Belle Bourgogne Part 6: Cycling adventures and glimpses of Le Tour de France
Of course, we had chosen Savigny-lés-Beaune as a base for cycling around the nearby area. Some of the cycling was a real challenge given the steep pinches of uphill. A fact that we had missed on previous visits or maybe we were a bit older! The cycling really pushed my abilities, but it was thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding in the end.
Out of the big blue gates and off we go for our first ride
Our first adventures were straight out of the big blue gate and exploring the vineyards surrounding our village. Gradually we ventured further afield and found that this part of Burgundy has more climbing than anticipated. I was certainly challenged but what I did accomplish was exhilarating.
Chris checking our bikes before our ride
Slow travel by bike is about reaping the rewarding view at the top of a very steep hill and pausing to take in the moment. There were some hawks flying over the fields and pretty wild flowers on the verges. This really is backroad touring.
Another day we had long ride north which took us back to the village of Magny-lés-Villers where we had first stayed in 2009. Yes our B&B, La Maison des Abeilles is still in operation under different owners. Again, where did these huge hills come from! Delightful views below across the the village. Thankfully some sweeping downhill runs back to Savigny.
During our week in Savigny-lés-Beaune, although we could not work out the TV, nor could our lovely host, Celine. She did so with a perfect French shrug but she did pop in to see us from time to time bearing gifts of wine, croissants and helpful restaurant tips, which was so lovely. However, we were able to enjoy watching the Le Tour de France via an app on our devices for the Australian network SBS, which provides TV coverage of many international sporting events.
Our best day of cycling was when we went to the village of Meursault to see Le Tour de France pass through on Stage 6. We cycled from our accommodation, via Beaune. This was a challenge for me due to our navigation devices directing us on some busy streets. But then magic began as the route began winding through the vineyards and wine villages of Volnay, Pommard and finally to Meursault.
We arrived just in time to join the throng of people lining the narrow main street to see the publicity caravan pass by with all the noise and pomp that we love. Once that was finished, we found food and drink and sat watching the local festivities including a display of children riding monocycles!
Chris enjoying a waffle in Meursault. Stage 6 Le Tour de France 2024
Then it was time to get up and find a spot to line the road once more in preparation of the race. With the roar of motorcycles, team cars and police sirens, the cyclists zoomed past us and were gone on their way to finish line in Dijon.
It was time for us to head back home at a much gentler pace and watch the rest of the race and the thrilling finish, watch on YouTube here.
Stage 7 Le Tour de France 2024 in Nuits-Saint-George
The following day we drove to Nuits-Saint-George, which was hosting Stage 7 the Individual Time Trial. Whilst we had a date to meet Lindy and Marc for lunch, we thought we could squeeze in a quick look around the town and be part of the morning festivities. Unfortunately, the troublesome van and phone calls with Auto Europe and Enterprise delayed our process.
Having learnt our lesson in Beaune, we parked in the parking area designated to visitors for the event and walked the short distance into town.
We managed to see a bit of the town centre but nothing of the race start set up, just a few cyclists warming up and crowds getting into the festivities. We had to pull the pin and leave before we were too late but our next stop was worth it. See my previous post.
Statue of Félix Tisserand an astronomer born in Nuits-Saint-George opposite the town hall
Please join me next time for a stroll in our lovely “extended” garden. À bientôt!
