Biking Through Burgundy: Dijon to Vineyards by E-Bike
Why we chose biking through Burgundy for an afternoon escape
We love a good city adventure, but sometimes the surrounding landscape is just too beautiful to ignore – and you feel the pull to explore. That’s exactly how we felt during our stay in Dijon, France. Nestled in the heart of Burgundy, the city is just a short ride from sweeping vineyards and storybook towns – perfect for an afternoon of biking through Burgundy.
With only a few hours to spare, we rented e-bikes to make the most of it. Our out-and-back ride took us south of Dijon, past rows of grapevines, elegant châteaux, and quiet country lanes. We even stopped for a light lunch (and wine, of course) in a charming village.
Keep reading for our tips on where to rent bikes in Dijon, route suggestions, and what to expect on a relaxed e-bike adventure through Burgundy.
Why Biking through Burgundy is a Great Soft Adventure
The Burgundy region of France is known for its rolling vineyards, historic wine villages, and peaceful rural roads – making it an ideal setting for a gentle, active escape. While many visitors opt to explore by car or tour bus, there’s something special about experiencing the landscape at a slower pace. Biking through Burgundy lets you immerse yourself in the scenery: the scent of grapevines, the quiet hum of country roads, and the joy of discovering a charming village café or hidden château along the way.
If you’re staying in Dijon, Beaune, or nearby towns, it’s surprisingly easy to add a soft adventure to your trip, and cycling is one of the best options. Many local shops offer e-bike rentals by the day or half-day, allowing you to explore further without breaking a sweat. There’s no need to commit to a full cycling tour — just a few hours on two wheels is enough to get off the beaten path and into the heart of wine country.
Whether you’re a casual rider or just craving a breath of countryside between cultural sites, biking through Burgundy offers a perfect blend of movement, beauty, and freedom.
Where to Rent E-Bikes in Dijon (or Beaune)
Dijon has several great options for renting bikes or e-bikes, especially if you’re looking to explore the nearby vineyard towns on your own schedule. You’ll find both independent shops and companies that cater to wine tourism and active travelers.
We rented our e-bikes from Bourgogne Evasion, and they were fantastic – friendly, responsive, and happy to offer suggestions for routes and timing. Their shop is conveniently located in Dijon, and they also have a location in Beaune, which makes them a great choice no matter where you’re staying in Burgundy.
Bourgogne Evasion offers a variety of bike types, including e-bikes, hybrids, and road bikes, and rentals include helmets, locks, and repair kits.
While Bourgogne Evasion worked great for us, it’s worth checking availability with a few local providers if you’re visiting during high season or on a weekend.
Some companies – including Bourgogne Evasion – offer guided tours, as well as the option to rent in Dijon and drop off in Beaune (or vice versa). Then, hop the train and head back to where you started! If we had more time, we’d have loved this option as a way to explore two notable Burgundy cities. Companies can even help with luggage transfer so that you don’t need to worry about moving your belongings.
Tip: Be sure to reserve in advance, especially if you want e-bikes, which are popular in spring and summer.
What to Pack for Your E-Bike Ride Through Burgundy
For our afternoon ride through Burgundy’s vineyards and villages, we kept things simple with just a small backpack each. If you’re setting out for a full day of biking through Burgundy, you may want to pack more.
Here’s what we recommend bringing along for a comfortable and worry-free afternoon:
- Small daypack: Perfect for carrying just the essentials, whatever daypack you’ve got should work just fine! Steve had his trusty Eddie Bauer packable backpack, and Liz used the DayPack 2.0 from Got Bag (a great all-around travel backpack).
- Water bottle(s): Staying hydrated is key, especially if it’s warm. Many villages have fountains or cafés to refill. You can’t go wrong with a Nalgene bottle, especially because they’re so lightweight – great for travel.
- Snacks: Light bites like nuts, fruit, or a small sandwich keep your energy up between stops.
- Wallet and ID: For any purchases or tastings along the way.
- Basic first aid kit: You can travel with a small kit like this one, or make your own.
- Light jacket or windbreaker: Weather can shift quickly, especially in spring or fall. We absolutely love our Janji wind shells – incredibly lightweight!
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: Even a short ride can mean significant sun exposure.
- Phone and portable charger: For navigation, photos, and emergencies. We have the Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3 Power Bank and it’s great for charging all your devices on the go.
Since the route is mostly on quiet country roads and village streets, you don’t need heavy-duty cycling gear to enjoy the ride – comfort and practicality win here.
Tips for a Smooth E-Bike Experience in Burgundy
If it’s your first time biking in France – or your first time on an e-bike – don’t worry. Exploring Burgundy by bike is beginner-friendly, especially with a little prep. Here are a few tips to help your ride go smoothly:
✅ Test the e-bike before leaving the shop: Make sure you’re comfortable with the controls, especially how to change power levels and gears. The shop staff can walk you through everything – they want to make sure you have the best experience
⚡ Use assist mode wisely: E-bikes make hills a breeze, but you’ll still want to conserve battery for the full ride. Use higher assist settings on hills or when you’re tired, and lower settings on flats.
🛤️ Stick to quiet roads and marked bike paths: Burgundy has many calm country roads and dedicated routes that are perfect for casual riders. Ask your rental shop for a recommended route – they’ll know the best low-traffic options.
🍷 Mind the wine tastings: If you plan to stop for a tasting (or two), keep it light. France has alcohol limits for cycling just like driving.
⏰ Keep an eye on the time: It’s easy to get swept up in the scenery and lose track of time, so give yourself enough buffer to return the bikes before closing.
👟 Don’t forget comfort gear: Padded shorts aren’t essential, but comfortable clothing and supportive shoes make a big difference on longer rides. Ride for comfort, not fashion!
🎒 Pack light but smart: See our packing list above – you don’t need much, but having the right basics goes a long way.
This kind of biking is meant to be relaxing, scenic, and just a bit active – no racing required! Take it at your own pace, stop often, and soak it all in.
Our E-Bike Route: Dijon to Gevrey-Chambertin
Our biking through Burgundy adventure took us from Dijon to the charming wine village of Gevrey-Chambertin, a route filled with scenic vineyards, a quiet château or two, and the kind of rural beauty that makes you want to slow down and soak it all in.
We were in Dijon for a few days, but only had one afternoon free to explore Burgundy by bike. Knowing this, we stopped into Bourgogne Evasion the day before we planned to rent bikes, to chat with the friendly staff about our options and coordinate pick-up.
On the day of our rental, we arrived at the shop just after noon, ready for an afternoon of exploring. Bourgogne Evasion is conveniently located near the edge of the old town, which made it easy to avoid some vehicle and pedestrian traffic, and quickly reach quieter country roads. The staff provided us with a downloadable map to use on our phones, and we were on our way.
Immediately outside of Dijon, we had a brief moment of confusion on which road to take, but after a quick stop to check the map closely, we were on our way.
The ride itself was easy and scenic, thanks to the e-bikes – a lifesaver on such a hot day. We passed by countless vineyards with the hills of the Côte d’Or as our backdrop and even caught a glimpse of a château along the way.
Once we arrived in Gevrey-Chambertin, we locked up our bikes and wandered into town for a bite.
We ended up at Le Tue-Chien, a cozy wine bar where we each enjoyed a glass of chilled Burgundy Chardonnay (yes, white – we know red wine is the star here, but we’re white wine people!). Steve ordered escargot, Liz went with a classic croque monsieur, and we soaked up the low-key village atmosphere.
The town was abuzz with early preparations for a Tour de France stage arriving in just a couple weeks – an added layer of excitement during our visit.
After lunch, we made our way back toward Dijon, stopping for cold water along the way to beat the heat. We finished the ride with a breezy cruise along Dijon’s canal path before returning our bikes to Bourgogne Evasion.
The entire route took about four hours round-trip, including our lunch stop. It was a perfect example of a soft adventure – just the right mix of movement, scenery, and relaxation.
Final Thoughts: Biking through Burgundy
Our afternoon e-bike ride from Dijon to Gevrey-Chambertin was everything we love in a travel adventure – easy to plan, rewarding without being exhausting, and filled with scenery that invites you to slow down and savor the moment.
Biking through Burgundy let us experience the landscape in an immersive, active way, without needing a full-day commitment or a car. From vineyard-lined roads to a relaxed village wine bar, the journey felt spontaneous, refreshing, and deeply local.
If you’re staying in Dijon or Beaune and looking to add a light dose of adventure to your trip, hopping on a bike is one of the most accessible and enjoyable ways to do it. With e-bike rentals, quiet roads, and charming stops along the way, Burgundy is made for exploring at your own pace. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or just craving a break from museums and markets, this is an afternoon escape well worth taking.