BICYCLE TOURS & MOUNTAIN BIKING

Abbeys and Vineyards Cycling

What you'll see...
Starting from historic Auxerre (a lovely medieval city full of interest), it’s easy, undemanding cycling through a fascinating landscape of hidden villages, water meadows, woodlands and vineyards. Then, following the course of the Yonne, enjoy pleasant meanderings in and out of villages and woodlands, with swimming possibilities on the way to Ligny (and at the riverside beach when you get there). Highlights include Chablis, where wine has been made for over a millenium; the celebrated stained glass at St Etienne; the ancient crypt at the abbey of St Germain; and the early Gothic Abbey of Pontigny.

Tour Details

Day 1: Arrive at Auxerre
One of France's prettiest medieval cities, on the banks fo the Yonne. Two Gothic churches: the Cathedral of St Etienne (13th century and 16th century with magnificent stained glass windows) and the Abbey of St Germain (13th century and 14th century and 19th century crypt).

Day 2: Auxerre to Ligny-le-Chatel 29km/16mi
Leaving Auxerre, it's flat gentle cycling along the river Yonne and through the forest of St Germain to Seignelay (scene of the 8th century defeat of the Saracens; castle remains; fine market hall; pretty views over the Serein). Perhaps travel via the magnificent Abbey at Pontigny (which gave sanctuary to Thomas a Beckett) to Ligny-le-Chatel.

Day 3: At Ligny-le-Chatel
Originally, this was the roman Lanniacum Castrum. Later, Marguerite de Bourgogne lived here. See the Church of St Peter and St Paul (Romanesque on the inside, Renaissance outside). It's just a 10km/6mi cycle to the small village of Chablis, almost entirely given over to the production of the world's most celebrated white wine - lots of tasting opportunities! Or visit Pontigny, reputed to be home of the greatest Cistercian abbey in the country.

Day 4: Ligny to Accolay 39 km/22mi
A longer cycling day today as you pedal from one little wine village to another - but Breakaway Adventures has planned your route to ensure lots of time for stopping along the way! After a gentle climb to Courgis - lovely picnic spot, stunning views - it's downhill through Chitry and St Bris-le-vineux to the River Yonne and along the towpath to Accolay.

Day 5: At Accolay
Perhaps walk (or take your bike on the train) to Arcy-sur-Cur (10km/6mi) and visit the celebrated caves, and intriguing Manoir de Chastenay. Then perhaps cycle to Vezelay, a fortified medieval town, from where St Bernard of Clairvaux launched the second crusade. Or take the gentle towpath to Mailly la Ville where you can swim at the riverside "beach" or watch canal boats coming in and out of the adjacent port.

Day 6: Accolay to Auxerre 25km/14mi
Today's undemanding route takes you along the towpath towards Auxerre. Picnic on the banks of the Yonne, or go via Irancy - the views are absolutely stunning - and visit the amazing underground Bailly caves where Cremant sparkling wines are made. There is lots of time to explore historic Auxerre; abbey, cathedral, shops, etc as well as superb indoor and outdoor swimming complexes.

Day 7: Leave Auxerre
You will be taken to the Auxerre railway station after breakfast.

• Easy cycling: vineyards, meadows, and beautiful riverside trails.
• Historic Auxerre, one of the prettiest medieval towns in France.
• Early Gothic abbey of Pontigny.
• Two superb Renaissance chateaux, and the Abbey at Vezelay.
• Wine-tasting in Chablis, Coulanges and Irancy.
• Superb for foodies and wine lovers!

Level of Difficulty:
Longest day 12-18 miles/20-30 km, and hardly any hills. Easy cycling for everyone. Longer route options available for the energetic.

Independent Tours:
Independent tours allow you to follow any route you choose using maps and detailed notes. Breakaway Adventures suggests routes using quiet country lanes, and going by the places they think are most interesting. There are route options for avoiding hills, and suggestions for detours and off-road explorations.

"Independent" doesn't mean unsupported, though. Local staff will greet you at the train station and take you by mini-van to the first hotel. You'll attend a briefing session, where your Breakaway Adventures representative will fit you with your bike, tell you all about the things to see and do, and help you map out a route if you have a special side trip you'd like to make. During the briefing session, you'll also have a chance to meet any other travelers who are booked on the tour. Although the tours are not intended as a group experience, people often make friends on these independent tours and enjoy the opportunity to meet others - but if you’re not so inclined you're free to travel at your own pace. There are rarely more than six or eight people on any independent cycling tour, so you can be as sociable, or otherwise, as you choose.

On independent tours, you move on between hotels every two days: your luggage is transported for you, so you don't need to carry a lot in your panniers (provided). In-between days are an opportunity for exploring locally, with the help of detailed maps and notes. You can cycle on the off days, or just opt for relaxation!

On independent tours Breakaway Adventure’s staff clean and carefully check every bike before it goes out, so don't expect many problems. If anything does go wrong, your rep come out to your hotel and put it right. And your Breakaway Adventure reps are only a phone call away if you have any problems! They’ll also give you a puncture repair kit. Due to hygiene and safety concerns, cycling helmets are not provided. However, it is strongly recommended that you bring your own cycling helmet.