The Brionnais in 3 days: discovering Romanesque architecture
Hiking in Burgundy
Thematic
Hiking in Burgundy
Location
Brionnais in Burgundy
Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Level
Medium
Accomodation
B&B or unusual accomodation
Participants
From 1 person
From 235€ / Person
Description
Discover the authentic charm of the land of green gold on our walks in Burgundy ! Spend three days traversing the rolling hills, following ancient paths along ancient paths lined with hedges and lush green meadows, punctuated by the majestic presence of Charolais cows. An unforgettable experience in the heart of Burgundy's countryside, where every step brings you closer to the raw beauty of this unique landscape. Book now now for a walking tour that will transport you to the heart of authentic Burgundy!
Program
-
Translator
FROM IGUERANDE TO SAINT EDMOND :
Start your hike along the towpath of the Roanne to Digoin canal, where you'll be enveloped in tranquillity from the moment you set foot. From there, take to the steep paths that lead to the summits 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 through the green hills, until you reach the enchanting confines of the Brionnais region, at Saint-Maurice-les-Châteauneuf, where every street exudes history and the charm of antiques.
-
FROM SAINT EDMOND TO SAINT JULIEN DE JONZY :
Once again today, you go up, then down and so on. After a short passage through the forest, you pass through the village of Saint Christophe en Brionnais, the birthplace of the Charolais breed. And if you're lucky enough to get there on a Wednesday, you can stop off at the livestock market, a traditional market dating back to the 15th century and one of the oldest in France! It's an unusual "show" that harmoniously combines the past, the present and the future, allowing you to take part in the cattle transaction! Guided tours are available on site (no booking required), with a small Charolais tasting session at the end.
Then it's time to head back up to the Brionnais heights, with a magnificent view over the Arconce valley towards Saint Julien de Jonzy!
-
FROM SAINT JULIEN DE JONZY TO MELAY :
A day that starts in the forestThe paths of the Charmays forest will 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' 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 come together in harmony.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.
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.
The level of walking required for this hike: Medium - Advanced
DAY 1: Approximately 18 km or 6 hrs walk (with possible short cuts) / D+: 411 m and D-: 349 m
DAY 2: Approximately 20 km, i.e. around 6 h 00 of walking (with possible short cuts) / D+: 283 m and D-: 238 m
DAY 3: Approximately 18 km, i.e. around 5 h 30 of walking (with possible short cuts) / D+: 394 m and D-: 473 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 an indication only, without breaks, and depend on your level of walking ability.
NB: D+: difference in altitude ascent, D-: difference in altitude 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 = not very difficult
DAY 2 (longest route): 55 HKG = not very difficult
DAY 3 (longest route): 61 HKG = 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 night : Accommodation in a guest room (private bathroom).
Second night : Accommodation in a guest room (private bathroom).
On the spot, you will eat in table d'hôtes.
Translator
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
Sheets and towels are provided in each accommodation.
Shampoos and shower gel are not provided in the accommodation
You will only carry a backpack with your day's belongings including the pic nic, we therefore recommend a 40 liter backpack (an insulated backpack is better to transport your pic nic)
Equip yourself with waterproof hiking shoes, good rain clothes.
To avoid plastic bottles, remember to bring one or two gourds per person of 1.5 liters which will be filled each morning before your departure.
Do not forget the small emergency pharmacy (antiseptic, dressings, dressings for blisters, aspirin, anti mosquito and anti tick, tick puller, sunscreen, earplug ...)
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.). You will always be informed of these changes when you make your booking.
- 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 :
275 € / person
For 3 or more participants sharing the same room :
225 € / 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...), but also your budget! It costs nothing to ask.
These prices are given as an indication only, and a quote will be drawn up before booking, depending on your requirements: in particular for groups of more than 5 people, for people with children under 12, for people wanting separate rooms, for people on their own...
These prices include :
- Complete organisation of your tour.
- Transport of your luggage at each stage.
- Full-board accommodation during the hike from the picnic on day 1 to the picnic on day 3 EXCEPT for the meal on day 2 at the hotel restaurant, which must be paid for on site.
- 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's hike, downloadable before your arrival.
These prices do not include :
- Drinks excluding meals and personal expenses.
- Dinner on day 2
- Shuttle buses to and from the station if you come by train (optional extra).
- Cancellation insurance (optional extra).
- Guided tour of a Romanesque church (optional extra).
- An extra night in a bed and breakfast on a half-board basis on the day before and the last day of the tour.
- 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 roman churches.
- 2 IGN 1/25000 maps of the circuit that you keep after the hike
