6-day bike tour : discovering the history of the Brionnais

From Saint-Edmond to Amanzé

Embark on a day of adventure through the gentle hills of the Brionnais region, where every bend holds its share of surprises and wonders! For the intrepid looking for a memorable stage for the calves, head for the montain of Dun. Atop this majestic hill, a charming Romanesque church offers an exceptional panorama of the Charolais region.

Your journey will then take you to the picturesque village of La Clayette, a real gem nestled in lush green valleys. Once there, let yourself be seduced by the timeless charm of the château's park, a veritable oasis of tranquillity where you can stroll along the shady alleys.

But the adventure doesn't end there! On your way out of town, don't miss a detour to the majestic Drée castle, guardian of the history and legends of the Brionnais region. Admire its magnificent rose garden, a haven of peace where time seems suspended, inviting you to reflect and contemplate.

Loop day in Amanzé

Get ready for a day of wonder around Amanzé, where every path leads to the discovery of hidden treasures and age-old traditions. If Wednesday is your day to explore, let yourself be seduced by a trip to the livestock market in Saint-Christophe-en-Brionnais, cradle of the prestigious Charolais breed. Since the end of the 15th century, this authentic market has borne witness to the passion of breeders and their attachment to ancestral know-how. Soak up the lively atmosphere of this place steeped in history, where the destinies of breeders and animals have been intertwined for centuries. And what better way to round off your visit than to sample the tasty Charolais meat, a real treat for the taste buds ?

Whatever the day of your hike, the church of Varennes-l'Arconce, a jewel of Romanesque art nestled in the heart of the Brionnais countryside, is a must-see. A silent witness to the region's glorious past, this 11th-century church, a former Cluniac priory, invites you on a journey back in time to encounter the simplicity and purity of Romanesque art. Let yourself be transported by the majesty of its lines and the tranquility of its stones, eternal witnesses to a bygone era.

With its centuries-old traditions and exceptional heritage, this one-day loop around Amanzé promises moments of discovery and intense emotion. Set out to conquer the hidden treasures of the Brionnais, where every pedal stroke brings you a little closer to the soul of this generous land.

From Amanzé to Paray-le-Monial :

Let's continue our journey into the heart of nature and history, heading for the magnificent Arconce valley, a veritable jewel case of greenery where the charming town of Charolles, once prized by the Dukes of Burgundy, lies hidden.

This town, steeped in nobility and history, welcomes you along its picturesque lanes, where the past blends harmoniously with the present. At the crossroads of the Arconce and Semence rivers, Charolles unfurls its charms and invites you to take an enchanting stroll along its flower-filled walkways. Nicknamed the "Little Venice of Charolais" for its bucolic canals, the town offers a setting worthy of a painting, where each bridge transports you a little further into wonder.

Proudly overlooking the town, the remains of the former château comtal bear witness to Charolles' past grandeur. An imposing fortress, it towers majestically over the town, its two towers reaching for the sky like immutable guardians of time. To walk around these remains is to plunge into the heart of history and imagine the tales of the lords who once resided here.

Between medieval legends and the gentle pace of life, Charolles invites you to an enchanted interlude where time seems to stand still. Let yourself be enchanted by the incomparable charm of this city of mystery and beauty.

From Paray-le-Monial to Anzy le Duc

Start your day with a spellbinding plunge into the medieval atmosphere of Paray-le-Monial, a town steeped in history and charm. Let yourself be seduced by the cobbled streets of the historic center, precious witnesses to the city's glorious past. From the Hôtel de Ville with its elegant Italian-style façade to the Musée du Hiéron, a cultural treasure trove, half-timbered houses and the majestic Saint-Nicolas tower, each step reveals a new facet of the town's rich heritage.

But the highlight of your visit will undoubtedly be the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, an absolute jewel of Romanesque art and the jewel of Cluniac architecture in Burgundy. Built in the 12th century by Hugues de Semur, it embodies the splendor and magnificence of the Cluny abbey. Immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere of the abbey, and let the timeless beauty of its sacred vaults sweep you away.

After this captivating immersion in Paray-le-Monial, follow the "voie verte" along the Loire.

From Anzy le Duc to Melay :

Your journey begins with an architectural delight at the Romanesque church of Anzy-le-Duc, a veritable jewel of Burgundy's heritage. Built between the end of the 11th and the beginning of the 12th centuries, the church's majesty and sobriety will captivate you. An ancient monastery founded in the 9th century by the monks of Saint-Martin d'Autun, Anzy-le-Duc flourished in the Middle Ages thanks to the pilgrimage to the tomb of its founder, Hugues de Poitiers. The presence of a crypt, rare in the Charolais-Brionnais region, testifies to the age and historical richness of this site. Let the solemnity of its vaults and the delicacy of its sculpted decor, a veritable hymn to spirituality and Romanesque art, soak you in.

Then let yourself be transported back in time as you explore the medieval village of Semur-en-Brionnais. Majestically overlooking the bocage landscape, the castle, built as early as the 10th century, was witness to the region's turbulent history, and was the birthplace of Hugues de Semur, the future Saint-Hugues and illustrious founder of the Abbey of Cluny. Take a stroll through its narrow streets, steeped in legend, and let the spellbinding atmosphere of this place steeped in history wash over you.

Finally, take the gentle "voie verte" along the banks of the Loire, offering a serene, soothing route to round off this timeless adventure. Between religious heritage, medieval remains and enchanting landscapes, this journey promises intense emotions and unforgettable memories. So let yourself be carried away by the magic of the Brionnais region and set off to discover its hidden treasures, to the tranquil rhythm of the Loire winding alongside you.