Weekend discovery of hiking with a donkey
Treat yourself to a timeless escape with this donkey trek in the Brionnais region of southern Burgundy. For two days, explore the centuries-old paths of the Burgundian bocage, between rolling hills, verdant meadows, and charming Romanesque villages. A true immersion in nature and authenticity for a rejuvenating weekend.
This donkey trekking in Burgundy This is ideal for a first experience of gentle hiking. Whether with family, as a couple, or with friends, you'll set off to discover a preserved area, far from noise and screens. The donkey will become your traveling companion, creating a bond and setting the pace for your walk.
Before setting off, you'll have time to talk with a professional: preparing the pack saddle, basic care, and tips for guiding the donkey safely. You'll gain confidence, and then the adventure begins.
The donkey carries your luggage and can give younger children a break if they get tired. Its presence motivates children, soothes adults, and transforms the walk into a friendly and joyful experience. We travel at about 3 km/h, giving us time to observe the hedgerows, the Charolais cows in the meadows, and the rolling landscapes of the Brionnais region.
In the evening, you are welcomed to comfortable accommodation in a private home or bed and breakfast. At the table, local Burgundy produce extends the discovery: simplicity, generosity and conviviality.
This hiking with a donkey in the Brionnais This is the very essence of slow tourism: walking light, breathing deeply, sharing simple moments and leaving with the feeling of having experienced something real.
The highlights of this hiking trip
- A nature-filled weekend to discover hiking with a donkey at a gentle pace, amidst soothing landscapes.
- An ideal introduction to learning how to hike with a donkey, a gentle and endearing companion.
- Walks accessible to all, perfect for a first experience with family or friends.
- A gradual immersion to take the time to slow down and reconnect with nature
- An authentic and friendly experience to discover a new way of traveling differently
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Destination
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Start time
Melay (71340) -
Departure time
9:00 -
Arriving time
17:00 -
Equipment
Bring appropriate clothing for each activity.
Picture gallery
Day 1
From Melay to Saint-Bonnet-de-Cray
Your donkey trek in the Brionnais region begins at 9 am at the Bougres d'Ânes farm in Melay, southern Burgundy. If you are coming from further afield, you can also meet the day before at 17 pm. For approximately two hours, you will learn the essentials for a smooth and enjoyable trek: preparing the pack saddle, basic care, leading the donkey, and practical tips for walking independently.
Once ready, you leave the farm to join the towpath of the Roanne canal in DigoinThis first section, gentle and steady, is ideal for getting your bearings and gradually entering the leisurely rhythm of hiking with a donkey.
After crossing the LoireThe atmosphere changes: you enter the bocage of the Brionnais, an emblematic landscape of the Burgundyrural. The paths wind between meadows, hedgerows, and Charolais cattle farms. A gradual climb offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding hills, before a peaceful descent to the village of Saint-Bonnet-de-Cray.
Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by Marie-Christine, in comfortable accommodation ideal for relaxing after this first day of walking.
This stage lays the foundation for a true immersion in Burgundy, between unspoiled nature, authentic encounters and the simple pleasure of...roaming gentle, at the pace of the donkey.
Bed and breakfast accommodation
12 km or approximately 4 hours of walking / D+: 30 m and D-: 270 m
Day 2
From Saint-Bonnet-de-Cray to Melay
After the heights, it's time for the descent! This stage of your hike in the Brionnais leads you through a beautiful deciduous forest. The light shade of the trees and the calm of the undergrowth accompany your steps as you gradually reach the Loire Valley.
The path winds gently towards Iguerande, where the elegant Romanesque church stands, perched like a sentinel above the river. The view is magnificent: the Loire stretches into the distance, bordered by meadows and gentle hills typical of southern Burgundy.
If you're lucky, a stop at the small museum opposite the church can enrich your day. The passionate stories about local history add a human dimension to your hike in the Brionnais region, amidst heritage and landscapes.
The descent then continues towards Melay, through wooded paths and peaceful trails. This day blends nature, culture and open panoramas, in the very spirit of a gentle travel in Burgundy.
12 km, approximately 4 hours of walking / Elevation gain: 150 m and Elevation loss: 250 m
De 125 to 135 € per adult in a double room with full board.
De 85 to 90 € per child from 12 years old on full board.
De 65 to 75 € per child under 12 years old on full board.
€35 per child under 4 years old on full board.
€20 by a child sleeping in a cot.
140 € per rented donkey (one donkey for 3 to 4 people)
These prices are for a minimum of 2 participating adults staying in the same room.
For families of more than 5 people, and for those wishing to have separate rooms, a supplement will be indicated in the quote.
For people travelling alone or for single-parent families with children under 12 years old, a supplement will be indicated in the quote.
In all cases, these prices are given as an indication only; depending on your requests, a quote will be drawn up before booking.
These prices include:
- A single donkey, its hiking equipment (pack and saddlebags) and its food.
- The complete organization of your hike.
- Accommodation during the hike, including full board from picnic lunch on day 1 to picnic lunch on day 2
- 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