What to do · Beaune
The Voie des Vignes by Bike, from Beaune to Meursault and Santenay among the Vines
Information
- From
- €19 person
- Duration
- 4 h
- Distance
- 22 km
- Season
- April to October is best; the lane is open all year
- Who it's for
- Anyone who rides a bike; on an electric one, effortless
The Voie des Vignes is the best day of the trip to Beaune: a paved lane just for bikes and walkers that leaves the town to the south and crosses, among the vines, the villages of some of Burgundy's best-known wines. To Santenay it is 22 km with little climbing, so anyone who rides a bike can do it, and with an electric one you hardly notice.
The route
You leave Beaune to the south and in a few kilometres you are in Pommard, with its château. Next comes Volnay and then Meursault, the village of the great whites. Beyond come Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet, already among the most expensive names in the vineyard, and at the end Santenay. Each village has wineries with a sign on the door; many only receive visitors by appointment.
You do not have to go to the end. To Meursault and back is about 18 km, a relaxed morning. To Santenay and back, about 44 km: a whole day with lunch on the way. The other option is to go one way only: Beaune, Meursault and Santenay have stations and bikes travel free on regional TER trains.
Bike hire
In Beaune, Bourgogne Randonnées hires bikes at 7 avenue du 8 Septembre: a leisure bike for €19 a day and an electric one for €39, with helmet and lock included. It is open every day, Sundays too, closing at midday. It has child equipment at €15 per item per day. Book the electric one in season.
Practical details
Bring water: between villages there is little shade. The lane is shared with walkers. For tasting, share or spit: alcohol limits apply on a bike too.
Tips
- Head south in the morning That way you reach Meursault before the hottest hours and return with the sun at your back.
- Come back by train if you get tired The bike goes free on the TER at Meursault or Santenay.
- Book the tasting beforehand The family wineries in the villages open by appointment.
Frequently asked questions
How many kilometres is the Voie des Vignes?
22 km from Beaune to Santenay, on a paved, almost flat lane.
Where can I hire a bike?
In Beaune, at Bourgogne Randonnées: €19 for a leisure bike and €39 for an electric one per day.
Can I come back by train?
Yes, from Meursault or Santenay; the bike goes free on the TER.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, if they already ride on their own or in a seat; the lane is separate from traffic.
As a familyWith teenagers
Who runs it
- Bourgogne RandonnéesLeisure bike for a day, with helmet, lock and puncture kit Visit their website
- Bourgogne RandonnéesElectric bike for a day, with helmet, lock and front bag Visit their website
