Auxerre-Vezelay via Le Canal du Nivernais

Standard program :

The first day : Auxerre - Accolay (30 km)
Meet in the morning in Auxerre.
Welcome, bike check and adjustments. Road book and instructions.
Before heading south, you may wish to take the opportunity to explore the historic city of Auxerre. A visit is really a must, either by bike or on foot.
Your first turn of the wheels will lead you to Les caves de Bailly : Famous cellars installed in an ancient stone quarry.
Then before joining the canal, there will be a small detour to the outstanding village of Irancy.where there are friendly winegrowers ready to offer their delicious wine ! That will help you to forget your pain !
Then it's time to restart to Cravant, an interesting medieval village to visit, then Accolay where your hosts will be waiting for you for a restfull evening : comfort, sweetness, and gastronomy !

The second day : Accolay - Vézelay
After a generous breakfast, you will start to Vezelay and it's wellknown Basilica (listed by UNESCO).
On this 37 km route, you will discover Mailly le Chateau on its corniche, Les Rochers du Saussois (a cliff), Chatel-Censoir, and at the end : hill top Vézelay will finally come into view.
When your breath will be back and have rested a few minutes, you will be ready to begin visiting :
- The Village and the Basilica.
- Les caves du pélerin ("pilgrim's cellars" visit and wine tasting).
- Museums ...

At the end of the day, a minibus will pick you up for the return trip back to Auxerre.

Personnalization

This is a suggested programme, adaptable in duration and in theme, to suit you.

The richness of Burgundy and our willingness to please you, will allow us to create a tailor made programme eg. :
. airport transfer or train transfer.
. make the journey shorter or longer.
. the use of train during the route.

Price for 2008 available shortly*

This package includes :
. Charming half board accommodation (night sharing)
. Bike rental (with mechanical assistance)
. Luggage transfer
. Travel documents (maps and guides)
. Personalized welcome
. Transfer to starting point

Options :
. Additional nights (half board) : 60 €/person
. 2 pack lunches : 20 €/pers
. sustaining breakfast : 4 €/pers
. Single supplement : 25 €/pers
. car park : 10 €/ 2 days
. Minus 20 € with your own bikes (no mechanical assistance)

Accommodation :
. You will be welcomed in very reputable traditional hotels and restaurants (half board), broad menus of good quality.

Not included :
. Flights tickets, personal insurance, side orders, and single supplement.

*(price based on a groupe of 4 people)

Schedule

. All year round, minimum 2.

Preparatory advices :

The main part of your route follows the canal or the river, so it's quite flat and easy. From Chatel Censoir to Vézelay, you leave the canal and meet a couple of rolling hills. At the end, i'm sure you 'll think Vezelay worth it !

. Gloves and helmet advisable.
. Bikes in a good condition (brakes, tyres, and gears).
. Bottle holder or water bag.

And don't forget, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your trip.
Drink water and sleep well !