Pontailler-sur-Saône / Dijon

At Pontailler-sur-Saône, cross the river from west bank to east bank to then cycle southwards beside the waterway to Lamarche-sur-Saône. Having crossed the Saône again, you then leave the blue ribbon of the Saône Valley behind, entering Longchamp Forest. After riding along a series of forest tracks and stretches along quiet country roads, you cross a string of villages – Tellecey, Remilly-sur-Tille, Arc-sur-Tille and Couternon – before reaching the network of cycle paths set up across the bustling city of Dijon. This town is the terminus for this particular cycling adventure, with the very tempting prospect of exploring the historic, cultural and culinary capital of the Bourgogne Franche-Comté Region.

The Route

After crossing the bridge at Pontailler-sur-Saône, you follow the Saône, riding along the towpath, until you have to leave its comfort to cross the Saône again to reach Lamarche-sur-Saône. Then, follow a well-waymarked trail, riding along a series of forest trails that are a bit gravelly in parts and quiet country roads, before reaching the network of cycle lanes set up to cross the city of Dijon and its suburbs. 

Don't miss

• Remilly-sur-Tille: for its diverse waters, including the Tille and Crosne Rivers. As to the Étang de la Lochère and several other former gravel quarries turned lakes, they’re now reserved for angling.  
• Arc-sur-Tille: the green lung for the east of Dijon, with an outdoor leisure centre offering summer bathing. 
• Dijon: designated a Ville d’Art et d’Histoire for its cultural and historical riches; many (free) museums; a wide array of services, shops and specialities.

Nearby:

• Vielverge: a gravel pit here has been set out to help preserve the region’s biodiversity, with a 2km-long trail allowing visitors to explore the site.
• Soissons-sur-Nacey: a hiking trail dotted with explanatory signs explaining local flora and fauna.