Take a Summer Tour on Two Wheelsby Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 10 Jul 2008 12:27 PM France is famous for the Eiffel Tower, its pastries, and scores of fabulous museums, but if you are looking to gain a unique perspective of the City of Lights then this next trip might be exactly what you are looking for. The Backroads of Burgundy package allows you to tour France's quaint villages on two wheels. You'll bike through some of the country's most picturesque countryside, and with all the exercise you'll be getting you'll likely feel better after your trip than you have in a while. For just $1,099 per person (taxes included) you will receive seven nights' accommodations, daily breakfast, and bike rental. You can choose an August 30th departure or wait until September and depart on either the 13th or the 20th. The $1,099 rate breaks down to about $157 per person per night, and includes a trip leader who will coordinate your daily rides. You'll bike an average of 27 miles per day, almost exclusively on asphalt roads. You can choose between 18- or 21-speed hybrid bicycles--both come equipped with a water-bottle holder, a lock, and a map holder. You can travel on your own or with a group, regardless, at the end of each day you'll meet your group at the hotel and spend the night. One of the stops includes Montbard, one of the largest towns along the Canal de Bourgogne. There are plenty of first-rate restaurants nearby, along with the Musee des Beaux-arts de Montbard, which has a collection of paintings by regional artists. The bike trip also includes a visit to the historic L'Abbaye de Fontenay. Founded in 1118 it is one of the oldest Cistercian monasteries in Europe. The monastery (also a former paper mill) is now a World Heritage site, and the gardens have recently been redesigned. You'll also visit Semur-en-Auxois, a quaint town with a maze of cobbled streets and picturesque homes. You'll stay overnight there, and you can sign up for an optional tour into Flavigny-sur-Ozerain or Alise-Ste-Reine, two other towns close by. There you'll see market squares and Roman ruins. Finally, you'll set off for two towns in the heart of Burgundy wine country, Pouilly-en-Auxois and Beaune. You'll have two days explore the villages by bike and indulge in some award-winning wine and cheese. Related Articles: Popular Paris Landmark Preps for Major Makeover What To Know Before You Visit---FRANCE International Hotels that Treat Your Kids Like Royalty Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevanttravel tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Discuss this article
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