4-day bike tour : visit the roman garden of Burgundy

Cycling

Thematic

Cycling

Location

Brionnais in Burgundy

Duration

4 days / 3 nights

Level

Medium- Confirmed

Accomodation

Guest house, hotel

Participants

From 1 person

From 340€ / Person

Description

Discover the Brionnais, Burgundy's Romanesque garden, at your own pace, on a bike tour of small country roads.

We invite you to take a tour of the Charolais Brionnais, along the back roads of this magnificent countryside, passing through the remarkable towns of this fabulous bocage: Paray le Monial, Charolles, La Clayette, Digoin, Charlieu, ...

Leave your car behind and enjoy your vacation in a different way: get on your bike and take the time to enjoy the scenery, feel the wind on your face and simply savour the pleasure of being together!


This package is not available!

Program

Day 1

  • From Melay to Saint-Edmond :

    Set off on a memorable bike ride through nature and history! As you leave Melay, leave your car behind and venture off to enchanting horizons. Your destination? La Bénisson-Dieu, where the Cistercian abbey stands majestically, an immutable witness to time since its foundation in 1138. The atmosphere here is charged with a soothing spirituality that invites you to contemplate.

    For intrepid souls eager for discovery, a detour to a rehabilitated former gravel pit is a must. Nestled on the banks of the Loire, this enchanting spot offers a breathtaking spectacle for birdwatchers. Marvel at the graceful dance of the birds that inhabit this unspoilt site, a true oasis of peace in the heart of the wilderness.

    Then head for the "voie verte", the bucolic path that winds along the canal, offering a peaceful stroll along the water's edge. Your next destination? Charlieu, where history is revealed through the centuries-old stones of its Benedictine abbey. Plunge into the heart of the Middle Ages as you stroll through its Gothic cloister, a veritable masterpiece of sacred architecture. And why not opt for a guided tour to learn more about the secrets and legends that inhabit these walls steeped in history?

    Between spirituality, unspoilt nature and historical heritage, this bike tour promises unforgettable moments, at the crossroads between dream and reality. So, are you ready to let yourself be enchanted by the magic of the Brionnais?

Day 2

  • From Saint-Edmond to Amanzé:

    Embark on a day of adventure through the gentle hills of the Brionnais, where every bend holds its share of surprises and wonders! For intrepid riders looking for a memorable stage for their calves, head for Dun montain. At the top of 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.

     

Day 3

  • 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 ancient 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.

Day 4

  • From Paray-le-Monial to Melay:

    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. Soak up the mystical atmosphere that reigns here, and let yourself be transported by the timeless beauty of its sacred vaults.

    After this captivating immersion in Paray-le-Monial, follow the "voie verte" along the Loire, but don't miss a detour to Anzy-le-Duc, where stands proudly one of the most beautiful churches in Southern Burgundy. Built in the late 11th century, this church is a silent witness to the region's past grandeur. Its elegant octagonal bell tower and remarkable sculpted nave take you on a journey through the centuries, discovering the secrets of history.

    After a day rich in discovery and emotion, all that's left to do is cross the Loire back to your starting point, your heart filled with unforgettable memories of this fabulous bike ride.

Useful information

Discover Burgundy by bike, and more specifically the Brionnais, one of Burgundy's hidden treasures, on a bike ride through the meadows. Winding paths and hedgerow-lined roads offer cyclists and hikers an authentic experience in the heart of the Charolais bocage.

This unspoilt region is also a real gem for Romanesque art enthusiasts, with over thirty Romanesque churches dating from the 11th century, forming a remarkable ensemble in France. Optional guided tours of the tour's most emblematic sites are available to enrich your cultural experience.

During your stay, discover the region's most emblematic sites:

Paray-le-Monial: This historic town is famous for its Cluniac-style Romanesque basilica, one of the largest in France. Cyclists can admire its remarkable architecture and discover its rich religious heritage.

Charolles: Renowned for its well-preserved architecture and half-timbered houses, Charolles is a must-see stop on your tour. Visitors can stroll through its picturesque streets and visit the Prieuré museum, which houses a collection of local arts and crafts.

La Clayette: Nestled in a green setting, this charming village is dominated by its imposing 15th-century château. Cyclists can take a well-deserved break to explore the castle gardens and admire the panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.

Charlieu: An ancient medieval town, Charlieu is renowned for its Benedictine abbey, founded in the 9th century. Visitors can discover the abbey's fascinating history, as well as its art and archaeology museum.

After a day of exploring, relax in the warm welcome of the Brionnais people, where you'll be received as friends and enjoy meals prepared with the delights of the local terroir. Thanks to our daily luggage transport service, you can leave light and enjoy every moment of your cycling vacation.

Dare to be adventurous and embark on a revitalizing cycling holiday in this little-known corner of Burgundy.

These tours can be adapted daily to your level, so we can easily offer you longer or shorter tours! Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Day 1 :
Average difficulty: 34 km / D+: 358 m and D-: 261 m / max altitude: 380 m and min altitude: 254 m

Difficulty +: 46 km / D+: 435 m and D-: 331 m / max altitude: 382 m and min altitude: 253 m

Day 2 :
Easy difficulty: 32 km / D+: 444 m and D-: 456 m / max altitude: 470 m and min altitude: 338 m

Medium difficulty: 39 km / D+: 562 m and D-: 574 m / max altitude: 470 m and min altitude: 338 m

Difficulty +: 43 km / D+: 858 m and D-: 870 m / max altitude: 710 m and min altitude: 293

Day 3 :
Average difficulty: 33 km / D+: 413 m and D-: 524 m / max altitude: 420 m and min altitude: 242 m

Day 4 :
Average difficulty: 45 km / D+: 207 m and D-: 175 m / max altitude: 277 m and min altitude: 234 m

First evening : Half-board accommodation in a bed and breakfast.

Second evening : Half-board accommodation in a guest room.

Third night : Half-board accommodation in a *** hotel

What you may or may not need:

Shampoo and shower gel are not provided in the accommodation.

You'll only be carrying a rucksack with your day's essentials, including a picnic lunch, so we recommend a 40-liter rucksack (an insulated rucksack is a plus for carrying your picnic lunch).

Equip yourself with rain gear.

To avoid using plastic bottles, remember to bring one or two 1.5-liter water bottles per person, to be filled each morning before you leave.

Don't forget a small first-aid kit (antiseptic, plasters, blister plasters, aspirin, mosquito and tick repellent, tick remover, sun cream, earplugs, etc.).

Bed linen and towels are provided in each accommodation.

This hike is organised without a guide and under your own responsibility. We provide you with a hiking file which will be sent to you by mail or email, three weeks before the date of your arrival, with:

  • Contact details for accommodation.
  • IGN maps will be highlighted.
  • The route in .gpx format for GPS.
  • Departure from Melay, the day of your choice.
  • Parking : You have the option of parking your vehicle in a free public car park in Melay (or in the parking of the guest room where you slept if you arrive the day before).
  • Train access : shuttle bus from Roanne station or Le Creusot - Montchanin TGV station to Marcigny.
  • Dispersion in Melay.

In the case of abandonment along the way, skipped stage or other service not consumed because of the hikers, no reimbursement may be required.

We may sometimes have to modify the itinerary indicated : either at the level of the organization (problem of availability of accommodation, modification of the state of the ground, etc ...). These changes are always notified to you when booking.

You are the lonely judge of your strengths and your ability to manage unexpected situations (tiredness, weather, presence of animals, modification of the terrain, etc.).

We decline all responsibility in the event of an error on your part concerning the orientation (error or change of route) or the management of time (departure too late in the morning, picnic break too long ...).

You should be able to follow a route using a 1/25000 map, a self-written road map and clues in the field.

You are going to the village of Melay in Saône et Loire : department 71

The Saône et Loire is served by the A6, A39 and A40 motorways and by the Centre Europe Atlantique national road.

By road, Melay is 9 hours south of London, 7 hours south of Brussels and Bruges, 3 hours west of Geneva, 4 hours south of Paris, 2 hours south west of Dijon, 1.5 hours south west of Chalon sur Saone, 1.5 hours north west of Lyon, 1 hour west of Macon, and 20 minutes north of Roanne.

By train, enter as your destination: MARCIGNY

If you are coming from the North of France or Europe, you can stop at the TGV station of Le Creusot - Montchanin where you will take a bus that will drop you off an hour later at the Marcigny stop where a taxi will have to be booked to take you to your destination. If you are coming from the south of France or Europe, you must go to Roanne station where we will pick you up and a bus will drop you off at Pouilly sous Charlieu where a taxi must be booked to take you to your destination.

Information SNCF : 00 33 (0)8 92 35 35 35 - https://www.oui.sncf/billet-train

Bus company for the Le Creusot - Montchanin to Roanne TGV station shuttle: +33 (0)4 77 68 30 00

Your luggage will be transported by vehicle.

However, we ask you to be reasonable : provide luggage that is not too bulky (preferably in a single bag), and whose weight does not exceed 13 kilos per person.

For 2 participants sharing the same room :

490 € / person on half board basis.

For 3 participants sharing the same room :

435 € / person on half board basis.

For 4 participants sharing the same room :

400 € / person on half board.

 

For single people, for people wishing to have separate rooms, a supplement will be indicated at the time of the estimate.

In all cases, these rates are given as an indication, according to your requests, an estimate will be established before booking.

These rates include :

  • The complete organisation of your hike.
  • Accommodation during the trek on a half-board basis from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 4.
  • Luggage transport.
  • Tracks on IGN map for each day of the hike.
  • GPX tracks for each day of the hike, which can be downloaded before your arrival.

These prices do not include :

  • Drinks outside of meals and personal expenses.
  • Accommodation the day before and the last day of the hike (optional).


From 60 € per adult in a double room with half board.

From 45 € per additional adult (from 12 years old) in half board in the same room in the same room.

  • Transport to and from the starting point of the hike.
  • Guided tour of a Romanesque church along the route: 80 € regardless of the number of participants.
  • Insurance, including cancellation and interruption insurance (optional).
  • Picnic lunches + 10 € per person per day (possible option).
  • Bike rental + 55 € per bike or +110 € per electric bike

This hike is accessible all year round.

Options disponibles

  • An additional night with half board the day before and last the hiking
  • Guided tour of a Romanesque church : 80 €
  • Bike rental: + 55 € per bike and + 110 € per electric bike
  • Cancellation and interruption insurance
  • Pic nic : + 10 € per person and per day