Explore the green route between Santenay and Beaune by electric bike
Once upon a time, this was a mining region with many railways… Today, this industrial activity is a thing of the past. But after several decades of fallow land, the rails have given way to cycle routes that criss-cross the region in the most beautiful of ways. Forests that provide shade on hot summer days, charming bridges that dot the route and are a perfect attraction for children (young and old) who can scream at will as they pass under the tunnels to play with the echo, and of course vineyards as far as the eye can see that make the landscape a real picture that changes with the seasons. The Voie Verte, which links the villages of Beaune, Santenay, Meursault and Pommard, is known as La Voie des Vignes.
Let’s ride!
The good news? Our little village of Change is right on the Voie Verte! So you can hop on your pretty bike straight away at Les Cabottes, as we hire out electric bikes to enable our guests to go out and about. Not staying at Les Cabottes? No problem, we also hire out electric bikes to non-residents (subject to availability).
The best routes for discovering Burgundy on the Voie verte
The network of greenways covers a large part of the region. There is, of course, La Voie des vignes, the route linking Beaune to Santenay and Nolay, and then there is the Voie du Canal, which runs along the Dheune valley towards Saint-Léger.
A walk through the vineyards
Would you like to discover the famous Climats de Bourgogne, its great wines and its breathtaking landscapes? Take the Voie des vignes, you won’t be disappointed. Our favourite part? The view over the Maranges vineyards when you arrive from Change and head towards Santenay. The vineyards carpet the hillsides around you, and the cliffs surround you, creating a reassuring cocoon to guide you… Look up and you’ll see the famous Trois-Croix overlooking Santenay. If you fancy a bit of height, put the bikes down near the Casino and climb up there on foot. The view is… wow!
Stroll along the Canal
You’ve been in Burgundy for several days now and have already done the long and winding tour of the vineyards? When you get to Santenay, you can change from the Voie des vignes to the Voie du Canal. Two pedal strokes and you’re on the banks of the Dheune. The route is flat and passes through some charming villages. Our advice? Take the walk as far as Saint-léger-sur-dheune and stop off at Le Marchand for lunch, or simply for an ice cream on a sunny day. Their terrace overlooking the canal is as relaxing as you could wish for.
The perfect way to combine a walk through the vineyards with a stroll along the canal
Fancy a change of pace? Here’s the perfect itinerary for discovering Burgundy in all its splendour on the voie verte:
- From Les Cabottes, head towards Santenay, crossing the vineyards and discovering the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune and the Maranges.
- In Santenay, turn right when you reach the level crossing; after a slight climb, you will arrive directly on La Voie du Canal.
- There are two options: head for Chagny (perfect for Sunday mornings at the market) or head for Saint-léger-sur-dheune for a bite to eat at Le Marchand.
The return journey will take the same route; there is no loop possible (unless you take the normal route), but that’s not the idea of a slow-motion ride. Don’t worry, though, as the return journey offers new vistas and its own share of pleasures.
Find out more about the green route here.
