places, meeting local people just doing their jobs, and happy to share their world with us. He was truly a pleasure to follow.

The route provided a nice variety of history and scenery, and the daily bike mileage was about right for the crowd.  On the Seurre-to-Chalon day, we biked first to Beaune and then caught the train from Chagny to Chalon.

All logistics were effortlessly handled and, for the price, we felt this tour to be a VERY good value."
- Barry L.
2012  

"The Taste of Burgundy tour was a lot of fun. The crew and tour guide were great and we enjoyed our time with the other passengers. The food was well prepared and great. As opposed to our last tour, this trip was fully guided. The down side is trying to find a pace that 14 or 15 people can all keep. On our previous trip, we were given a map and directions and met up with our barge at the end of the day. During the day we would sometimes bike with others and sometimes on our own. I am sure some people like having the guide make all the decisions, but in the future I might look for a trip that is not so tightly 'led' or gives options for riding with the guide or separately."
- Vikki C.
2012 

"We had a marvelous time! The boat was comfortable, clean and the crew was just the right mix of friendly, interactive and background. The bikes were in great condition. The bike tour guide was delightful. Thanks for your help and support." 
-Katie T.
2011

Feedback: Self-guided

"We had a great time on the Sept 29 'Taste of Burgundy' tour. The Summerjazz crew was amazing, especially the cook, Annalise, who went to astonishing lengths to provide lovely lactose-free and gluten-free meals for my wife.

The guide, Hugo, was exceptional. Many times, his outgoing personality gained us entry into unscheduled, fascinating places, meeting local people just doing their jobs, and happy to share their world with us. He was truly a pleasure to follow.

The route provided a nice variety of history and scenery, and the daily bike mileage was about right for the crowd.  On the Seurre-to-Chalon day, we biked first to Beaune and then caught the train from Chagny to Chalon.

All logistics were effortlessly handled and, for the price, we felt this tour to be a VERY good value."
- Barry L.
2012  

"The Taste of Burgundy tour was a lot of fun. The crew and tour guide were great and we enjoyed our time with the other passengers. The food was well prepared and great. As opposed to our last tour, this trip was fully guided. The down side is trying to find a pace that 14 or 15 people can all keep. On our previous trip, we were given a map and directions and met up with our barge at the end of the day. During the day we would sometimes bike with others and sometimes on our own. I am sure some people like having the guide make all the decisions, but in the future I might look for a trip that is not so tightly 'led' or gives options for riding with the guide or separately."
- Vikki C.
2012 

"We had a marvelous time! The boat was comfortable, clean and the crew was just the right mix of friendly, interactive and background. The bikes were in great condition. The bike tour guide was delightful. Thanks for your help and support." 
-Katie T.
2011

How To Get There: Guided

Tour start and end
Nearest airport for Dijon: Paris
Nearest airport for Macon: Lyon or Paris

By train, Dijon is about 1.5 hours from Paris, and Macon is about 3.25 hours from Paris.

The tour starts and ends at Dijon rail station, with transfer to or from Tournus as appropriate. 

Tips for getting to and from your tour

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour start and end
Nearest airport for Dijon: Paris
Nearest airport for Macon: Lyon or Paris

By train, Dijon is about 1.5 hours from Paris, and Macon is about 3.25 hours from Paris.

The tour starts and ends at Dijon rail station, with transfer to or from Tournus as appropriate. 

Tips for getting to and from your tour

Weather: Guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information.

Weather: Self-guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information.

More About France: Guided

With more than 40,000 monuments and 6,000 museums, France's history and tradition continue to thrive in Western Europe's largest country. Along with its history, France is at the forefront of modern development, a leader among European nations. A country of contrasts, France provides opportunities for all interests. Fashion, art and elegance prosper in the dynamic cities of Paris, Lyon, and Nice. Outside the cities, a variety of landscapes stretch over the remaining 80% of the country.

France's hexagonal shape is defined by the English Channel and Atlantic on the western coast with the Pyrenees and Alps sitting on the southwest and southeast borders. The Mediterranean Sea runs along the southern coast with the Rhine River flowing beside the German border. Visitors exploring the cities or countryside can bask in France’s pleasant climate, enjoying the stylish life, local wine and cuisine.

More on bicycling in France > 

View all France bike tours >

More About France: Self-guided

With more than 40,000 monuments and 6,000 museums, France's history and tradition continue to thrive in Western Europe's largest country. Along with its history, France is at the forefront of modern development, a leader among European nations. A country of contrasts, France provides opportunities for all interests. Fashion, art and elegance prosper in the dynamic cities of Paris, Lyon, and Nice. Outside the cities, a variety of landscapes stretch over the remaining 80% of the country.

France's hexagonal shape is defined by the English Channel and Atlantic on the western coast with the Pyrenees and Alps sitting on the southwest and southeast borders. The Mediterranean Sea runs along the southern coast with the Rhine River flowing beside the German border. Visitors exploring the cities or countryside can bask in France’s pleasant climate, enjoying the stylish life, local wine and cuisine.

More on bicycling in France > 

View all France bike tours >

Tour Company Background: HAT Tours: Guided

HAT Tours is an independent Dutch travel organization that specializes in cycle holidays and barge cruises in Europe. Since 1990 to today, they offer their international clientele a wide choice in attractive, interesting and small-scale holidays.

Their main objective is a direct and personal contact with all their customers. HAT Tours is a family-owned company that offers both sailing trips on small passenger ships and cycle holidays in Europe.

Where is HAT located?
Purmerend, Holland 

In which countries do they offer tours?
Most European countries: Croatia, France, Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, Austria, and more!

What are some of HAT's special strengths?
- Cycle and sail holidays (also known as bike and barge holidays): Guided tours with a stay aboard an attractive and comfortable hotel barge

- Cycle and hotel holidays: Cycling in a relaxed way from one hotel to another with the help of detailed maps and an information pack

Tour Company Background: HAT Tours: Self-guided

HAT Tours is an independent Dutch travel organization that specializes in cycle holidays and barge cruises in Europe. Since 1990 to today, they offer their international clientele a wide choice in attractive, interesting and small-scale holidays.

Their main objective is a direct and personal contact with all their customers. HAT Tours is a family-owned company that offers both sailing trips on small passenger ships and cycle holidays in Europe.

Where is HAT located?
Purmerend, Holland 

In which countries do they offer tours?
Most European countries: Croatia, France, Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, Austria, and more!

What are some of HAT's special strengths?
- Cycle and sail holidays (also known as bike and barge holidays): Guided tours with a stay aboard an attractive and comfortable hotel barge

- Cycle and hotel holidays: Cycling in a relaxed way from one hotel to another with the help of detailed maps and an information pack

Terms and Conditions: HAT Tours: Guided

GENERAL CONDITIONS INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANTS
All bookings will be accepted on the basis of these conditions and terms.

1. If a reservation is cancelled each participant will be charged for cancellation costs. The following terms are valid:
a. on cancellation up to 56 days before the departure day: EUR. 35,00 subject to a maximum of 25% of the travel sum;
b. on cancellation less than 57 days and up to 28 days before departure: the down payment subject to a maximum of 25% of the travel sum;
c. on cancellation less than 29 days and up to 14 days before departure: 50% of the travel sum.;
d. on cancellation less than 15 days and up to the departure day: 75% of the travel sum;
e. on cancellation on the day the holiday commences or at ‘no show’: 100% of the travel sum;

2. Participants of bike and barge tours agree to observe the skipper’s orders for navigation and his rules forgood sailing. Regulations affixed aboard the ship are to be observed as such. Participants acceptresponsibility for their actions for the duration of the tour.

3. During bike and barge tours the skipper is entitled to change the place of departure/arrival according to hisown judgement in case of heavy fog, stormy weather or other urgent circumstances. HAT Tours nor theskipper will be held responsible for damages as a result of bad weather conditions to participants nor to theirparaphernalia.

4. Participants of bike and barge tours will be liable for any wilful damage to the vessel and/or to any thirdparty. Third party insurance covers vessel and crew as well as passengers. Liability of participants is limitedto any wilful damage not recoverable or not being reimbursed by the insurance company. The ‘own risk’clause of the insurance policy is for account of participants.

5. HAT Tours is not liable for damages suffered by participants, unless such damages are due to default orgross negligence. Nor is HAT Tours liable for damages resulting subsequently.

6. Both parties of this contract are entitled to cancel this agreement immediately and without any legalconsequences, only if either or both parties would fail to fulfil his obligation pertaining to this agreement notwithstanding the right to claim full compensation. This clause is only valid if participants are not able tooffer a reasonable alternative.

7. Any costs/expenses incurred as a result of default by either party will be due and payable immediately ascompensation for resulting damages.

8. This agreement is governed by the law of the Netherlands. Any differences arising from this agreement are to be judged by the Court of Law at Amsterdam.

9. HAT Tours is entitled to cancel any bike and barge tour at the latest 14 days before the departure date, if there are less than 15 participants booked. In the case of such a cancellation, participants will not becompensated for any damage that may have occurred because of this cancellation. HAT Tours will only makea refund for any down payment that has been made for the tour concerned.

10. Surcharge fuel costs Bike& Barge Tours: In case fuel prices from 15th September of the previous yearwill raise more than 10%, HAT Tours preserves the right to charge a surcharge of max. Euro 20,00 a person.The surcharge is to be paid cash aboard at the beginning of the tour, after having been informed about thisupon arrival.

This contract has been translated into english. The original text in dutch will however prevail.

Terms and Conditions: HAT Tours: Self-guided

GENERAL CONDITIONS INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANTS
All bookings will be accepted on the basis of these conditions and terms.

1. If a reservation is cancelled each participant will be charged for cancellation costs. The following terms are valid:
a. on cancellation up to 56 days before the departure day: EUR. 35,00 subject to a maximum of 25% of the travel sum;
b. on cancellation less than 57 days and up to 28 days before departure: the down payment subject to a maximum of 25% of the travel sum;
c. on cancellation less than 29 days and up to 14 days before departure: 50% of the travel sum.;
d. on cancellation less than 15 days and up to the departure day: 75% of the travel sum;
e. on cancellation on the day the holiday commences or at ‘no show’: 100% of the travel sum;

2. Participants of bike and barge tours agree to observe the skipper’s orders for navigation and his rules forgood sailing. Regulations affixed aboard the ship are to be observed as such. Participants acceptresponsibility for their actions for the duration of the tour.

3. During bike and barge tours the skipper is entitled to change the place of departure/arrival according to hisown judgement in case of heavy fog, stormy weather or other urgent circumstances. HAT Tours nor theskipper will be held responsible for damages as a result of bad weather conditions to participants nor to theirparaphernalia.

4. Participants of bike and barge tours will be liable for any wilful damage to the vessel and/or to any thirdparty. Third party insurance covers vessel and crew as well as passengers. Liability of participants is limitedto any wilful damage not recoverable or not being reimbursed by the insurance company. The ‘own risk’clause of the insurance policy is for account of participants.

5. HAT Tours is not liable for damages suffered by participants, unless such damages are due to default orgross negligence. Nor is HAT Tours liable for damages resulting subsequently.

6. Both parties of this contract are entitled to cancel this agreement immediately and without any legalconsequences, only if either or both parties would fail to fulfil his obligation pertaining to this agreement notwithstanding the right to claim full compensation. This clause is only valid if participants are not able tooffer a reasonable alternative.

7. Any costs/expenses incurred as a result of default by either party will be due and payable immediately ascompensation for resulting damages.

8. This agreement is governed by the law of the Netherlands. Any differences arising from this agreement are to be judged by the Court of Law at Amsterdam.

9. HAT Tours is entitled to cancel any bike and barge tour at the latest 14 days before the departure date, if there are less than 15 participants booked. In the case of such a cancellation, participants will not becompensated for any damage that may have occurred because of this cancellation. HAT Tours will only makea refund for any down payment that has been made for the tour concerned.

10. Surcharge fuel costs Bike& Barge Tours: In case fuel prices from 15th September of the previous yearwill raise more than 10%, HAT Tours preserves the right to charge a surcharge of max. Euro 20,00 a person.The surcharge is to be paid cash aboard at the beginning of the tour, after having been informed about thisupon arrival.

This contract has been translated into english. The original text in dutch will however prevail.