• Secret Burgundy: Chardonnay vines & historic villages

• From the beginning of March to the end of October (depending on availability)

• £610 p/p based on 2 sharing (single supplement £210)

• grade explained

• 8 days: 6 days independent walking between guest houses
• More general information about out independent walking holidays

• The Burgundy ia a region synonymous with fine wine and great food
• Historically rich region with Romanesque churches, medieval villages, chateaux, ancient farmsteads and pre-historic sites
• Visit the remowned site of Cluny with its historic monuments (former site of the largest abbey in Europe)
• Lovely walking through unspoilt picturesque countryside alternating between vines, woodland and intimate valleys
• Beautiful guest houses in historic properties

• Each night you'll be staying in a different guest house; all of which are chambres d'hôte style accommodation. They are 3 star equivilant in quality offering authentic and very comfortable accommodation. They are historic properties that have been lovingly restored where you'll be reserved a warm and generous welcome and enjoy mouth-watering home cooked fresh cuisine.

1. Transfers to and from Lyon (if required), 7 night's accommodation. Full board whilst on trek, (with the exception of 2 evening meals). Full walking notes and maps, transport of luggage between guest houses

1. Travel to Lyon, France. Lunches on arrival and departure days, plus two evening meals. Any excursions and entrance fees. Travel insurance

See full list of our independent walking holidays

See our other self guided walking holiday in southern Burgundy

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Walking profile

This independent walking holiday is at the upper end of the moderate walking grade with 4 relatively long days and 2 easy days. The walks average about 16km per day over undulating terrain. The maximum distance on any one day is 20km although there is a shorter option available. Individual ascents and descents are generally no more than 250m at a time. Average daily ascent is 470m. The walks allow for time to rest and take advantage of some of the interesting sites on route. The paths are generally good, although they can be rough and stony in places. The holiday is suitable for the occasional walker (with a minimum of preparation) as well as those who walk more regularly.

Day 1: Arrival

Welcome in Lyon and transfer to guest house in large secluded property in a picturesque valley. Debriefing and first of many gourmet evening meals.

Day 2: Igé to Cluny

Your first day's walk leaves the vines behind to climb steadily onto the surrounding wooded ridgline. The walk the descends to the historic town of Cluny. Despite the ascent, the day is reasonably short and will give you an opportunity to relax before or after the walk. 12.5km, +260m

Day 3: Cluny - Mazille

Today you have plenty of time in the morning to visit Cluny one of the most important historic towns of the region. Enjoy looking around the ruins of the Abbey and the historic properties that line the pretty streets. You walk takes a scenic route to Mazille passing through a small intimate landscape of pasture and copses. Pretty villages each with their own Romanesque church are dotted throughout the countryside. In addition, Mazille contains a monks priory. 11km, +370m

Day 4: Mazille - Tramayes

Your walk climbs onto a picturesque ridge providing stunning views in all directions. You'll descend breifly to St Point with its lakes and the Chateau Lamartine, before gently ascening a pretty valley to reach Tramayes. This is a wonderful location offering great views out over the timeless agricultural scene. 15km, +520m

Day 5: Tramayes - Leynes

This is your longest days walk. The ascent from Tramayes is beautiful and secluded as you enter a remote agricultural scene little changed in centuries. Your trail crosses two forested ridge lines by their lowest points to emerge on the upper slopes of the Maconnais vines, at the point where they merge with the Beaujolais region to the south. A dense network of valleys means that the views change with each twist and turn in the path. You'll then stay in one of the celebrated local wine regions of the southern Burgundy. Wine tasting. 18.5km, +535m

Day 6: Leynes - Pierreclos

A great days walking through elegant vine covered slopes. Your walking route takes through the pretty villages of Leynes and Chasselas before reaching the top of the Roche de Soluté, site of pre-historic activities (dating back 35,000 years and favourite walking spot of former president Mitterand). The top and surrounds of this impressive rock, as well as those at Vergisson are covered in limestone specific grassland which is home to a rich flora and fauna. These rocky tops provide amazing views of the surrounding Burgundy countryside. 18km, +580m

Day 7: Pierreclos - Igé

Your final day's walk has it all and forms a fitting finalé to the week. You'll first pass through a number of pretty villages such as Milly Lamartine and Berzé la ville with its typical stone houses and double arcades. Afterwards you'll climb above the vines to the top of the Roche Coche for breathtaking views.You'll then pass by the imposing chateau at Berzé le Chatel with its three defensive walls and 13 towers (chance to visit). It is a day which will leave you wanting to come back.16km, +470m

Day 8: Departure

Breakfast and transfer to Lyon.

Please note that your walking holiday may run in a different order from that shown above, due to the availability of guest houses. This will not however, affect the overall walking circuit.

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