From grove to forest

A memorable walk in unspoiled nature

From grove to forest

€195 per adult

Explore the Brionnais region at your own pace, a land of water and wooded countryside in southern Burgundy. A donkey trek promises enchantment and a change of scenery.

Accompanied by an adorable companion with big ears, you walk for two days on easy trails to enjoy an authentic countryside where the breeding of Charolais cows has continued for centuries.

We have prepared a circuit of hiking with a donkey which leads you from melay à Saint-Bonnet-de-Cray via iguerande.

2 days / 1 night
Burgundy
Children +7 years old
Teens and adults
  • Destination
    Burgundy
  • Start time
    Farm Bougres d'ânes in Melay
  • Departure time
    9:00
  • Arriving time
    18:00
  • 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

1
Day 1

From Melay to Saint-Bonnet-de-Cray

Your donkey trek begins gently by taking the towpath of Roanne canal in Digoin. You cross the majestic Loire to venture onto the small paths, bordered by hedges typical of the Brionnais bocage.

There, you begin your climb slowly but surely, following a picturesque path which will take you to exceptional viewpoints over the countryside.

The descent finally takes you to the charming village of Saint-Bonnet-de-Cray, where you will be warmly welcomed by Marie Christine. You will stay in a guest room and dine at the table d'hôtes.

12 km or approximately 4 hours of walking / D+: 30 m and D-: 270 m

2
Day 2

From Saint-Bonnet-de-Cray to Melay

On the morning of this second day of hiking, you set off to conquer the crest of the Mailly hill to admire the magnificent panoramas of the countryside and, in the distance, the majestic Madeleine Mountains.

Your route will then take you to the heart of the old town ofiguerande, perched on watch above the Loire plain. We recommend that you explore its roman church thousand-year-old building that offers a splendid view of the valley and the river. If you are lucky, Lili will welcome you to the nearby museum to share the fascinating history of this region!

A historical interlude before returning to the farm.

12 km or approximately 4 hours of walking / D+: 150 m and D-: 250 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.

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 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.

 

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!

 

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: QUITE EASY

  • EFFORT: LEVEL 2/5 QUITE EASY

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 €125 to €135 per adult in double room with full board.
In 85 90 to € per child from 12 years old full board.
In 65 75 to € per child under 12 years old full board.
35€ per child under 4 years old full board.
€20 by a child sleeping in a cot.

€140 by 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 with full board in a guesthouse in a bed and breakfast from picnic day 1 to picnic day 2
  • 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.
  • Transportation to the starting point of the hike and back.
  • Transporting luggage by vehicle
  • The repatriation of the donkey and hikers to the starting point in the event of abandonment on your part.
  • Insurance, including cancellation and interruption insurance.

 


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