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7 day Independent tour
ALONG THE CANAL DE BOURGOGNE AND CANAL DU NIVERNAIS IN BURGUNDY
All along this tour you will enjoy pleasurable cycling along the canals 'de Bourgogne' and 'du Nivernais. A peaceful trip among beautiful landscapes, passing by vineyards and farms, as well as small charming villages and cities of art and history. A rendezvous with nature, heritage and gastronomy.
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DAY TO DAY ITINERARY
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Day 1: Individual arrival in Montbard, in Burgundy
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Adjustment and distribution of the bikes and route notes.
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Day 2: Montbard - Tonnerre (64 km)
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During your cycle trip along the romantic Canal de Bourgogne, you will pass the castle Renaissance “ Ancy-le-Franc” constructed by the architect Serlio in the 17th century and the castle Renaissance “ Tanlay “. Arrival in Tonnerre.
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Day 3: Tonnerre - Joigny (56 km)
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Before you leave Tonnerre you really have to visit the Hotel Dieu, the former hospital from the 13th century. Here the sick and needy could be housed and cared for. Don’t miss visiting the wash-house from Tonnerre. Back to the Canal de Bourgogne you will cycle in a landscape which changes between vineyards and fields. Hotel in Joigny, a small town which has preserved its numerous halftimbered houses and churches.
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| Day 4: Joigny - Accolay (54 km) |
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From Joigny it isn’t so far to the beautiful town Auxerre. Its historical town centre, stretched along the Yonne River, has been classified in its entirety as a protected site, with its numerous half-timbered houses and its picturesque clocktower.
Then you continue your cycling tour along the Canal du Nivernais. One more and important stop you have to make at the Caves de Bailly. Here you will taste the famous Crémant de Bourgogne before heading to Accolay.
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Day 5: Accolay - Clamecy (44 km)
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Along the Canal du Nivernais the cycle trip passes along the “Log Floaters Route “which was very important in the Middle Ages, as the Morvan Forest produced the wood for Paris. They transported the wood by floating.
Exceptional landscapes with charm.
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Day 6: Clamecy - Avallon (49 km)
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After leaving the waters edge, via small villages and on side roads you will reach today's destination Vézelay. One of Burgundy’s finest landscapes, with a stop in Vézelay and its Sainte-Madeleine Basilica, a Romanesque art masterpiece listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. During the Middle Ages, Vézelay was a major pilgrimage site and a special halt on the Pilgrims Way to Compostella. The mediaeval town with its fortifications is dominated by its Basilica.
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Day 7: Journey home or extension of stay
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You will be picked up at the hotel and transferred back to your car in Montbard or to the train station.
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PRICE & DETAILS
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| Price & Schedule |
DEPARTURE DATES:
Departs every day from late March to mid-November
| Price per person CAD |
$950 |
| Single Supplement |
$285 |
| Half board meal supplement (4-course dinners) |
$275 |
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| Included: |
- Accommodation in a small family run inns and hotels, all rooms with private facilities
- Breakfast buffet or extended breakfast each day
- Transfer Avallon-Montbard
- Luggage transport from hotel to hotel
- 1 wine tasting of Crémant de Bourgogne in Bailly
- Modern hybrid bicycle from Giant, with 18 gears, lock, lights,and pannier.
- Detailed route guidance, detailed travel material (route or overview maps, route description, & important telephone numbers)
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| Rate: |
EASY TO MODERATE: Flat contour along the river bank and quiet country trails. A few hills are encountered, particularly in the vineyards. You cycle mostly on dedicated cycle paths and some quiet country roads. Suitable for novices, families and experienced cyclists alike.
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| Airport / Transfers |
The nearest airport is Dijon however it is quite small. You may also take the TGV express train from Paris (2 hours), at a cost of approx. $75 one way. Another good option is Basel/Mulhouse Airport on the Swiss border.
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Tours 
