Trail Name: Vignoble de Beaune Circuit Series, “Tout le Coteau” Circuit
Trail Type: Mid-distance circuit; varied surfaces to include paved, dirt, stone, and grass, mostly well maintained. Note that the route itself is not marked with signs specific to this particular route, rather signposts indicate the way to the next itinerary point (identified below) this route shares with others.
Length: total: 12 kilometers/ 7.5 miles
Convenient to: Beaune, Burgundy, France
Marking: None specific to this particular circuit. (See above.) Rectangular yellow signs point to the next location on the trail itinerary, and a green band on top of the post indicates current location.
Trail Description: This well-laid out circuit encompasses parts of other circuits, (allowing hikers to adapt plans depending on time and weather), and offers a wide variety of landscapes – from town, to fields to villages to vineyards and forests, with wonderful views of the whole area in several spots. One incline is a bit steep, but overall is a fairly easy trail. A must for those interested in learning about and exploring the area of Beaune and the Cote de Beaune wines.
Trailhead: Beaune: Parc de la Bouzaise (Avenue du Parc x Allee du Dr. Bouley)
Parking: Beaune: Avenue du Parc, large lot
Public Transportation Options:
Bus: Regional (TRANSCO) buses link Beaune with Dijon.
Rail: Beaune is served by the national train system, SNCF, and in particular by the high speed train (TGV) from Paris (west), Lyon (south) and Mulhouse (north), and by regional trains (TER). See http://www.voyages-sncf.com/
Suggested Stages: Not applicable
Trail Itinerary-Reference Points (Clockwise):
Beaune: Avenue du Parc-Rue de Sceaux, into vineyards following the bike route (veloroute), (Wine Education) Panel 17, right at the four-way intersection, head right toward the hills, Panel 20, uphill on asphalted road to a cabin/cabotte with a green door and a chimney, Panel 21, Clos des Mouches vineyard signpost, Les Montrevenots vineyard signpost, Montagne Saint Desire vineyard signpost; Panel 18, Les Aigrots vineyard signpost, Les Longbois vineyard signpost, Panel 15, La Montee Rouge vineyard, Panel 14, cross D970/Route de Bouze; Les Coucherias Locality: Reservoirs Signpost, Panel 12, Chemin des Vaches, along the shaded R. Izembart-R. du Dr. Bouley-R. Delarue, Panel 11; Sur Les Greves locality: R. Mimeur, R. Monnot, Les Greves vineyards, Panel 6, Chemin dessus des Bressandes-R. Vaillant-R. Barberet, Panel 3, Chemin de l’Ecu, Panel 4, Chemin des Perrieres, Panel 2, Les Marconnets vineyard, Panel 5, En Genet vineyard; Beaune: Les Cents Vignes vineyard, Panel 8, Cours du Genet, cross a small stream, head right on Avenue de l’Aigue, then left onto Chemin des Teurons and left onto R. du Faubourg Saint-Martin-Allee du Dr. Bouley-park/start point.
Representative Trail Photos:
Restrooms: None observed on or near the trail
Attractions on or near Trail:
Beaune is a fascinating and beautiful large town, famous for its Hospices de Beaune, and other buildings and arts showing the life and times of a fascinating and prosperous medieval town.
Opportunities to taste and purchase local wines in and around the old town abound.
Tasting along the Trail: (See above)
Alternative Options:
Hiking: Part of this route, both north and south of D970, follows the long distance, wine-themed, hiking trail known as the Chemin des Grands Crus. (See http://www.winecountrywandering.com/trail-of-the-grands-crus-trail-in-a-nutshell/ )
Running: Suitable for running throughout most of the circuit.
Biking: Veloroute Voie des Vignes, an approximately 30-kilometer-long trail from Beaune to Santenay to Nolay, mostly on dedicated bike path.
Car: Route du Vin de Bourgogne covers Beaune, and much more north and south of Beaune
Additional Information:
Regional: http://www.beaune-tourism.com/
Trail (segment) specific: http://www.beaune-rando-vigne.com/fr/circuits-vignoble-beaune/
Comments:
These circuits are a great and convenient way to see another side of Beaune.
The other circuits in this family of four circuits are shorter, and ostensibly easier. One in particular, Circuit C-Pour la Famille, is designed for families.