This is the second part of the approach route to the Burgundy region.
The route is suitable to get to Burgundy or as an alternative route to the south and can be used as a starting route for one of the other routes in this area as they are described in the Motorbike guides part 1 and 2.

The roads in this area seem to be made to shoot and enjoy at the same time. Green hills all around, lots of water and a perfect road surface.

The original starting point is the town of Bar-sur-Seine, but we spent the night in Mesnil-Saint-Pere and so we first drive to Bar-du-Seine (RP2) to reach Polisy (RP3) via a small stretch of the N71. where we pick up the route on the D roads again.

We pass several beautiful villages, including Les Riceys (RP4), known for its rosé and the three churches.
Via Laignes we drive on the D21 to Coulmier-le-Sec where we turn again on the D980 to drive to Montbard through the forest “Forêt de Fontenay”. In this forest lies the Abbaye de Fontenay (RP9), this 12th century abbey owes its name to the presence of a fountain (fontaine) and has historical importance because it is a well-preserved Cistercian monastery. These monks felt that manual labor was just as important as prayer, and the church was called the "workshop of prayer." This is a nice place to stop for a photo. Take the exit for the narrow dirt road at RP9.

We continue on to Montbard (RP10), especially famous because it was the home of the Comte de Buffon (1707-1788). This natural scientist and count wrote "Histoire Naturelle" and left the city a beautiful park at the Museum. If you want to visit this, it's best to park at RP 10 and walk through the town to the park.
About 6 kilometers north-west of Montbard on the D905 is the impressive ironwork "Grande Forge de Buffon" (RP11) that De Buffon founded and which he personally dealt with. Well worth a visit.

The next stop is in Semur-en-Auxois (RP13), a beautiful medieval town with red roofs built on a pink granite plain, in the department of Côte-d'Or, between Montbard and Saulieu, in the middle of a bend of the river Armançon . The city has a rich heritage from its rich history, and a protected area where you can walk. On your own or with a guide, on board a tourist train or with an audio tour, the historic center of Saumur-en-Auxois welcomes you for a journey through time. Go through one of its fortified gates that once protected the town, and head out through the atmospheric streets and pretty squares with city palaces and half-timbered houses. Just park the motorcycle and wander around here is definitely not a bad plan.

On the way to Saulieu we drive into the Morvan area. This region is located in the middle of Burgundy and is formed by a granite massif. It is seen by many as the most beautiful part of Burgundy. What is certain, it is full of pretty little roads, it is very green and there is water everywhere. This route is described in other routes from this series. Saulieu (RP16) is a gastronomic center and therefore a perfect city to pause for a bite to eat.

From Saulieu to the end point Autun is a good 40 kilometers, if you have enough time, drive on the D26. If you have less time, you can also take the D980. In both cases you drive through a beautiful green landscape, but the D26 is slightly nicer, so here is the D26 described; this leads along the Chamboux reservoir (RP20). After the lake the road is called D121. After Alligny-en-Morvan turn left and via the D20 we connect again to the D980.

And then Autun, the end point of this ride. This was chosen because it is conveniently located in a beautiful route to the south, but also because from here Burgundy can be explored well. Autun itself is a beautiful old place with a lot of history.
I appreciate this route with 4 **** stars because of the beautiful roads through the green French landscape, the picturesque villages, towns and sights along the way.