Small farmers

Between nature, culture and heritage, an unforgettable stay

Small farmers

€770 per adult

Explore the paths of Brionnais and take the time to contemplate this unspoiled nature.

During this 7-day hike, you will enjoy an exceptionally preserved bocage landscape, embraced by the Loire and caressed by sparkling rivers. A magnificent walk to discover the heritage of Brionnais. This donkey trek brings together all the simple and authentic pleasures of a family vacation. 

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, Semur-en-Brionnais et Saint-Julien-de-Jonzy.

7 days / 6 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

donkey trekking in Burgundy
1
Donkey trek: day 1

From Melay to Saint-Bonnet-de-Cray 

Meet at 9 a.m. at the Bougres d'ânes farm, at our home in Melay, 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 ride with your donkey begins gently along the peaceful Roanne canal in Digoin, an ideal setting to get to know your travel companion. Cross the Loire, then take charming paths lined with hedges typical of the Brionnais bocage.

You progress quietly on 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

After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, you set off again with your donkey.

You follow the sweet 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. You can let yourself be lulled by the soothing rhythm of the water and savor every moment.

On the way, 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

3
Donkey trek: day 3

From Vauban to Vareilles

For this third day of donkey trekking, you set off to discover the secret trails of theeast of BrionnaisIn this haven of peace, every step reveals wonders: dry stone walls, discreet chapels and elegant Romanesque churches.

Take the time to daydream in the shade of a century-old oak tree, to walk to the rhythm of the peaceful Charolais cows 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)

4
Donkey trek: day 4

Rest day in Vareilles

For you and your donkeys, this fourth day of hiking is a day of rest and sharing.

You spend the morning with Christèle and Robert for an immersion in their farm. Feed "Pépère" the dwarf pig, the dwarf donkey, the ponies, the goats and the poultry in the company of Christèle. Robert shares his passion for breeding, he is inexhaustible about his job and his animals. And, who knows, maybe he will let you climb aboard his tractor!

The afternoon program depends only on your desires. You can enjoy a quiet walk with your donkey or relax by the pool. Here, you decide!

Evening accommodation in a stopover lodge in a former school. Dormitory or private rooms with shared bathrooms.

Possibility of a loop of 8 to 14 km

5
Donkey trek: day 5

From Saint Christophe en Brionnais to Anzy-le-Duc

For this fifth day of donkey trekking, we have chosen a route that will take you across the "little Burgundian Switzerland"After a few pleasant climbs, you will enjoy the tranquility of the Arconce valley, a small river which winds between the Charolais pastures.

At the end of the day after your hike, 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

6
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. 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.

A day full of discoveries, between nature and heritage!

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)

7
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*.

 

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.).

From €560 to €610 per adult in double room with full board
From €370 to €430 per child aged 12 and over full board
From €330 to €380 per child under 12 years old full board
From €170 to €220 per child under 4 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:

  • Your donkey's hiking equipment (pack saddle and saddlebags) and its food.
  • The complete organization of your hike.
  • Accommodation during the hike includes full board from picnic lunch on day 1 to picnic lunch on day 7.
  • 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 epidemic insurance.
  • Transporting luggage by vehicle.