Châlon-sur-Saône / Tournus

This stage through Southern Burgundy takes you along a provisional, unofficial stretch of cycle path on the Voie Bleue. It will be laid out properly between Tournus and Chalon in due course. The route is along small, flat roads through the alluvial plains of the Chalonnais area. This stage is for experienced cyclists. Enjoy the majestic arrival in Chalon along the Saône quays.

Route details

At Tournus, head along Quai de la Marine and follow the rough track along the towpath. After 3 km, turn onto the small road to L’Epine to reach Gigny and Saint-Cyr. Take care on the busier roads between Saint-Cyr and Varennes. At Lux, make for the Saône, reached at Port-Guillot, then follow the river via a rough track taking you to the quays at Chalon. Note that this whole stage is for experienced cyclists with mountain bikes.

Don’t miss

Tournus: a good town for a stop-over – the historic town centre – the major Romanesque church of Saint-Philibert – Hôtel-Dieu (historic hospital turned history and arts museum) - Musée du Vélo (bike museum) - Saint-Loup-de-Varennes: the home of Nicéphore Niépce (inventor of photography) - Chalon-sur-Saône: an interesting stop-over town – beautiful houses beside the Saône quays - Cathédrale Saint-Vincent and its quarter – île St-Laurent, a renovated island with many restaurants – several high-quality museums, including the excellent Musée Nicéphore Niépce, devoted to photography, invented by the local man after whom the museum is named.

Markets

Tournus: Saturday mornings
Chalon: Fridays