THE BRIONNAIS IN 4 DAYS : BURGUNDY NATURE STAY

Hiking in Burgundy

Temathic

Hiking in Burgundy

Location

Brionnais in Burgundy

Duration

4 days / 3 nights

Level

Medium

Accomodation

B&B or unusual accomodation

Participants

From 1 person

From 330€ / Person

Description

Discover the authentic charm of the land of green gold on our walking tours in Burgundy!

Take a four-day walk through the rolling hills, following ancient paths lined with hedgerows and green meadows, punctuated by the presence of Charolais cows. An unforgettable experience in the heart of Burgundy nature, where every step brings you closer to the raw beauty of this unique landscape. Book now for a walking escapade that will transport you to the authentic heart of Burgundy!

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Program

Day 1

  • FROM MELAY TO SAINT EDMOND :

    Start your journey along the towpath of the Roanne-Digoin canal, where you'll be enveloped in peace and quiet from the moment you set foot on it. From there, take to the steep paths that lead to the country of the 7 hills, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding bocage. Then cross the picturesque valley of the Bézo, following the meandering of this charming river between the green hills, until you reach the enchanting confines of the Brionnais, at Saint-Maurice-les-Châteauneuf, where every street exudes history and the charm of antique shops.

Day 2

  • FROM SAINT EDMOND TO AMANZE:

    Today, let yourself be charmed by the miles of winding paths, where each landscape seems to be taken from a painting, with its harmonious geometric shapes, emblematic pollarded trees and peaceful Charolais cows dotting the lush green meadows. It's a bucolic setting that invites you to reconnect with the surrounding nature in all its simplicity.

Day 3

  • FROM AMANZE TO ANZY LE DUC :

    Head off on an adventure through the enchanting landscapes of the Little switzerland of the Brionnaise! The winding paths take you on exhilarating climbs and dizzying descents, offering a real natural spectacle with every step. But it's when you reach the edge of the Arconce valley that the magic happens. This crystal-clear river meanders gracefully through lush green meadows, adding a touch of softness and tranquillity to your walk. Let yourself be enchanted by the soothing music of its waters and the glow of the sun playing through the foliage, let yourself be 100% enveloped by nature, for a revitalising and unforgettable experience.

Day 4

  • FROM ANZY LE DUC TO MELAY :

    The day begins with a visit to the church of Anzy-le-Duc, a veritable jewel of Romanesque art. Dating back to the 11th century, this church is renowned for its remarkable architecture and exquisite carvings. Admire the capitals adorned with floral and animal motifs, as well as the famous tympanum depicting Christ in majesty surrounded by the symbols of the evangelists. The church at Anzy-le-Duc is an exceptional example of the region's religious heritage, so don't miss it (guided tour recommended as an optional extra).

    The paths of the Charmays forest will then guide you to the charming village of Semur-en-Brionnais, nestling in the heart of the green hills. Here, time seems to stand still, and every cobbled street invites you to explore. At the heart of this enchanting setting stands the majestic collegiate church of Saint-Hilaire, a poignant testimony to the region's religious and architectural history. Built in the 12th century, this remarkable church is listed as a historic monument and represents the last example of Romanesque architecture to be erected in the Brionnais region. Its unique style, a blend of Cluniac influences and Gothic prefigurations, makes it a place of great artistic and spiritual richness.

    This village steeped in history also boasts a medieval castle, a fascinating vestige of Semur-en-Brionnais's glorious past. Perched on a hill, the castle offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area, and its walls tell the story of centuries gone by. As you explore its towers and ramparts, you'll be immersed in the region's medieval epic, when knights and lords competed for land and power.

    After this stopover steeped in history and beauty, your journey will continue to the charming village of Iguerande, where history and beauty combine harmoniously.

    Perched on a hill, like a guardian of time, the Romanesque church of Saint-Marcel of Iguerande majestically dominates the valley and its river, offering breathtaking views. This thousand-year-old church, dating from the late 11th century, is one of the purest and most complete examples of Romanesque architecture in Burgundy. Its solid, squat appearance bears witness to its glorious past, while its interior is home to some real artistic treasures.

    As an option, let yourself be guided through the centuries on a guided tour of this emblematic building, where every stone seems to tell a story. You'll discover the secrets of this former Benedictine abbey, once attached to Marcigny and before that to Cluny, whose spiritual imprint remains palpable despite the vicissitudes of time.

    And if you're lucky, push open the door of the Reflet Brionnais museum, just opposite the church, where you might meet Lili, a passionate guardian of local history. This museum, one of the region's cultural gems, invites you on a captivating journey through time, to meet the men and women who have shaped the landscape and identity of the Brionnais region. Let yourself be immersed in the stories and artefacts that bear witness to the rich heritage of this generous land, and leave enriched with unforgettable memories.

Useful information

Explore the hidden treasures of the Brionnais region on an unforgettable walking tour, designed to provide a rewarding natural getaway for couples, friends or family. Reconnect with what's essential during this interlude away from screens and daily stress, where every step brings you closer to the simplicity and beauty of Southern Burgundy.

Céline, our local enthusiast, has been criss-crossing the paths of the sumptuous Brionnais bocage for two decades, and her intimate knowledge of the region guarantees tours perfectly suited to all levels of walker. Whether you're looking for a sporty hike or a leisurely stroll, Céline will be able to put together a tailor-made itinerary for you, enabling you to discover the natural gems of this unspoilt land.

Along the way, you'll explore the Brionnais, Burgundy's Romanesque garden, where Charolais cows have grazed peacefully for centuries. The paths wind through lush green landscapes, bordered by preserved hedgerows, offering a real treat for the senses.

But there's more to the Brionnais than its lush countryside. It is also a mecca for Romanesque art, with over thirty 11th-century churches and Cluniac monuments dotted around the region. As an option, immerse yourself in the history and architecture of these sacred buildings on guided tours organised throughout your hike.

After a busy day, relax in the warm intimacy of a homestay, where the welcome is sincere and the meals lovingly concocted from local produce. Let yourself be pampered by attentive hosts, true ambassadors of the conviviality of the Brionnais.

To make your experience even more enjoyable, we'll take care of transporting your luggage, so you can concentrate fully on the pleasure of walking and exploring. Opt for half-board and be surprised by the picnics prepared with care by your hosts, an invitation to savour the delights of local gastronomy in the heart of nature.

Level of walking required for this tour: Medium - Advanced

DAY 1: Approximately 18 km, i.e. a 5? hour walk / D+: 360 m and D-: 265 m

DAY 2: Approximately 19 km, i.e. a 5? hour walk / D+: 307 m and D-: 319 m

DAY 3: Approximately 25 km, i.e. a 6? hour walk (with possible short cuts) / D+: 348 m and D-: 423 m

DAY 4: Approximately 21 km, i.e. around 6 h 00 of walking / D+: 409 m and D-: 422 m

Please note that this programme is given as an indication only and may be modified according to weather conditions, the level of the group and/or the availability of accommodation.

Walking times are given as a guide, without breaks, and depend on your walking ability.

NB: D+: ascent, D-: descent.

 

The difficulty of the hike has been calculated according to the rating criteria of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre:

https://www.ffrandonnee.fr/data/CMS/files/randonnee/Guide-cotation-ffrandonnee-2020.pdf


According to these criteria, we can define this hike as follows:

TECHNICITY: Level 3: Not very difficult

RISK: Level 2: Fairly low

EFFORT: LEVEL 3: Not very difficult
Details by day of hiking:
DAY 1 (longest circuit): 62 HKG: Level 3: Not very difficult
DAY 2 (longest circuit): 67 HKG: Level 3: Not very difficult
DAY 3 (longest route): 67 HKG: Level 3: Not very difficult
DAY 4 (longest route): 66 HKG: Level 3: Not very difficult


If you would like more information on each day's walk, you can analyse each one in detail on the IGN website by downloading the .gpx tracks that we will provide you with three weeks before the walk at this address:
https://www.ibpindex.com/ibpindex/analyser.php

First evening : Overnight in guest rooms (private bathroom)

Second evening : Overnight in guest rooms (private bathroom)

Third night : Night in guest rooms with swimming pool (private bathroom)

On site, you will eat at the table d'hôtes.

 



Your luggage will be transported by vehicle. However, we would ask you to be reasonable: keep your luggage to a minimum (preferably in a single bag), and weigh no more than 13 kilos per person.

Shampoo and shower gel are not provided in the accommodation.

You will only be carrying a rucksack containing your belongings for the day, including your picnic, so we recommend a 40-litre rucksack (an insulated rucksack is a plus for carrying your picnic).

To avoid using plastic bottles, remember to bring at least one 1.5-litre water bottle per person, to be filled each morning before you leave.

Don't forget your small first-aid kit (antiseptic, plasters, plasters for blisters, mosquito repellent, tick remover, sun cream, earplugs, etc.).

This is a self-guided walk, which means that you are on your own and at your own risk. We will provide you with a walking pack, which will be sent to you by post or e-mail three weeks before your arrival date:

  • contact details for accommodation.
  • Detailed route maps for each day's walking.
  • A4 IGN maps of each day's walk, with routes highlighted. On site, the day before your hike, you will be given an A4 version of these maps, which are laminated, space-saving and easy to use. Accommodation is precisely located and shortcuts are clearly highlighted.
  • The itinerary in .gpx format for GPS.
  • In the event of abandonment en route, skipping a stage or any other service not consumed due to the hiker's fault, no reimbursement will be made.
  • We may occasionally have to make slight changes to the itinerary indicated, either for organisational reasons (problems with the availability of accommodation, changes in the state of the terrain, etc.). These changes are always notified to you when you book.
  • You are the sole judge of your own strength and ability to deal with unexpected situations (fatigue, weather, presence of animals, changes to the terrain, etc.).
  • We decline all responsibility in the event of an error on your part concerning orientation (error or change of route) or time management (departure too late in the morning, picnic break too long, etc.).

You will need to be able to follow a route using a 1:25,000 map, a route sheet drawn up by us and clues on the ground.

By train (at your own expense):

From Paris, book your train with Marcigny as the arrival station, so from Paris gare de Lyon, you will stop at the Le Creusot Montchanin TGV station, where you will take a bus to Marcigny. You can then contact a taxi for the journey between Marcigny and your evening stop.

From Lyon, similarly book a train with Pouilly sous Charlieu as the arrival station, so that you arrive at Charlieu station, where you will take a bus to Pouilly sous Charlieu. You can then contact a taxi for the journey between Pouilly sous Charlieu and your evening stop.

By car, we'll give you the address of your accommodation the day before your walk, along with instructions on how to get there easily by car.

Luggage is transported by carrier (13 kilos per person maximum)

For 2 participants sharing the same room :

510 € / person

For 3 and 4 participants sharing the same room :

430 € / person

 DON'T HESITATE TO ASK FOR A QUOTE: we adapt our prices to suit your wishes (shorter or longer tours, simpler or higher quality accommodation, etc.), but also your budget! It costs nothing to ask.

These prices are given as an indication only. Depending on your requirements, a quotation will be drawn up before booking: in particular for groups of more than 4 people, for people with children under 12, for people wanting separate rooms, for single people...

These prices include :

  • Complete organisation of your tour.
  • Transport of your luggage at each stage.
  • Full-board accommodation during the tour, from the picnic on day 1 to the picnic on day 4.
  • The route on an A4 IGN map for each day of the tour, as well as a detailed route sheet.
  • GPX tracks for each day of the tour, which can be downloaded before your arrival.

These prices do not include :

  • Drinks excluding meals and personal expenses.
  • Station shuttle if you come by train (possible option).
  • Comprehensive insurance (optional extra).
  • Guided tour of one Romanesque church (approximately 1 hour per church) during the day: €80 and guided tours of two Romanesque churches during the day: €120, regardless of the number of participants.
  • An extra night in a bed and breakfast on a half-board basis on the day before and the last day of the walk.
  • 2 IGN 1/25000 maps of the route, which you keep after the hike: €30

This hike is accessible all year round.

Options disponibles

  • An additional night, in a half-board guest room, on the day before and the last day of hiking;
  • Pic nic : 10 € per person and per day;
  • Cancellation and interruption insurance
  • Guided tour of 1 or 2 Romanesque churches
  • 2 IGN 1/25000 maps of the circuit that you keep after the hike