In a Romanesque garden
Enjoy this immersion in the diversity of the Brionnais landscapes at your own pace
Brionnais is nicknamed the "Romanesque garden of Burgundy". These are varied landscapes, between groves, rivers and forests, which are offered to you during this itinerant hike. By following ancestral paths, you explore a territory shaped by man but preserved in its authenticity, with picturesque villages and Romanesque churches nestled in the heart of this unique "Romanesque garden".
We have prepared a tour for you that will take you from melay à Saint-Bonnet-de-Cray, Vauban, Vareilles, Saint-Christophe-en-Brionnais, Anzy-le-Ducet et Saint-Julien-de-Jonzy.
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Destination
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Start time
Farm Bougres d'ânes in Melay -
Departure time
9:00 -
Arriving time
17:00 -
Equipment
Helmets are mandatory for children -
Included
HostingBreakfastPicnicDinner at the guest table -
Optional
Overnight stay after the hikeOvernight stay before the hikeExtra donkeyTrain station or airport transfer
Donkey trek: day 1
From Melay to Saint-Bonnet-de-Cray
We will meet you at 9 a.m. at the Bougres d'ânes farm for a 2-hour training session on hiking with a donkey. (If you are coming from far away, you can take the night before as an option for an early session at 17 p.m.)
You then take the road to gently begin your donkey trek along the peaceful Roanne canal in Digoin. This setting is ideal for getting to know your travel companion. You cross the Loire, then take charming paths lined with hedges typical of the Brionnais bocage.
You progress quietly along a picturesque path, marked by splendid panoramas, before descending towards the welcoming village of Saint-Bonnet-de-Cray. There, Marie Christine welcomes you warmly. You settle into your guest room and enjoy a meal at the guest tables.
13 km or approximately 4 hours of walking / D+: 30 m and D-: 271 m
Donkey trek: day 2
From Saint-Bonnet-de-Cray to Vauban
For this second day of hiking, you follow the gentle Bezo River bordered by meadows where Charolais cows graze peacefully. It is an ideal setting for a family hike, combining unusual adventure and total disconnection.
On the way, you cross the small Foumoux forest before reaching your evening destination and your accommodation in a teepee (private showers and toilets in a shared toilet block) or in a trapper's cabin (private bathroom). Meals at the guest table on site (free swimming pool and sauna: €15 per person to be paid on site).
16 km or approximately 5 hours of walking (shortcut of 30 and 3 km possible) / D+: 6 m and D -: 327 m
Donkey trek: day 3
From Vauban to Vareilles
You set off to discover the secret paths of theeast of Brionnais where each step reveals unsuspected treasures: dry stone walls, discreet chapels and elegant Romanesque churches.
The landscape is an invitation to take a nap in the shade of a century-old oak tree or to admire the graceful flight of buzzards and falcons.
You are accommodated in a treehouse or trapper's cabin in the middle of a mini farm (dwarf pigs, dwarf donkey, ponies, poultry and dwarf goats). Showers and toilets are private in a shared sanitary block. Meals are served in your accommodation.
14 km or approximately 5 hours of walking / D+: 252 m and D-: 258 m (2 km shortcut possible)
Donkey trek: day 4
From Vareilles to Saint Christophe in Brionnais
For this fourth day of your donkey trek, we have prepared a circuit that takes you through the picturesque village ofHear ye.
This haven of peace houses the majestic remains of a 15th-16th century stately home, once much more imposing (visits from French garden possible from mid-July to the end of August in the afternoon). Formerly under the aegis of the lords of Semur-en-Brionnais, Oyé saw a cadet branch inherit in the 13th century.
You will reach your accommodation for the evening at your own pace, a stopover lodge in a former school. Dormitory or private rooms with shared bathrooms.
13,5 km or approximately 4 hours of walking (shortcuts of 30 and 2 km possible) / D+: 5 m / D-: 196 m
Donkey trek: day 5
From Saint Christophe en Brionnais to Anzy-le-Duc
You begin this fifth day of donkey trekking by crossing the "little Burgundian Switzerland". After a few pleasant climbs, you can enjoy the tranquility of the valley of theArconce, a small river that winds between the Charolais pastures.
At the end of the day, you can extend the adventure with a visit to theroman church d’Anzy-le-Duc, a real gem not to be missed!
You are accommodated in a guest room with meals at the guest table on site (free swimming pool)
15 km or approximately 5 hours of walking / D+: 270 m / D-: 418 m
Donkey trek: day 6
From Anzy-le-Duc to Saint-Julien-de-Jonzy
You are setting off on one of the most beautiful circuits in Brionnais, through a magnificent deciduous forest for a total immersion in nature.
The essential stop on this day of donkey trekking is Semur-en-Brionnais. We recommend that you take the time to explore this listed medieval village, with its Saint-Hilaire collegiate church, a 12th century Romanesque jewel combining Cluniac and nascent Gothic influences. You can extend the adventure to the castle, where towers and secret passages will make young and old dream.
You are staying at the hotel. The evening meal is not included in the package of the stay (to be paid on site)
16,5 km or approximately 5 hours of walking / D+: 30 m and D-: 410 m (shortcuts of 192 km possible)
Donkey trek: day 7
From Saint-Julien-de-Jonzy to Melay
For this last and seventh day of your donkey trek, it is time to go back down to Melay! Through a beautiful deciduous forest you follow the paths that lead you gently towards the Loire Valley, between calm and enchanting panoramas.
We recommend a detour via iguerande to admire its superb Romanesque church perched on the hill, a real lookout offering a breathtaking view of the Loire. Opposite the church, the museum has a surprise in store for you: if you're lucky, you might meet Lili, a passionate storyteller, ready to reveal the secrets and anecdotes of this land full of history.
Back at the farm you can give one last cuddle to your donkey, your faithful hiking companion!
12,5 km or approximately 4 hours of walking / D+: 30 m and D-: 174 m
Before you leave, take advantage ofcomplete training with a donkey trekking professional. You will learn how to take care of this gentle and patient animal – brushing, cleaning the feet, putting on the pack saddle – and will receive all the necessary explanations to guide your donkey with ease. With your new walking companion, you can set off with peace of mind to explore the Brionnais.
Given the maximum weight a donkey can carry (30 to 35 kilos maximum per donkey), we recommend taking one donkey for 3 to 4 people maximum. This rule varies depending on the age of the children and their ability to walk the entire hike or not: we therefore advise you to carefully assess the weight that the donkey will have to carry during the hike and possibly take an additional donkey as an option if necessary.
What you need for your donkey trek:
- Your clothes (don't forget practical, lightweight rain gear and caps).
A good pair of hiking shoes and possibly a second pair to rest your feet in the evening BUT LIGHT (sandal type). - Shower gel and shampoo not provided in guest rooms.
- One water bottle per person of at least 1,5 liters which will be filled every morning before your departure.
- A small emergency pharmacy (antiseptic, bandages, aspirin, mosquito and tick repellent, tick remover, sunscreen).
- A mountain bike helmet for children riding the donkey (MANDATORY, not provided).
- A water spray bottle (usually used for plants), very useful for cooling you down during hot weather.
What you don't need for your donkey trek:
- You don't need towels, sheets or sleeping bags.
- You don't need any picnic equipment, everything will be provided.
- Games for children (there is everything you need in the accommodation).
- Extra food (including for the donkey), meals, breakfasts and picnics are very plentiful, don't worry!
It is recommended to have a minimum knowledge of reading IGN maps. All details in the *FAQ*.
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Walking times are given as an indication, without break times and depend on your walking level.
NB: D+: elevation gain, D-: elevation gain downhill.
The Federation has designed a practical tool to estimate the difficulty of a hike with a donkey.
A simple tool that we used to give you an idea of the level required for this hike.
The FFRandonnée rating is intended to be a faithful reflection of the difficulty of a hike expressed according to 3 criteria: EFFORT, TECHNICITY and RISK
General level of the hike: NOT HARD
- EFFORT: LEVEL 3/5: NOT HARD
Hiking requires a certain physical commitment, but it remains measured. This level corresponds to moderate hiking.
- TECHNICALITY: Level 2/5: QUITE EASY
Route or portion of a route with obstacles less than or equal to ankle height. The foot is placed by looking for "flat" or "comfortable" areas of the support, which are fairly easy to identify.
- RISK: Level 2/5: FAIRLY LOW: fairly low level of risk of accidents.
Exposure to danger remains limited. Injuries are possible but minor (examples: path with fairly steep relief with possible embankments, possible dislocations and sprains in the event of a fall, etc.).
De 590 to 610 € per adult in double room with full board.
De 380 to 400 € per child from 12 years old with full board.
De €310 to €330 per child under 12 full board.
De €170 to €190 per child under 3 years old full board.
50 € per child sleeping in a cot.
420 € per donkey rented (one donkey for 3 to 4 people)
These rates are for a minimum of 2 adults or 1 adult and 1 child aged 12 and over participating and staying in the same room. For families of more than 5 people, for people wanting separate rooms, a supplement will be indicated in the quote. For single-parent families with children under 12, a supplement will be indicated in the quote.
These rates are given for information purposes only. Depending on your requests, a customized quote will be established before booking. Do not hesitate to let us know any useful information for organizing your stay.
The donkey trek program is given for information purposes only, it may be modified depending on weather conditions, the level of the group and/or the availability of accommodation.
These prices include:
- A single donkey, its hiking equipment (pack and saddlebags) and its food.
- The complete organization of your hike.
- Accommodation during the hike with full board from the picnic on day 1 to the picnic on day 7 (EXCEPT the evening meal on day 6 to be paid directly at the restaurant).
- The departure briefing: advice on leading a donkey, itinerary.
- The routes on the IGN map for each day of hiking, as well as a detailed route map.
- GPX tracks for each day of hiking can be downloaded before your arrival.
These prices do not include:
- Drinks and personal expenses.
- Evening meals on day 6 to be paid directly at the hotel restaurant.
- Accommodation the day before and the last day of hiking.
From €71 per adult in a double room with full board.
From €48 per child aged 12 and over, full board.
From €32 per child under 12 years old with full board.
From €20 per child under 4 years old with full board.
From €10 per child sleeping in a cot. - Transportation to the starting point of the hike and back.
- The repatriation of the donkey and hikers to the starting point in the event of abandonment on your part.
- Multi-risk epidemic insurance.
- Transporting luggage by vehicle.