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Pedal and enjoywine cellars and gourmet stops between Chagny and Santenay

Restaurants in Chagny: cycling and tasting, on the way to the gourmet stops

Savoury itinerary… Head for the restaurants of Chagny and the wine cellars of Santenay.

At the crossroads of the Côte de Beaune and the Saône-et-Loire, Burgundy offers itself to visitors. Epicureans beware! Imagine an itinerary along thewater, where every kilometre you cover awakens your taste buds a little more. Along the Eurovelo 6 route, you’ll discover a balanced panorama of landscapes, wine and gastronomy.

Cycling here is not a race. From a visit to the cellars of Santenay to the prestigious restaurants of Chagny, this escapade celebrates the flavours of the Beaune region. Whether you’re looking for a convivial auberge or the excellence of a Michelin-starred dinner, be prepared to book more than just a meal. It’s more than just a meal – it’s a moment of sharing in the heart of the region.

Where to eat along the canal :

from starred restaurants to small bistros

During your journey, the Canal du Centre will guide your wheels along the path ofEurovelo 6, but also the territories of tastes. Between the locks and the vineyards, the lunch break becomes a key stage. Choose your table and celebrate France’s culinary heritage.

Chagny, the place to be

haute gastronomy

Beaune is the capital of Burgundy wines, while Chagny is the major gastronomic destination in Saône-et-Loire. A must for all epicureans in search of flavour!

Chagny’s restaurant menus feature local specialities, French cuisine and world cuisine. For those wishing to book a table in a prestigious establishment, the Maison Lameloise offers an interlude of excellence. Chef Eric Pras sublimates French cuisine with finesse, and reinterprets Burgundy classics. The service, the dishes and the setting make this address a must for gourmets.

But Chagny also knows how to be more accessible, without sacrificing quality! For a more local feel, head to theAuberge la Musardière. This bistronomic spot is the ideal place to sample localspecialitiesrevisited in an uncluttered setting, just the thing after a morning’s driving!

Santenay, gourmet stops

at the foot of the vines

The restaurants of Chagny shine with their stars, whileSantenayseduces with its winegrowing soul. At the end of the Voie Verte, the village unfolds its charms to offer cyclists a tasty break.

In fact, the beating heart of this gourmet stop-off is often to be found around the central square and its fountain. The terraces come alive with the first rays of sunshine. It’s the ideal setting for putting your bike down and enjoying a meal “à la bonne franquette”. The menus feature local produce and traditional Burgundian cuisine. Imagine a dozen Burgundysnails, parsley-glazed ham or a fine plate of oeufs en meurette, all served with generosity.

Eating in Santenay is also, and above all, the art of matching food with local wines. What better way to understand this terroir than to taste a Santenay appellation just a few steps away from the plot where the grapes ripened? These gourmet stops are meeting places where locals and travellers are happy to chat. Opt for a bistrot de pays, a table d’hôtes, or a restaurant overlooking the golden hillsides. The experience promises authentic flavours and a journey to the heart of the region’sculinary art.

Must-see wine cellars:

immersion in the land

After the effort and comfort of the table, it’s time to taste the great wines of Burgundy. Following the canal, on the road to Chalon and Chagny, you’ll pass through vineyards that will make you want to push open the doors of the estates, but also stop to taste…

Santenay and the reign of Pinot Noir

Santenay marks the southern end of the prestigious Côte de Beaune. This is a land of predilection for Pinot Noir, which expresses itself here with characteristic delicacy. It has aromas of red fruit (strawberry, Morello cherry) and spices, with a tannic structure that becomes more supple and velvety with age. This is the wine of‘pleasure‘ par excellence, the one that rewards cyclists after effort.

Chagny, gateway to the exceptional Bouzeron

Your stopover in Chagny will also open the doors to a unique terroir. Just a few kilometres away, discover Bouzeron. It’s the only village in Burgundy to have an appellation entirely dedicated to the Aligoté grape variety. Forget everything you thought you knew about this grape variety! Aligoté is“golden”, and produces lively white wines. It’s the ideal fresh stop-off point, complementing the reds of Santenay.

Favourite

Château Philippe le Hardi: a majestic visit

For a tasting experience that plunges you into the heart ofhistory and wine, a stop atChâteau Philippe le Hardi is a must. A must-see from the Voie des Vignes, its glazed-tileroof dominates the wine-growing hillsides. A visit to the château will enable you to discover a wide range of appellations, from SantenayVillage to grands crus including the famous Corton-Charlemagne and Montrachet.

Family estates :

meeting new people

As well as the big names, the charm of this route lies in the multitude of family-run estates. Meet the committedwinegrowers who line the Route des Grands Crus. Some have the Vignobles & Découvertes or Accueil Vélo label. Far from standardised tours, these stops are an opportunity to talk to the people who make wine. They’ll tell you all about their jobs and how wine is made.

This is where the expression “pedal and taste” really comes into its own. Put the bike down, go down to the cellar to taste, and set off again for new adventures.

Practical tip: Don’t hesitate to ask if your purchases can be shipped. It’s a common service that allows you to travel light while filling up your personal cellar.

Along the water: the Canal du Centre, the green thread running through your escapade

After star-studded lunches or simply gourmet meals in the restaurants of Chagny, and the cellars of the region’s wineries in Santenay, it’s time to finish the day on the road. Take the greenway along the Canal du Centre, which is also part ofEurovelo 6. In other words, slow down to enjoy the smoothness of the journey.

All roads lead to the Beaune region

A real crossroads for cycle tourism, Santenay is strategically located for cycling enthusiasts. The village is at the junction of several major routes. Obviously EuroVelo 6 and the Voie Verte du Canal du Centre. Not forgetting the Voie des Vignes to Nolay, or the Morvan link to the vineyards. There are so many routes to choose from, offering a variety of landscapes. And why not come back and explore another facet of Burgundy on your next getaway.

The Chagny market: local produce under the open sky

On Sunday mornings, Chagny becomes the beating heart of the local gourmet scene. A veritable institution classified as a “Marché de France” and “Saveurs et savoir-faire de Bourgogne”, this Sunday rendezvous is an immersion in local excellence. Let the aromas guide you as you stroll between the colourful stalls! It’s the perfect opportunity to unearth the finest produce. Whether you’re picnicking by the canal, or simply enjoying the pleasure of cooking like a Burgundian chef.

After the effort of a walk along the Canal du Centre, the call of heights is irresistible. Treat yourself to a well-deserved break with a short diversions to the Montagne des Trois Croix, majestically overlooking Santenay.

From up there, a splendid panorama awaits you. You can look far out over the intertwining vineyards of the Côte de Beauneand the plains of Saône-et-Loire.

This place also offers some surprises:

    • Paragliding: The updrafts regularly attract paragliding enthusiasts, offering a fascinating aerial spectacle.
    • Biodiversity: The ecological upkeep of the dry grasslands (classified Natura 20000) is sometimes carried out by an unexpected herd. Scottish cows, known as Highland Cattle, add an unusual and picturesque touch to the Burgundy landscape.

This breathtaking moment is the perfect opportunity to take some memorable photos and recharge your batteries.

The best part? You come back down with your appetite whetted and the firm intention of savouring the aromas and flavours that await you in the cellars and restaurants of the village or Chagny!

From the finesse of the Grands Crus of Santenay and Bouzeron to the excellence of the restaurants of Chagny, this gourmet stroll along the Voie Verte du Canal du Centre embodies the quintessence of slow, epicurean travel. This perfect blend ofphysical effort and gastronomic comfort creates an itinerary of unrivalled authenticity and charm.

More than just a stopover onEuroVelo 6, it’s a real immersion in the heart of Burgundy: a region rich in flavours, history and encounters, offering the full range of theFrench art de vivre.