In the land of the 7 hills

A stay combining nature, heritage and wonder 

In the land of the 7 hills

€315 per adult

Hike at your own pace with your donkey, your faithful companion during this adventure in a peaceful and authentic setting

During the 3 days of this donkey trek, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the Brionnais, otherwise known as the “country of the seven hills”.

It is a magnificent walk to discover an exceptionally preserved bocage landscape and a rich architectural heritage.

We have prepared a hiking trail that takes you from melay à Saint-Bonnet-de-Cray and Saint-Julien-de-Jonzy via iguerande.

  • Destination
  • 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
1
Donkey trek: day 1

From Melay to Saint-Bonnet-de-Cray 

After a 2-hour donkey trekking training session, you set off with your new companion along the Roanne canal in Digoin. It is a gentle start to the route on the towpath before crossing the majestic Loire to join charming paths lined with hedges typical of the Brionnais bocage.

Then heading for the heights ! You climb quietly on a picturesque path offering breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding countryside.

You end this first day of donkey trekking in the charming village of Saint-Bonnet-de-Cray.

You stay in a guest room with Marie Christine who will give you a warm welcome and prepare dinner for a friendly evening.

12 km or approximately 4 hours of walking / D+: 271 m and D-: 167 m

 

2
Donkey trek: day 2

From Saint-Bonnet-de-Cray to Saint-Julien-de-Jonzy

This second day of walking with your donkey immerses you in a peaceful and authentic setting. You follow the gentle curves of the Bezo Valley, where a river winds between the meadows, lulled by the tranquil rhythm of Charolais cows.

After a climb nicknamed the “Corvée”, you reach Saint-Julien-de-Jonzy, the highest hilltop village in Brionnais and its breathtaking view!

This is where you enjoy a relaxing evening in this haven of peace after a day full of nature, discoveries and wonder. You are accommodated at the village hotel and dine there.

15 km or approximately 5 hours of walking / D+: 30 m and D-: 392 m (shortcuts of 268 and 2,5 km possible)

3
Donkey trek: day 3

From Saint-Julien-de-Jonzy to Melay 

For this last day of donkey trekking, you descend quietly by superb paths through a majestic deciduous forest. Let yourself be enveloped by the calm and serenity of this descent!

You end your walk with a visit to the dazzling Romanesque church of Iguerande. Perched on a hill, it offers a breathtaking view of the valley and the river.

We recommend you visit the "Reflet Brionnais" museum and, with a bit of luck, you will enjoy Lili's fascinating stories about local history.

12 km or approximately 4 hours of walking / D+: 30 m and D-: 140 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*.

 

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: QUITE LOW

Fairly low level of accident risk. 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.).

From €210 to €230 per adult in double room with full board
From €165 to €185 per child aged 12 and over full board
From €130 to €150 per child under 12 years old full board
From €70 to €90 per child under 3 years old full board
€20 per child sleeping in a cot

€210 per rented donkey (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 3
  • 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.
    • free baby bed
  • 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;

 


Available options:

  • An additional night in half-board the day before the hike
  • An additional night in half board on the last day of the hike
  • An extra donkey
  • Taxi transfer from the train station to Melay
  • Cancellation and interruption insurance