By bike on the Route des Grands Crus: routes and practical tips for families
- Communication Les Suites Indivio
- Dec 18, 2025
- 9 min read
The Route des Grands Crus of Burgundy by bike is the ultimate family adventure. Between picturesque villages, panoramic views over UNESCO-listed vineyards, and gourmet breaks, this iconic 72-kilometre route offers a unique experience accessible to everyone. Whether you are staying in Beaune or in the surrounding Beaune countryside, follow our complete guide to plan your two-wheeled getaway with total peace of mind.
Why choose the Route des Grands Crus by bike with children?
The Voie des Vignes, the official name of this cycling route, has been specifically designed for families. The roads are mostly flat or gently rolling, paved, and lightly used by cars. The route follows small country roads and paths through the heart of the vineyards, offering optimal safety for cycling with children.
The major advantage? Flexibility. There is no need to do everything in one go. The cycle route can be divided into several sections of 15 to 20 kilometres, which is ideal for half-day or full-day outings depending on your children’s age and ability. Between pedal strokes, the many wine-growing villages invite cultural stops, gourmet breaks, and fun discoveries that help keep younger riders engaged.
Route from Beaune: heading south towards Santenay
The route: Beaune – Pommard – Meursault – Santenay (approx. 25 km)
If you are staying in our apartment in the heart of Beaune, you are ideally located to explore the Côte de Beaune, the southern section of the Route des Grands Crus. This route crosses some of the most famous Burgundy white wine appellations and offers postcard-worthy landscapes.
Departure from Beaune:Easily join the Voie des Vignes from the town centre. The route takes you out of Beaune heading south, following the old ramparts before diving into the vineyards. The first few kilometres are particularly pleasant, with open views over the medieval town and its famous Hospices with their glazed tile roofs.
Pommard (5 km):The first iconic stop, this compact wine-growing village is perfect for a break. Children enjoy spotting the Château de Pommard rising in the middle of the vineyards. You can loop around the village in just a few minutes and admire the beautiful limestone winemakers’ houses.
Meursault (10 km):Continue on to this star village of the Côte-d’Or, famous for having served as a filming location for the movie La Grande Vadrouille. Children love searching for the filming spots. The town hall, with its multicoloured glazed tiles, is a must for photos. It is also the perfect opportunity for a gourmet break in one of the village’s pastry shops.
Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet (18 km):These prestigious villages follow one another along the cycle route. The landscape changes slightly with the appearance of gentle hills. Small stone structures known as cabottes (winegrowers’ huts) appear around every bend, creating an authentic setting that children enjoy spotting.
Santenay (25 km):The end point of this section, Santenay offers a magnificent visual reward with views of the Montagne des Trois-Croix overlooking the vineyards. The village features a casino and a thermal spa, but above all an iconic windmill surrounded by vines, making it the perfect spot for a well-earned lunch break.
Extension option: the Greenway towards Nolay
From Santenay, adventurous families can branch off onto the Greenway that runs alongside the Canal du Centre. This quieter extension leads towards Nolay and passes through more wooded landscapes, offering welcome shade in summer. The terrain remains flat and safe, making it ideal for children.
Route from Montceau-et-Écharnant: heading for the Hautes-Côtes
The route: Montceau – Nantoux – Meloisey – Beaune (approx. 20 km)
From our family home in Montceau-et-Écharnant, you are in the heart of the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, a lesser-known yet equally charming region. This location provides an original starting point for joining the Route des Grands Crus via more athletic, rolling routes, or for exploring the Beaune backcountry.
The advantage of this location:You avoid the tourist crowds while enjoying varied landscapes that alternate between forests, vineyards, and unspoilt villages. The proximity to Beaune (around 15 kilometres) makes it easy to join the official Voie des Vignes, allowing you to explore either northwards (Pommard, Volnay) or southwards (Meursault, Santenay).
The ride to Beaune:Several routes are possible. The direct road via the D25 descends gradually through the Hautes-Côtes, offering beautiful views over the valley. For families with younger children, opt for secondary roads passing through Nantoux and Meloisey, which are less busy.
Villages to discover along the way:The 12th-century Templar church in Écharnant is well worth a visit before setting off (free and quick to see). Along the route, Mavilly-Mandelot offers a fun trail called “le sentier des calvaires et des cormiers”, where you can discover the largest service tree in France—an impressive sight for children.
Joining the Voie des Vignes:Once in Beaune, you can easily access the official cycle route and choose your direction. Head north to explore Pommard and Volnay (10–15 km round trip), or south towards Meursault and Santenay for a longer ride.
Northern option: Beaune – Aloxe-Corton – Nuits-Saint-Georges
For families staying in Montceau-et-Écharnant and wishing to explore the Côte de Nuits (the northern section), first reach Beaune and then head north. This stretch is considered the most prestigious, often referred to as the “Champs-Élysées of Burgundy.”
Aloxe-Corton (8 km from Beaune):The landscape changes with the appearance of the majestic Hill of Corton, topped with a small woodland. This “mountain of the three Grands Crus” (Corton, Corton-Charlemagne and Charlemagne) rises to 400 metres and provides a fascinating visual landmark for children. Vineyards climb its slopes, creating a spectacular natural amphitheatre.
Château du Clos de Vougeot (18 km):An iconic monument visible from afar, this medieval château surrounded by 50 hectares of vineyards impresses both young and old. Its silhouette seems to emerge from a sea of greenery. You can stop to admire the exterior and take memorable photos.
Nuits-Saint-Georges (28 km):The village that gave its name to the Côte de Nuits makes a great turning point. For more athletic riders, the Abbey of Cîteaux is located a few kilometres away in the plain (a 10 km detour), where monks still produce Le Cîteaux cheese.
How to rent family-friendly bikes
Options for all ages
The region is perfectly equipped for families wishing to explore the Route des Grands Crus by bike. Several rental companies offer equipment suited to every member of the family:
For toddlers (0–3 years):Baby seats can be fitted to the back of an adult bike. Most rental shops provide them free of charge, but be sure to book in advance as availability is limited. These seats are safe and comfortable, allowing young children to enjoy the ride without any effort.
For young explorers (3–6 years):Two-seater bike trailers are ideal. Towed behind an adult bike, they allow children to travel comfortably, protected from sun and wind. Expect to pay €15–25 per day. Some models even feature transparent windows so children can observe the scenery.
For young cyclists (7 years and up):Children’s bikes in various sizes are available for rent (€10–17 per day). Please note that these bikes are generally not electric-assisted, but as the route is mostly flat, it remains accessible for children who are used to cycling.
For adults:Opt for electric-assisted bikes (e-bikes) if you are towing a trailer or if you are not regular cyclists. Gentle inclines become effortless, allowing you to fully enjoy the scenery. Expect to pay €20–55 per day.
Where to rent bikes in Beaune
Several high-quality rental companies are based in Beaune, some located directly along the cycling routes:
Bourgogne Randonnées offers a wide range of bikes, with a facility close to the train station and the town centre. They provide maps, helmets, panniers, and repair kits. With 26 years of experience, they offer expert advice to help you choose the route best suited to your family.
Bourgogne Évasion / Active Tours has a fleet of 500 bikes, including 150 electric bikes, located at Parc de la Bouzaise, right at the start of the cycling routes. They also offer a bike delivery service to your accommodation, which is particularly convenient if you are staying outside Beaune.
The Santenay Tourist Office rents hybrid bikes and e-bikes if you wish to start directly from Santenay to ride back towards Beaune or explore the Greenway. They provide baby seats, helmets, and repair kits free of charge.
Les Cabottes in Change (a village between Santenay and Nolay) also offer bike rentals with drop-off directly on the cycle path. Their location is ideal for exploring the southern section of the cycle route.
Booking and pricing
Book your bikes at least 48 hours in advance, especially during the high season (May to October). Reduced rates are often available for multi-day rentals. Most rental companies now offer online booking with preferential rates.
The equipment provided generally includes: a handlebar bag with map holder, puncture repair kit, pump, lock, and helmet on request. Some rental companies even provide a detailed map of the Voie des Vignes with points of interest clearly marked.
Practical tips for a successful family ride
When to go?
Best seasons:Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer ideal conditions. Temperatures are mild, perfect for cycling without suffering from the heat. Autumn also provides a spectacular display as the vine leaves turn vibrant shades ranging from golden yellow to deep red.
Summer (June–August):It is possible, but set off early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat. The vineyards offer little shade. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and caps for the whole family.
Winter:Not recommended with young children due to cold temperatures, but experienced cyclists may appreciate the absolute calm and the bare landscapes that highlight the villages’ architecture.
How much time should you allow?
For a discovery ride (10–15 km):Allow 2 to 3 hours including breaks, ideal for a half-day outing. Perfect for testing the experience with young children or for a first family cycling trip.
For a full route (20–25 km):Plan a full day with a lunch break in a village. This allows you to take your time, visit sites, sample local specialities, and enjoy photo stops without pressure.
For sporty riders (40–50 km):If your children are confident cyclists (10 years and up), you can consider a more ambitious route combining several sections. The Beaune–Santenay round trip represents around 50 kilometres.s.
Essential equipment
In your backpack:
Plenty of water (at least 1.5 L per person)
Energy snacks for children (dried fruit, cereal bars, biscuits)
Sunscreen and caps
Light spare clothing (one dry T-shirt per person)
Small first-aid kit (plasters, disinfectant)
Fully charged phone with the route downloaded for offline use
Depending on the weather:
Light windbreakers (mornings can be cool even in summer)
Sunglasses
A sweater for younger children in a trailer (they are not pedalling and can get cold quickly)
Safety and traffic rules
The Voie des Vignes mostly follows quiet roads, but some sections run along departmental roads.
Remind your children of basic safety rules:
Ride in single file on sections with motor traffic
Always wear a helmet (rented or personal)
Obey road signs and markings
Signal before stopping
Stay together and adjust the pace to the youngest rider
Parents towing a trailer should be particularly vigilant in bends and when being overtaken. A trailer significantly increases your overall width.
Kid-friendly stops along the route
In Beaune
The medieval town offers several attractions for children before or after your bike ride:
The ramparts: A full walk around them takes about 30 minutes and offers panoramic views over the famous glazed tile rooftops.
Parc de la Bouzaise: Playgrounds and green spaces, perfect for a picnic before setting off by bike.
The Hospices of Beaune: The inner courtyard, with its Gothic well, fascinates children (a short visit is possible).
The village has retained its authentic charm with cobbled streets and winemakers’ houses. Children enjoy searching for the filming locations from the movie La Grande Vadrouille, with a list of sites available at the Tourist Office.
After the effort, treat yourself to a gourmet break in one of the village bakeries. The Santenay windmill, visible from the cycle route, makes for great souvenir photos.
Where to picnic
The route offers many pleasant spots to lay out your picnic blanket:
The surroundings of the Château du Clos de Vougeot (northern section)
Small parks in the centres of wine-growing villages
Along the Greenway near the canal (towards Nolay)
Benches installed at regular intervals along the cycle route
Remember to take your rubbish with you—protecting this exceptional natural heritage is everyone’s responsibility.
Preparing your stay
To fully enjoy your cycling adventure on the Route des Grands Crus, we offer two ideal base options depending on your preferences:
Our apartment in the heart of Beaune (sleeps 6) places you just a few minutes by bike from the start of the Voie des Vignes. You can set off directly from your accommodation, with bike rental shops in the immediate vicinity. After your ride, enjoy the medieval town, its restaurants, and its lively atmosphere at the end of the day.
Our family home in Montceau-et-Écharnant (sleeps 10) offers a different experience rooted in the authenticity of the Hautes-Côtes. Children love the space, the peace and quiet of the Burgundy countryside, and the sauna to relax after a day of activity. You are just 15 kilometres from Beaune, in a preserved setting that is ideal for large families or groups of friends. This location allows you to explore both the Route des Grands Crus and the less frequented yet equally charming Beaune hinterland.
Both accommodations are equipped to welcome families, with a baby cot available. You will enjoy all the comfort needed to plan your cycling days: space to store bikes (if you rent them for several days), a fully equipped kitchen to prepare your picnics, and everything required to relax after your two-wheeled adventures.
Cycling the Route des Grands Crus is far more than a simple sporting outing. It is a gentle immersion into Burgundy’s heritage, a life-sized geography lesson, and above all a shared family experience in the heart of exceptional landscapes listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So, are you ready to hop on your bikes and create unforgettable memories in the vineyards of Burgundy? Les Coquelicots is waiting to help you plan your family cycling getaway.
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