Burgundy by Bike: Hospices de Beaune Auction 2026
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Looking for a unique wine getaway this November? Then discover Burgundy by bike during the most famous weekend of the wine year. On Sunday 15 November 2026, Beaune hosts the 166th Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction. For three days, the whole Côte d’Or celebrates, and cellars open their doors with special tastings. Meanwhile, the vineyards are quiet again after the harvest. As a result, you ride on empty roads and arrive in a town in full celebration.
In this guide, you’ll first discover why this weekend is so special. Then, we’ll suggest a short route from Dijon to Beaune, the wines and dishes to taste, and our tips to plan your trip. For an overview of the region, also check out our Burgundy by Bike page.
1. Why Explore Burgundy by Bike in November?
In mid-November, Burgundy offers far more than quiet vineyards and golden stone villages. In fact, the whole Côte d’Or comes alive for its most prestigious wine event of the year. At the same time, the summer crowds have long gone, and winemakers finally have time for visitors. As a result, three good reasons make this weekend the perfect time to explore Burgundy by bike.
The Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction
First of all, the auction is a living tradition. Indeed, the Hospices de Beaune have sold their wines for charity since 1859. In 2026, the sale takes place on Sunday 15 November at 2:30 PM, under the Halles de Beaune, with Sotheby’s as auctioneer. Admittedly, only accredited buyers bid in the hall. However, the whole town turns into a wine festival around it.
Next, the harvest is over and the winemakers have more time to talk. The last leaves still cling to some vines, and the stone villages glow in the low autumn light. Of course, November is cool in Burgundy, with temperatures often between 3 and 10°C. That’s why we suggest a short weekend format, with easy stages and an electric-assist bike.
A Festive Weekend in the Cellars
In addition, the sale crowns the Trois Glorieuses, three days of celebration across the Côte d’Or. Throughout the weekend, many estates offer tastings that exist only this weekend. For example, some houses open their vat rooms and ageing cellars, while village domains open exceptionally to visitors. Moreover, the streets of Beaune fill with music, food stalls and wine lovers from around the world.
Quiet Vineyards After the Harvest
Next, the harvest is over and the winemakers have more time to talk. The last leaves still cling to some vines, and the stone villages glow in the low autumn light. Of course, November is cool in Burgundy, with temperatures often between 3 and 10°C. That’s why we suggest a short weekend format, with easy stages and an electric-assist bike.
2. The Route: Burgundy by Bike along the Route des Grands Crus
For this special weekend, we suggest a short tailor-made trip based on the first stages of our Burgundy by bike tour. In total, you ride about 30 miles (48 km) in two days, then enjoy Beaune at your own pace.
Your weekend begins in Dijon, a city of art, history and fine food. First, settle into your hotel and stroll through the medieval old town, with its half-timbered houses and elegant mansions. Then, visit the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy or the lively covered market. In the evening, finally, enjoy your first Burgundian dinner with a glass of Pinot Noir.
The next morning, you set off on the legendary Route des Grands Crus for a 14-mile (23 km) ride. Along the way, you ride through Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey-Saint-Denis and Chambolle-Musigny, whose names alone make wine lovers dream. In Vougeot, then, stop at the Château du Clos de Vougeot, birthplace of the Chevaliers du Tastevin. By late afternoon, you reach Nuits-Saint-Georges, a charming village famous for its full-bodied reds.
For this special weekend, we suggest a short tailor-made trip based on the first stages of our Burgundy by bike tour. In total, you ride about 30 miles (48 km) in two days, then enjoy Beaune at your own pace.
Your weekend begins in Dijon, a city of art, history and fine food. First, settle into your hotel and stroll through the medieval old town, with its half-timbered houses and elegant mansions. Then, visit the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy or the lively covered market. In the evening, finally, enjoy your first Burgundian dinner with a glass of Pinot Noir.
The next morning, you set off on the legendary Route des Grands Crus for a 14-mile (23 km) ride. Along the way, you ride through Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey-Saint-Denis and Chambolle-Musigny, whose names alone make wine lovers dream. In Vougeot, then, stop at the Château du Clos de Vougeot, birthplace of the Chevaliers du Tastevin. By late afternoon, you reach Nuits-Saint-Georges, a charming village famous for its full-bodied reds.
Then, a second 14-mile (23 km) stage winds south through vine-covered hills and quiet stone hamlets. Soon, the glazed-tile roofs of Beaune appear on the horizon. You arrive just in time for the festivities, when cellars open their doors for special tastings. In the evening, the streets fill with music and wine lovers from around the world.
On auction day, you can enjoy a short ride to Pommard and Volnay, or simply explore Beaune on foot. For example, visit the Hôtel-Dieu, the medieval hospital that still owns the Hospices’ vineyards. Then, join the crowd around the Halles for the 166th auction. Above all, take time to soak up the unique atmosphere of this historic day.
Finally, take a last walk along the ramparts before your train home. If you wish, you can also extend your stay to explore the Côte de Beaune, from Meursault to Santenay.
Overall, the route is gentle, with only short climbs between villages. Besides, it combines perfectly with a visit to the Hospices’ famous Hôtel-Dieu and its glazed-tile roof.
3. Wine and Food: Burgundy by Bike in November, a Gourmet Journey
© Alain DOIRE / BFC Tourisme
After a day in the saddle, Burgundy rewards you generously at the table. Indeed, wine and food go hand in hand here, from the humble village bistro to the Michelin-starred restaurant. During the auction weekend, moreover, many estates pair their tastings with local specialties. So, here is what to sip and savor along the Route des Grands Crus.
Tasting Burgundy Wines by Bike
First, cycling through the vineyards helps you understand Burgundy’s famous climats, the small plots listed by UNESCO. Unlike Bordeaux, Burgundy relies mainly on two grape varieties. On the one hand, Pinot Noir gives the great reds of the Côte de Nuits, such as Gevrey-Chambertin. On the other hand, Chardonnay shines in the whites of the Côte de Beaune, like Meursault. In November, moreover, you can taste the new vintage from the cask during the auction weekend. Our tip: spread your tastings over several days and always spit when riding.
Then, autumn is the perfect season for Burgundy’s comforting cuisine. After a ride in the cold, nothing beats a beef bourguignon or eggs poached in red wine, the famous œufs en meurette. For a snack, try gougères, small cheese puffs served with every glass of wine. Finally, end your meal with Époisses, a strong local cheese washed in marc de Bourgogne.
In short, a trip to Burgundy by bike in November is as much about the table as it is about the ride.
4. Your Burgundy Bike Weekend with Trip My France
Our standard Burgundy by bike tour runs from March to October. For the auction weekend, however, our custom travel planning service can create a short tailor-made trip. First, we select charming accommodations in Dijon, Nuits-Saint-Georges and Beaune. Then, our driver transfers your luggage while you cycle. In addition, you receive bikes suited to your needs, a detailed roadbook and a GPS app.
Would you rather discover Burgundy in spring? In that case, our 8-day tour from Dijon to Mâcon reopens in March, all the way to Cluny and the Mâconnais.
