Travelling back in time along the water... This is the spirit of this cycling trip, which has been specially designed for families. Each day the Burgundy Canal will lead you to new discoveries; the extraordinary Fosse Dionne, the majestic castles of Tanlay and Ancy-le-Franc, the Abbey of Fontenay, the Great Forge of Buffon, to finish at the famous site of Alésia. A safe and fun itinerary, with the rhythm of locks and medieval villages. Each evening you will be warmly welcomed and you will extend your journey with the culinary specialities of the region. A family cycling trip into another time that will amaze young and old alike.
You'll love
Family cycling on a safe route
The tranquillity of the canal and the charm of the villages you pass through
The discovery of the castles of Tanlay and Ancy-le-Franc
Plan to arrive at the end of the day. You will have the pleasure of strolling through the historic centre of Tonnerre, which is home to the amazing Fosse Dionne: a unique natural resurgence with turquoise waters... This natural wonder is magnificently set in a stone case, allowing you to get close and plunge your eyes into it.
If you want to stretch your legs, we recommend that you go up to visit the Church of St Peter, which dominates the town. You can also discover the imposing Hôtel-Dieu, the longest medieval hospital in Europe.
If you want to get a feel for the region, we recommend a wine tasting in Epineuil, and yes, you will be in Chablis territory!
Dinner and overnight stay in a guest house.
D2
From Tonnerre to Ancy-le-Franc
30 km. Duration around 3hrs.
At the foot of Tonnerre, runs the Canal de Bourgogne. It will be the main thread of your cycling tour. You will appreciate its calm and the flora and fauna that have developed there.
Throughout the day you will pass through medieval villages, with their churches, pigeon lofts and beautiful wash houses. Halfway through the tour, you will have the opportunity to visit the castle of Tanlay, one of the most beautiful castles of Renaissance architecture in Burgundy. We also advise you to stop at the Forest of the Green Giants, a magical place.
Dinner and overnight stay in a guest house or family hotel
D3
From Ancy-le-Franc to Montbard
30 km. Duration about 3hrs.
Before heading back to Montbard, take the time to visit the magnificent Château d'Ancy le Franc, a true Renaissance palace, an authentic place combining history, culture and nature that will appeal to the whole family. For the rest of the day, you will get on your bikes and ride along the canal. You will have the opportunity to leave the greenway for a moment to discover the charm of the surrounding villages. Between the churches, the superb Burgundy stone bridges and the Grande Forge in Buffon, this day will be an opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the Burgundy region while strolling along the water.
Dinner and night in a 3* hotel.
D4
Around Montbard
35km. About 3.5hrs.
The itinerary will take you first to the Abbaye de Fontenay, the oldest preserved Cistercian abbey, a masterpiece. Then you will go down the Canal de Bourgogne to reach the famous site of Alesia where the statue of Vercingetorix is located! We advise you to visit the MuseoPark and, if your legs allow it, to climb the hill where the battle took place.
The return to Montbard can be done by direct train or by bike if you wish.
Dinner and night in a 3* hotel.
D5
Departure
After breakfast, you will take the train to Tonnerre to return to your vehicle.
If you are travelling by public transport, do not hesitate to let us know, we will adapt this service.
*Rates based on a room shared with two adults. Single-parent families, please contact us.
What's included?
4 night half board basis in guest houses and 3* hotel
Train ticket: Montbard - Venarey-les-Laumes
Train ticket: Montbard - Tonnerre
Detailed roadbook and maps.
Updated GPS tracks.
Logistical and technical support.
Baggage transfer
Optional
Bike rental from :
Bike for adult or junior (from 1m45) : 110 €
MTB for child (under 1m45) : 75 €
Trailer bike or bike cart for child : 75 €
Child seat : 10 €
Electric power bike rental for adult or junior (from 1m45) : 160 €
Extra night in Montbard : on request
What's not included?
The various possible visits on your route (castles, abbeys, museums)
Beverages and extras
Entrance fees for the suggested visits
Round trip from your home to the first accommodation on the route
Optional insurance
Characteristics of circuits
Family cycling holiday going from place to place.
Daily stages around 30km at your own pace.
Towpath and quiet little country roads
Suitable for country bikes
Organisation
These holidays are much more about relaxed exploration than athletic performance. Your roadbook will guide you from beginning to end, and we provide the logistical and technical support necessary.
On longer holidays you change accommodation every other day, which gives you the chance to better explore your surroundings or simply take your time and relax...
N.B : the accommodation described above is given as an indication and may vary according to availability at the moment your reservation is finalized.
Access
By car
Highway A6 exit Nitry or Auxerre Sud
By air
Paris airports or Lyon St-Exupéry airport
By train
Tonnerre railway station. The accommodation is at 10mn on foot.
Comments
Global note
4.7
Very beautiful stay, good choice of itinerary and partners
Translate from french
Encore un GRAND merci pour ce séjour. Comme toujours nous avons vécu de vraies vacances très confortables, pleines de découvertes, d'expériences, d'aventures ! A bientôt !
Excellent séjour en famille en Bourgogne le long du canal. Toute la famille a adoré cette nouvelle expérience. A renouveler dès que possible !
Trois générations, 8 personnes dont 3 enfants - Un beau parcours; nous fûmes enchantés.
Nous avons passé un séjour génial grâce à Safrantours. Parcours dépaysant et adapté aux enfants, hébergements accueillants, matériel parfait. Nous avons hâte de programmer notre prochain séjour à vélo !
Pour une première balade à vélo, ce fut une vraie réussite. Bravo pour les propositions de visites, le service bagages et les chambres d'hôtes. Nous repartirons avec Safran avec plaisir.
Nous avons passé un très agréable séjour en famille avec nos deux adolescents. Les itinéraires sont faciles à suivre et agréables.
Une très belle aventure en famille, avec des étapes variées permettant de contenter petits et grands (dégustation de vins, déambulation poétique, châteaux, exposition LEGO®, MuséoParc Alésia). Beaucoup de rigolade et de bons souvenirs.
Une très belle expérience avec la famille et Safrantours. Un séjour bucolique le long du canal de Bourgogne en vélo avec des journées torrides. la famille se souviendra de la montée à Alizée Sainte Reine pour découvrir la statue de Vercingétorix. On a recherché fraicheur et quiétude chez Chanoine Kir. Merci Safrantours.
Safran went in search of new horizons. We were attracted by the Mayenne and its tempting towpath. Here was a cycling route perfect for those, big and small, who enjoy peddling on the flat in perfect safety!
An unspoilt band of greenery stretches 85…
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