France: Vineyards of Beaujolais

6 days
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Self-Guided / Independent Tour
VBT knows Beaujolais like the back of our hand—and it shows. From the moment you meet your VBT Local host, you’ll feel like a Beaujolais insider—enjoying 24/7 support when you need it, and independence when you don’t. On this splendid self-guided adventure, VBT reveals the scenic routes and hidden vineyard chateaux that took us years of pedaling to discover. ...
From$2,995
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Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Cycle among the iconic vineyards of Beaujolais, coasting through charming wine villages producing some of France’s great wines.
    • Explore the renowned wine appellations and stunning stone villages of Pouilly-Fuissé, Saint-Amour, and Romaneche-Thorins.
    • Ride into Cluny, once the world’s epicenter of Christianity, and view its 10th-century abbey.
    • Sample fine Chardonnays when you pause in the village that gave the white wine its name.
    • Savor the luxurious amenities and stunning settings of two four-star Beaujolais châteaux, where gourmet meals and home-produced wines elevate your vacation.

What's this trip about?

    VBT knows Beaujolais like the back of our hand—and it shows. From the moment you meet your VBT Local host, you’ll feel like a Beaujolais insider—enjoying 24/7 support when you need it, and independence when you don’t. On this splendid self-guided adventure, VBT reveals the scenic routes and hidden vineyard chateaux that took us years of pedaling to discover. Along the way, spin through charming medieval villages in Viré-Clessé, Pouilly-Fuissé, and Les Pierres Dorées—where you can sample some of the world’s finest vintages. Savor two included dinners—one prepared in the kitchen of Michelin-starred chef Georges Blanc. Revel in the opulence of French chateaux during a stay in not one, but two, castle hotels—including one with an on-site oenothèque and the luxury of French hospitality at its finest.

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeIndependent
Age range13 to 80 years
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityParis
End CityLyon

Travel Themes

  • Culinary & Wine
  • Cultural
  • Cycling & Biking
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Attractions

  • Lyon
  • Paris

Activities

  • Culture
  • Cycling
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Self-Guided & Independent

Trip includes

    • Custom VBT Bike and Helmet
    • Two Local, Bilingual Trip Leaders
    • Support Vehicle
    • Luggage Transportation
    • Ride with GPS and Daily Route Notes
    • Welcome Reception
    • Facilitated Cultural Experiences
    • Your Choice of VBT Branded Gear for Your Adventure

Itinerary

Travel Map
DAY 1: VBT Self-Guided Bicycle Vacation begins / Welcome Orientation / Mâcon and Saône river bike path

We suggest arriving in France at least one day prior to the tour start date. Make your own independent travel arrangements to Mâcon.

Today’s ride into the Beaujolais region – nestled in South Burgundy – provides a preview of this scenic area renowned for its cu...

DAY 2: Mâcon to Viré or Mâcon to Chardonnay / Stay Put Day

If you wish, take today to explore the Burgundian city of Mâcon. Stroll its cobbled streets, stopping at any of its inviting cafés to drink up the old-world atmosphere. The city is home to an array of churches of all sizes, from the Old Mâcon Cathedral to the newer Ca...

DAY 3: Mâcon to Cluny to Igé / Move on Day

After breakfast, you depart Mâcon on a dedicated bike path, heading west on a gentle uphill out of the Saône River Valley. Your destination is the historic town of Cluny, the center of Christianity in the Middle Ages. The former abbey here was established by William I...

DAY 4: Igé to Belleville-en-Beaujolais / Move on Day

Depart Igé and pedal into the heart of the finest vineyards of Beaujolais. Choose an easy or a more challenging ride, each one delivering you to the appellations and villages. Ride into Pouilly-Fuissé, whose only grape variety is the Chardonnay. And pass through the t...

DAY 5: Loop through Golden Villages / Stay Put Day

Spend today as you wish, taking advantage of the amenities and vinicultural offerings at your château, exploring more of Belleville or heading out on your choice of several exhilarating rides. Or enjoy a little of each!

If you choose to cycle, select from two r...

DAY 6: VBT Self-Guided Bicycle Vacation ends

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Check-out is at 10:00 a.m. Your tour concludes here, and you may make your arrangements to your next destination. If you are flying home, note that airline schedules might prevent you from departing for the U.S. today. Please check airli...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,995
Price per day$499
Last Updated: 3/29/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with VBT Bicycling Vacations.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

VBT Bicycling Vacations Reviews & Ratings

4.9/5  Excellent
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Tour Operator

VBT Bicycling Vacations

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Since 1971, VBT has crafted immersive and authentic biking vacations for active travelers. When you travel with VBT, you’re not just another tourist—you’re a traveler. With us, you’ll experience your destination with the help of a local, bilingual trip leader with a passion for sharing their home with you. You’ll eat in local restaurants, stay in accommodations that have been family-owned for generations and cycle through vineyards, olive groves, and medieval villages. 


With VBT, you won’t just visit a place—you’ll immerse yourself in it. You might follow a centuries-old pasta recipe while taking a cooking class in Rome—or learn a folk dance in Croatia, followed by sharing a bottle of locally-produced Grk wine with your new friends. Exploring the world on two wheels lets you experience your surroundings on a deeper level.

 

VBT offers exceptional value without compromising on quality. Simply put, no other US-based active travel company offers an experience this rich for such a reasonable price. On our tours, you can see more sights, have more local experiences, and enjoy more delicious, authentic meals—all while staying in high-quality, boutique hotels and charming, family-run inns.

 

All you have to do is show up at the airport—we’ll handle the rest! From tour consultants who help you find the perfect vacation to expert local trip leaders who show you the best place for gelato, we take care of all the little details that make your trip memorable. We book your flights, arrange all your transportation and accommodations, and move your luggage between hotels. Our support vans are available to give you a lift up a hill or quickly fix a flat tire. VBT takes care of your travel details and creates unique itineraries so you can relax and enjoy your small-group vacation from start to finish.

 

Friendly camaraderie, cultural immersion, and casual comforts are the hallmarks of our vacations. Discover delightful people, beautiful hotels, foreign cultures, and fascinating lifestyles that will enrich your life and provide memories for years to come.

What they’re known for
VBT Cycling are renowned for offering exceptional guided and self-guided bicycle tours worldwide.

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Logistics

Accommodation

5 nights at a boutique hotel and 2 historic château hotels

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

7 meals: 5 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Age Requirements
13 to 80 years
Additional Information

This tour offers a combination of easy terrain and moderate hills and is ideal for beginner and experienced cyclists. Rides are on flat to rolling paved roads and some bike lanes. Urban riding in and out of the small city of Mâcon is mainly on bike lanes and bike paths. Country roads have little traffic in the middle of the day. Please verify your bike selection for this tour, as it is not always possible to change bikes once you arrive on tour. Travel with your friends and family—we can accommodate multiple guests on this self-guided vacation. Our 24/7 support system is available if needed.

Daily Mileage: 17 - 37 miles| Biking: 2 - 4 hours

Trip ID
vbt-vbt-FrVi

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