In the land of green gold

Brionnais, a land of wonder, where every path tells a story

In the land of green gold

€680 per adult

Go on an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Brionnais! A ride with a donkey to visit the “land of green gold”.

Paths lined with hedges, green groves, gentle hills and villages with timeless charm punctuate your adventure. Nature reveals its treasures to you during this donkey trek! Between meadows populated with Charolais cows and emblematic Romanesque churches, each day of this donkey trek is an immersion in a soothing and authentic landscape.

We have prepared a tour for you that will take you from melay à Saint-Bonnet-de-Cray, Vauban, Saint-Christophe-en-Brionnais, Semur-en-Brionnais et Saint-Julien-de-Jonzy.

6 days / 5 nights
Burgundy
Children -7 years old
Children +7 years old
  • Destination
    Burgundy
  • Start time
    Farm Bougres d'ânes in Melay
  • Departure time
    9:00
  • Arriving time
    17:00
  • Equipment
    Helmets are mandatory for children
  • Included
    Hosting
    Breakfast
    Picnic
    Dinner at the guest table
  • Optional
    Overnight stay before the hike
    Overnight stay after the hike
    Extra donkey
    Train station or airport transfer

Picture gallery

Hiking with a donkey in Burgundy
1
Donkey trek: day 1

From Melay to Saint-Bonnet-de-Cray 

We meet at the Bougres d'ânes farm for a 2-hour training course 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.)

Your walk with your donkey begins gently. You take the towpath along the peaceful Roanne canal in Digoin, an ideal setting to get 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

2
Donkey trek: day 2

From Saint-Bonnet-de-Cray to Vauban

You start this second day of hiking by following the gentle Bezo River, bordered by meadows where Charolais cows graze peacefully. Let yourself be lulled by the soothing rhythm of the water and savor every moment for a total disconnection.

Later you cross the small Foumoux forest to reach 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

3
Donkey trek: day 3

Loop hike around Vauban

You can enjoy this third day of your hiking trip at your own pace and according to your desires. You can relax and enjoy the swimming pool, sauna and playground. You can also go for a light walk where the donkey only carries the picnic. This is a great opportunity for children to ride a donkey and explore without constraints.

If you are there on a Wednesday, don't miss the livestock market Saint-Christophe-en-Brionnais. This ancestral market, famous far beyond the region, will immerse you in a living tradition where past and present meet. A one-hour guided tour, followed by a meat tasting, will introduce you to this unique heritage.

Short hike possible from 5 to 12 km of your choice

4
Donkey trek: day 4

From Vauban to Saint-Christophe-en-Brionnais

Today you dive into the heart of Brionnais and its authenticity. You cross gentle hills, green meadows and admire a bocage landscape and unspoiled nature. This fourth day of donkey trekking promises you a complete disconnection! 

Evening accommodation in a stopover gîte in a former school (dormitory or private rooms with shared bathrooms) or in a guest room.

13,5 km or approximately 4 hours of walking / D+: 30 m and D-: 183 m (shortcuts of 195 and 2 km possible)

5
Donkey trek: day 5

From Saint Christophe en Brionnais to Saint-Julien-de-Jonzy

On this fifth day of hiking, you explore one of the most beautiful circuits in Brionnais. You cross the splendid deciduous forest that stretches between Saint-Christophe-en-Brionnais et Semur-en-Brionnais, offering an immersive experience in the heart of unspoiled nature.

Halfway along the route, the most intrepid can discover the magnificent medieval village from Semur in Brionnais.

We recommend you visit the Saint Hilaire collegiate church, listed as a historical monument, built in the 12th century. Evidence of the last Romanesque church erected in Brionnais, it subtly combines the Cluniac Romanesque style with the beginnings of the Gothic style. Near the church, the Semur-en-Brionnais castle invites you to an exciting exploration, with its mysterious corners that particularly captivate children.

You reach your hotel accommodation. The meal is taken at the on-site restaurant (evening meal not included in the package: to be paid on site)

16,5 km or approximately 5 hours of walking / D+: 30 m and D-: 338 m (shortcuts of 334 and 2 km possible)

6
Donkey trek: day 6

From Saint-Julien-de-Jonzy to Melay

After climbing, it's time to go back down with enthusiasm! You take the trails again with your donkey, but this time through a beautiful deciduous forest whose peace and quiet will gently guide you towards the the Loire Valley.

We recommend you take a little detour to the magnificent Romanesque church of Iguerande, a thousand-year-old lookout perched on top of a hill offering a splendid view of the valley and its majestic Loire river. If fate smiles on you, an exceptional encounter awaits you at the museum opposite the church: Lili. She will tell you the fascinating story of the inhabitants of this country, adding a personalized touch to your experience.

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*.

 

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.).

Adult: €500 to €520

Adults and teenagers: €360 to €380

Child - 12: €280 to €310

Under 3 years old: €155 to €175

Child in a crib: €46

€390 by 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:

  • Your donkey's hiking equipment (pack saddle and saddlebags) and its food.
  • The complete organization of your hike.
  • Accommodation during the hike, including full board from picnic lunch on day 1 to picnic lunch on day 6
  • 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.
  • 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 insurance.
  • Transporting luggage by vehicle.