Here is a local TER train map to help you plan your cycling holidays in Burgundy.
As the name suggests, the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of France combines the old Burgundy region with Franche-Comté. The regional capital is Besançon. Major Burgundy canal and wine route places to know include Beaune, Macon and Chalon-sur-Saone.
Catching TGV fast trains to this part of France with a fully assembled bike is very difficult as few TGVs will take bikes that are not bagged or boxed. It is therefore necessary to catch local TER train services if you are travelling with a bike – see any regional TER website for tickets and times.
For example, from Paris you need to catch a TER train from Paris Bercy to Dijon, as the TGV and Lyria services will not take bikes. Usually, you can simply buy a TER ticket and walk your bike onto the train, regardless of whether the SNCF online booking system says that TER train takes bikes. All TERs take bikes but it's best to avoid peak hours.
For Besançon, go via Dijon. You could also go from Paris Bercy to Lyon Part-Dieu on a TER and take local TER trains north into Burgundy from there. Beaune, Macon and Chalon are all linked by TER train. You can also link to Nevers by local TER to access the Loire bike route EuroVelo 6. Search any TER regional website for tickets and times.
Bike reservations are needed in advance on some lines:
Note that the Paris-Dijon-Macon (Lyon) line requires (free) bike reservations during some peak periods. If using this line, it's best to book a spot in advance from the TER website here. It should issue you with a special velo ticket/coupon in addition to your regular ticket. The reservation is free but mandatory.
Note that the Paris-Morvan requires (free) bike reservations during some peak periods. If using this line, it's best to book a spot in advance from the TER website. It should issue you with a special velo ticket/coupon in addition to your regular ticket. The reservation is free but mandatory.
To confirm, here are the lines that require free bike reservations from this TER website:
- Paris - Mâcon/Dijon (Lyon)
- Paris - Auxerre
- Paris - Avallon
- Paris - Clamecy/Corbigny
See here for more general bike-train guidance.
You can click here or on the map for a downloadable PDF.
Bike hire and accommodation in Burgundy
You can use our bespoke bike hire service to find bike hire in this region.
You can find accommodation by searching here.
You can find self-guided and guided rides in Burgundy here. Let me know via here if you need help.
