- At a glance
- Locality & Walks
- Accommodation & Meals
- Travel options
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Your Holiday at a Glance
Independent Walking Holiday | Secret Burgundy:Chardonnay Vines &Historic Villages |
Dates for 2023 |
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See full list of our independent walking holidays See our other self guided walking holiday in southern Burgundy |

Secret Burgundy - Chardonnay Vines & Historic Villages
Our Independent walking holiday in the southern Burgundy region of France explores a rich landscape full of historic treasures. Medieval villages, historic chateaux, historic churches and farms are set in beautiful rolling countryside carpeted with vines, pasture and forests. A number of rocky outcrops punctuate the vineyards such as the celebrated “Roche de Solutré” important for its pre-historic human activity. These landmarks provide exceptional viewing points to admire the surrounding countryside.
The Burgundy region is well-known for its fine wine and gastronomic food, a reputation that is richly deserved. You will have plenty of opportunity to sample both during your walking holiday. In addition you will have plenty of time to see the varied and rich architectural delights of the region, such as those found at Cluny, a very important spiritual, political and artistic centre of the Middle Ages with its Benedictine abbey. In addition, many of the pretty villages you will travel through have splendid chateaux and impressive churches, such as that at Berzé le Chatel.
Your self guided walking holiday will take you through a variety of experiences, including the famous Maconnais vineyards bordering the Saône, the forests of the high ridges, the historic town of Cluny, and secluded valleys covered in a patchwork of grazing fields.
Find out more about the Southern Burgundy region and the historic town of Cluny & the average weather conditions in the Burgundy
Walking profileThis independent walking holiday is at the upper end of the moderate walking grade with 4 relatively long days and one easy day. 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, although 3 of the days include slightly more than 500m of ascent. 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 regular walkers (with a minimum of preparation). |
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Day 1: ArrivalWelcome 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: Pierreclos to ClunyYou'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). Then leave the vines behind to climb steadily onto the surrounding wooded ridgeline before descending 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. 17-21km, +560m Day 3: Cluny - Mazille
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Book this holiday |
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For useful advice about independent walking and preparing for your self guided holidays please take a look at the articles in our top-tips section.
Once you have booked on this independent walking holiday in the Burgundy region of France, further information about the walking, the region and what to bring, will be sent to you. We do have a web page dedicated to what clothes and equipment you should bring. In addition, our travel shop has direct access to all the top walking and travel retailers. Please contact us if you need any further information.

Accommodation & Meals
On this independent walking holiday in southern Burgundy you will be staying in a number of charming, spacious and very comfortable guest houses (mainly bed & breakfasts) full of local character (3 corns quality). All rooms have private bathrooms. Examples of the guest houses are shown below.
A hearty and healthy continental breakfast provides the perfect opportunity to discover the local specialities such as home-made jams and local cheeses. At midday you will eat packed lunches lovingly prepared by your hosts. Most evening meals will be taken at your guest houses with your hosts, where you will be treated to local delicacies and have the opportunity to discover more about the region and its people. Two meals will be taken in a local restaurant where you will have a choice of menus. (These two meals are not included in the price of the holiday). Local specialities will be available to try every evening.
Name | Type | Details | Rating | |
La Source des Fees | B&B | Great 16th century house located on a vineyard in the heart of the village of Fuissé providing high quality accommodation and great food. Wine tasting of their Pouilly-Fuissé and Saint Veran. | 4 corns | ![]() |
Domaine du Vernay | B&B | 18th century stone farmhouse at a former vineyard in Mazille. Pretty village overlooking the Grosne valley | 3 Corns | ![]() |
La Maison des Gardes | B&B | A rustic feel to this historic property near the centre of Cluny. Lovely wooded courtyard and warm welcome from your hosts. | 3 Corns | ![]() |

Travel Options
Transfers between Lyon Airport or Lyon train stations and the southern Burgundy region of France are included in the price of your independent walking holiday.
Flight Options
Transfers from Lyon airport
he airlines Easy jet, Flybe and British Airways have scheduled flights from the UK - Luton, Birmingham, Gatwick, Edinburgh and Heathrow to Lyon St Exupery airport.
Please visit our travel shop for links to useful sites for reserving airport parking or booking train tickets to the UK airports
Note: Please check concerning the availability of a holiday before booking any flights. If you need further information or would like to discuss any aspect of your travel arrangements, please contact us, we’re here to help you. We would be happy to book travel arrangements to Lyon, France on your behalf.
By Train
Eurostar and the TGV provide a relaxing journey from London to Lyon Part Dieu direct and changing at Lille or Paris. Please use Rail Europe's train finder on our travel shop page to organise your train journey.
There is a practical train time leaving London at 9am and arriving in Lyon at 3pm. Please contact us before booking to check for other practical times.
Self Drive
Channel ferry crossings from Dover are provided by a number of operators including P&O Ferries & DFDS seaways. Crossings are also provided by train with Eurotunnel.
Once in France, the journey from Calais to the Burgundy area takes about 6 and a half hours (excluding long breaks).
Tolls amount to about 35 euros each way. Controlled parking is available at the airport for 50 euros. Other secure but non-surveilled parking is available free of charge.

Photos

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