This is the second part of the approach route to the Burgundy region.
The route is suitable for reaching Burgundy or as an alternative route to the south, and can be used as a starting point for one of the other routes in this area, as described in the Motorcycle Tour Guides parts 1 and 2.

The roads in this area seem designed for both speed and enjoyment. Green hills all around, plenty of water, and a perfect road surface.

The original starting point is the town of Bar-sur-Seine, but we stayed overnight in Mesnil-Saint-Pere and so we first drove to Bar-du-Seine and then took a short trip on the N71 to Polisy, where we picked up the route again on the D-roads.

We pass several beautiful villages, including Les Riceys, known for its rosé and its three churches.
Via Laignes, we take the D21 to Coulmier-le-Sec, where we turn back onto the D980 to Montbard through the "Forêt de Fontenay" forest. In this forest lies the Abbaye de Fontenay, a 12th-century abbey named after the presence of a fountain (fontaine) and historically significant as a well-preserved Cistercian monastery. These monks considered manual labor as important as prayer, and the church was therefore called the "workshop of prayer." This is a beautiful spot to stop for a photo. To do so, take the exit onto the narrow unpaved road.

We continue to Montbard (RP10), famous primarily for being the home of the Count de Buffon (1707-1788). This naturalist and count wrote "Histoire Naturelle" (Nature History) and left the town a beautiful park near the museum. If you'd like to visit, it's best to park at RP10 and walk through the town to the park.
About 6 kilometers northwest of Montbard on the D905 lies the impressive iron foundry "Grande Forge de Buffon," which De Buffon founded and was also personally involved with. It's definitely worth a visit.

The next stop is Semur-en-Auxois, a beautiful medieval town with red roofs built on a pink granite plain in the Côte-d'Or department, between Montbard and Saulieu, nestled in a meander of the Armançon River. The town boasts a rich heritage stemming from its rich history and a protected area perfect for strolling. Whether you're exploring on your own or with a guide, aboard a tourist train or with an audio tour, the historic center of Saumur-en-Auxois welcomes you for a journey through time. Enter one of its fortified gates, which once protected the town, and explore the charming streets and beautiful squares lined with mansions and half-timbered houses. Parking your bike and strolling around is definitely a good idea.

On our way to Saulieu, we enter the Morvan region. This region lies in the heart of Burgundy and is formed by a granite massif. Many consider it the most beautiful part of Burgundy. What's certain is that it's full of lovely little roads, it's very green, and there's water everywhere. This area is described in other routes in this series. Saulieu is a gastronomic center, making it the perfect town for a break for a bite to eat.

From Saulieu to the end point in Autun is a good 40 kilometers. If you have enough time, take the D26. If you have less time, you can also take the D980. In both cases, you'll drive through beautiful green countryside, but the D26 is slightly more scenic, so here's the D26 description; it runs along the Chamboux reservoir (RP20). After the lake, the road is called the D121. After Alligny-en-Morvan, turn left and rejoin the D980 via the D20.

And then Autun, the final destination of this trip. It was chosen because it's conveniently located on a scenic route south, but also because it's a great base for exploring Burgundy. Autun itself is a beautiful old town steeped in history. There are several hotels and a campsite for overnight stays.