dossier

Day 1: Arrive at Les Planches près Arbois
We meet you and take you to your hotel (15 mins), a restored water mill next to a cascading waterfall in time for dinner.

Day 2: Les Planches près Arbois to Passenans 32km/21mior37km/23mi
First stop perhaps at Les Planches impressive caves which were inhabited in the Bronze Age. Deep inside, the underground river has carved incredible shapes including organ pipes and chimneys in the limestone cliffs. As you leave Les Planches, your cycling takes you past timber-framed houses and on to Arbois, attractive wine town and capital of the region. (The Hirschinger chocolate shop has been here for over a hundred years if you fancy a mid-morning treat!) From here you head off through the vines to Toulouse le Château and lunch. Great views as you freewheel from here into Passenans in time for a dip in your hotel’s pool before dinner.

Day 3: At Passenans
It’s just a short cycle to the pretty riverside wine village of Arlay - impressive C18 château, with falconry, where you can taste the local vintage in the cellars. Or perhaps visit the family run Château de Frontenay and the picturesque village of Vau. Alternatively, just relax by the large outdoor pool.

Day 4: Passenans to Poligny 38km/24mior41km/25mi
First stop today is the pretty cliff-top village of Château-Chalon, officially one of the most beautiful villages in France: views from its C12 feudal castle are simply breathtaking. Chance to do some cheese and wine tasting in its cobbled streets, then on through charming wine villages to Baume-les-Messieurs and lunch. Finally a brief (but panoramic!) climb up to Poligny and your charming hotel just outside the town, where you’ll receive a warm welcome from M Masson and his family

Day 5: At Poligny
Overlooked by the Croix du Dan limestone promontory, the scenic and ancient wine town of Poligny is famous for Comté, the region’s favourite cheese - take time to visit the museum. It’s an easy ride into town to explore the historic ramparts, 12C churches and flower-decked fountains that make up the pastel coloured old quarter. And there are, of course, numerous wine caves en route! Returning, there’s time for a lazy late afternoon dip in the pool before dinner.

Day 6: Poligny to Les Planches 38km/24mi
Cycling along a forest trail you reach the impressive Moidon Caves – home to over 1,000 stalactites and stalagmites. Emerging into the sunlight once more, you enjoy an exhilarating panoramic freewheel into Arbois, the region’s wine capital.  Time to taste the local Poulsard roséand the vin jaune in the Château Poulsard(now a wine museum) before heading back along the valley Les Planches for your final gastronomic dinner.

Day 7:  Leave Les Planches

Leave Les Planches after breakfast