The best outdoor activities in Burgundy: nature, water, and adventure
The countryside of Burgundy is quilted with vineyards, woodlands, and meadows, and veined with rivers, making it a playground for outdoorsy types. More than 800 kilometres of car-free cycle and hiking routes squiggle their way across the region. Whilst, on the waterways, there are dozens of established kayaking routes. Just remember to pack your walking boots and swimsuit and you’ll be ready to experience all of the below during your boating holiday in Franche-Comté.
Did you know?
You can hire bikes through Le Boat so you can explore more of Burgundy’s wide-open countryside. Reserve them in advance, and they’ll be waiting for you onboard when you arrive. Learn more about Extras
Top hiking destinations in Burgundy
Roche de Solutré – Rock of Solutré
This mohawk-shaped rock crests a hilltop, a 40-minute bike ride along the Voie Verte from Mâcon. A four-kilometre walking trail, punctuated by information panels, coils to the top, from where you can survey miles of vine-lined, meadow-patched countryside.
At the foot of the rock, you’ll also find the Solutré Prehistory Museum and archaeological site, where you can discover more about the hunter gathers who settled in the area in the early Stone Age.
Grottes d'Azé – Azé caves
An hour’s bike ride from Mâcon, the Grottes d’Azé caves contain a listed prehistoric site. Within them, you’ll find the Thousand Bear Cave, where the bones of more than 5,000 bears were found, and The River Cave, which is the site of an underground waterway and a prehistoric human settlement. More than 800 metres of walkways tendril through the cave complex and guided tours are available in English.
Lac Kir, Dijon
Brushing the west edge of Dijon, this lozenge-shaped lake spills out for 1.5 kilometres. There’s a beach, tennis and volleyball courts, and barbecue area on its banks, and multiple walking trails lead away from the water – one of the best takes you into Combe a La Serpent, a steep-sided, tree-shaded valley where you can see orchids blooming in spring.
Getting there: Catch Bus 12 to Parc à Bateaux from the city centre. Journey time: around 20 minutes.
Montagne des Trois Croix
An hour’s walk through fields and forests from Santenay, the Mountain of the Three Crosses was an ancient Celtic worship site. Today, it’s topped by three cruciform sculptures and, at 521metres tall, it serves up 360 degree views of the region’s vineyards and red-rooved villages.
Beaune Côté Plage
Skimming the southern edge of Beaune, the Côté Plage delivers 14,000 square metres of grassy beaches and four natural swimming pools, one designed for children, one for water activities, another for swimming, and a final pool for diving. Pack a picnic or have lunch on the terrace of the Côté Resto café.
Cycling in Burgundy
Shadowing riverbanks, cutting through vineyards, and threading past lakes and natural parks, the cycle paths of Burgundy cover the length and breadth of the region. . These five main routes are well signposted and within easy reach of the Le Boat cruising routes.
La Voie Bleue
Moor at Auxonne, Seurre, Verdun sur-le Doubs, Chalon-sur-Saône, Tournus, or Mâcon and you can peddle along part the Voie Bleue, a 700 kilometre cycle path that traces the curves of the Saone and Moselle rivers. Making the most of towpaths, the route is largely flat, making it ideal for family bike rides.
La Voie des Vignes
The 22 kilometre Voie des Vignes cycle route squiggles from Santenay to Beaune, passing through the vineyards of Chassagne Montrachet, Puligny Montrachet, Meursault, Pommard and Volnay en route. Break up the journey with a glass of wine or a peach diabolo on a vineyard terrace.
La Voie Verte
Translated as the Green Way, this cycle trail shadows the Canal du Central from Chalon-sur-Saône to Chagny and then on to Santenay where it connects with the Voie des Vignes.
La Voie de Etangs
Connecting Chagny to Beaune, this 28 kilometre trail is known as The Way of the Ponds. It’s a low gradient route, which passes through natural spaces like the 200 hectare Etangs d’Or with its 16 swimming and fishing lakes, picnic areas, and birdwatching spots.
Take to the skies – hot air ballooning in Burgundy
The 18th century Château De Pommard vineyard, a 15-minute taxi ride from Chagny, is the launch pad for hot air balloon flights that float you over the vineyards and Medieval villages around Beaune. You’ll land to a glass of fizz, but if one glass isn’t enough, stick around for a guided tasting of Burgundian wines at the chateau itself – sessions start at 11am and run throughout the day.
In the saddle – horse riding in Burgundy
An hour’s bike ride from Dijon, Mountain Farm offers guided hacks through the vineyards and forests southwest of the city. End your experience with a charcuterie board and bottle of wine in the farm’s grounds.
The best places to kayak in Burgundy
Verdun sur le Doubs
Hire a kayak from riverside Guinguette La Plage in Verdun sur le Doubs to paddle across the confluence of the Doubs and Saone rivers and onwards along the Doubs itself. The riverbanks here are checkered with fields and shaded by tall plane trees, and birds like the brightly coloured European Bee Eater swirl through the skies.
Tournus
Tournus Canoe rents out both canoes and SUPs for 15 euros per half day. A choice of kayak routes is available, including a five kilometre paddle to nearby village of Le Villars, from where you can return by bike (Tournus Canoe will arrange the logistics).
Hook line and sinker – fishing in Burgundy
Etangs d’Or
Just south of Beaune and accessible via the Voie des Etangs cycle route from Chagny, the Etangs d’Or has 12 fishing lakes filled with pike, pikeperch, black bass, perch, and carp.
The Saône river
The Saône River is a popular spot for fishing thanks to its calm waters and rich biodiversity. Anglers can find a wide variety of species here, including pike, zander, carp, and catfish, making it appealing for both casual fishers and seasoned enthusiasts.
Be sure to check permit regulations before your visit.
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