Northern Burgundy Tour | Auxerre | E-Bikes only

Your Burgundy adventure begins in the lovely riverside town of Auxerre.

Embarkation and check-in start at 2:00 p.m., when your captain, crew, and tour leader welcome you aboard. After settling into your cabin, it’s time to get acquainted with your bike and make sure everything feels just right.

Following your first delicious dinner on board, head out for an evening stroll through Auxerre. Its old town is a delight, with narrow streets, colorful 16th-century half-timbered houses, and impressive church spires rising above the rooftops.

Be sure to admire the magnificent Saint-Étienne Cathedral, one of Burgundy’s Gothic treasures. It’s a wonderful introduction to the history, charm, and joie de vivre that await you this week.

Today is a wonderful day to enjoy Auxerre at your own pace. If you feel like taking it easy, you can spend the day wandering through this beautiful historic city, exploring its charming streets, lively squares, shops, and cafés.

For those eager to get back on the bike, there is the option to join your guide for another scenic ride through the surrounding countryside | 18/26 miles (28/41 km). Cycle along the Yonne River to visit the famous Caves de Bailly, known for its sparkling Crémant de Bourgogne and impressive underground limestone cellars.

Along the way, you’ll also pass through the nearby vineyards of Saint-Bris and Irancy, two well-known wine villages that offer a wonderful glimpse into Burgundy’s rich wine tradition. Art lovers may also enjoy a visit to the Chapelle de Bailly, home to the paintings of local artist Georges Hosotte.

Whether you choose a relaxed day in Auxerre or another ride through the vineyards, today offers the perfect balance of culture, scenery, and local flavors.

Our first ride takes us north through the beautiful Yonne River Valley, following the river through the peaceful Burgundy countryside.

Along the way, we’ll pass Migennes, where the Burgundy Canal meets the Yonne River, before continuing to picturesque Joigny.

With its narrow streets, ancient churches, and beautifully carved Renaissance houses, Joigny is full of character. It also has a long tradition of winemaking, which we’ll get to experience firsthand.

In the afternoon, we’ll cycle through the surrounding vineyards and stop for a tasting of some of Burgundy’s local wines. A perfect ending to our first day in the saddle!

After an energizing breakfast, we’ll begin with a scenic loop around Joigny before stopping in town for a well-deserved coffee.

From here, we continue through the peaceful Yonne countryside to Saint-Julien-du-Sault, where you can visit the impressive 13th-century Saint-Pierre Church and admire its beautiful stained-glass windows.

Our destination is Villeneuve-sur-Yonne, a lovely medieval town that remains wonderfully off the beaten path. Take some time to wander beneath its ancient gateway towers, stroll through its pretty gardens, and enjoy the town’s relaxed atmosphere as the sun sets over the Burgundy countryside.

Choose between two beautiful rides as we make our way toward Sens.

The shorter route follows the peaceful Yonne River, while the longer option climbs into the surrounding hills and rewards you with a visit to the Musée de la Pomme et du Cidre, where you can taste locally produced cider.

Our destination is Sens, one of the oldest towns in France and home to the magnificent Saint-Étienne Cathedral, considered the first great Gothic cathedral in France.

Those choosing the shorter ride will have extra time to explore the old streets, browse the shops, or simply relax at a café.

Dinner is on your own this evening, giving you the perfect opportunity to discover one of Sens’ local restaurants.

Before getting back on our bikes, we’ll spend some more time discovering historic Sens.

A local guide will take us inside the magnificent Saint-Étienne Cathedral, the first of France’s great Gothic cathedrals and an inspiration for many that followed.

Afterwards, choose your ride. The longer route winds through the beautiful green valley of the Oreuse, while the shorter option gives you more time to enjoy Sens before setting off. Both routes eventually lead to Pont-sur-Yonne, a charming riverside town where our barge awaits.

Our final day in the saddle takes us toward Montereau-sur-Yonne, beautifully situated where the Yonne and Seine rivers meet.

Here, you’ll have time to discover the historic center and visit the impressive Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Loup collegiate church, whose history stretches back nearly a thousand years.

From Montereau, we continue to the medieval town of Moret-sur-Loing, a picture-perfect finale to our cycling adventure. With its ancient gates, stone bridge, and lovely riverside setting, it’s easy to understand why Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley returned here again and again for inspiration.

Depending on the cruising schedule, we may sail to Montereau in the morning and begin our final bike ride from there. Either way, beautiful Moret-sur-Loing awaits at the end!

After one last breakfast on board, it is time to say goodbye to your crew and fellow travelers. Disembarkation takes place after breakfast until 9:00 a.m.

As you leave Moret-sur-Loing behind, you’ll take home memories of quiet rides beside the Yonne, medieval towns seemingly untouched by time, vineyard-covered hills, impressive cathedrals, and, of course, a glass or two of wonderful Burgundy wine.

More than anything, we hope you’ll remember the relaxed rhythm of this journey: cycling through the countryside, discovering a little piece of France around every corner, and ending each day back on board.

After a week here, it’s easy to understand why Burgundy has earned its reputation as the Land of Good Living. Au revoir et bon voyage!