Weekend exploring an exceptional bocage landscape on foot
Want to slow down, breathe, walk… and simply enjoy?
Treat yourself to a hiking weekend in the Brionnais, in southern Burgundy, a still relatively undiscovered destination where nature reigns supreme.
Nicknamed the land of seven hills and "green gold," the Brionnais region is an invitation to disconnect. Here, the landscapes undulate gently, between endless meadows, peaceful rivers, and unassuming villages. It's a region best discovered step by step, at the pace of walking.
The Brionnais : a timeless interlude
From the very first kilometers, a feeling takes hold: that of being somewhere else entirely. The Brionnais bocage unfolds its vibrant landscapes, shaped by man and nature over centuries. Verdant meadows stretch as far as the eye can see, bordered by hedgerows, while Charolais cows punctuate the scenery with their tranquil presence.
Here, everything invites you to slow down. The streams shimmer, the Loire is never far away, and each path seems to guide you towards a little more serenity. It's a hike that's as good for the body as it is for the mind.
This weekend has been designed to suit everyone. Whether you enjoy leisurely strolls or more strenuous days of hiking, the routes offer a beautiful variety of landscapes without ever being technically challenging.
A hike conceived by someone passionate about the region
With over 20 years spent exploring these paths, Céline knows the Brionnais region inside and out. She has designed balanced, accessible routes rich in discoveries, always prioritizing the most beautiful spots and the most authentic atmospheres.
His approach is simple: to give you a sincere experience, far from standardized itineraries, with that little extra something that makes all the difference.
Between nature and Romanesque heritage
Walking in the Brionnais is also like walking through history. Around every bend in the path, Romanesque churches appear , simple and majestic, witnesses to a rich past.
With over thirty buildings scattered throughout the countryside, the area is a true haven for heritage enthusiasts. Optional tours allow you to delve deeper into this discovery and add a cultural dimension to your stay.
Friendly and sincere. Home-cooked meals showcase local produce, and interaction with your hosts is an integral part of the experience.
A relaxing weekend, between nature, encounters and soothing landscapes.
The highlights of this hiking trip
- Weekend hiking in the heart of the bocage of Southern Burgundy
- A nature route winding between canals, hills, and exceptional panoramas.
- An unusual night in a tipi for an authentic experience
- Discover Semur-en-Brionnais and its Romanesque heritage
- A rejuvenating stay combining hiking, varied landscapes and nature immersion
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Destination
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Start time
Melay (71340) -
Departure time
9:00 -
Arriving time
17:00
Picture gallery
Day 1
FROM MELAY TO VAUBAN
From the very first steps, you take the peaceful towpath of Roanne canal in DigoinThe water glides gently beside you, the trees are reflected in silence… the atmosphere is set: here, we slow down, we breathe, we enjoy.
Gradually, the landscape changes. You leave the gentle banks of the canal to join paths that climb gently towards the hills of the Brionnais. As you gain altitude, the panoramas open up onto a patchwork of meadows, hedgerows, and isolated farms: the very soul of the land of the 7 hills is offered to you.
Then comes the crossing of the Bézo valley, more intimate, almost secret. You follow the meanders of this small river which winds between the green hills, in a soothing and authentic atmosphere.
Over the course of this first day, you gently enter this preserved territory of Brionnais… until you reach Vauban, nestled in this natural setting.
Tipi accommodation
Approximately 20 km, or about 5 hours 30 minutes of walking (with possible shortcuts) / Elevation gain: 448 m and Elevation loss: 281 m
Day 2
This second day takes you through the shaded paths of the Charmays forest, a gentle and pleasant start in the heart of nature. Little by little, the landscape opens up to reveal one of the jewels of the Brionnais: Semur-en-Brionnais.
Perched amidst verdant hills, this medieval village, listed as one of the "most beautiful villages in France," seems suspended in time. Stroll through its narrow streets, soak up its peaceful atmosphere, and then discover the remarkable Collegiate Church of Saint-Hilaire in Semur-en-Brionnais , a precious example of Romanesque art in Burgundy. Just above, the ruins of the medieval castle offer a superb panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
You then continue your journey towards Iguerande , another charming stop. Dominating the Loire Valley, the Romanesque church of Saint-Marcel watches over the surrounding hills and offers a soothing view of the river.
For those who are curious, a stop at the Musée Reflet Brionnais allows you to delve into local history and traditions through a simple and authentic visit.
This day wonderfully combines nature, heritage and the good life , before calmly returning to Melay, with images filling our heads.
Approximately 23 km, or about 6 hours of walking (with possible shortcuts) / Elevation gain: 418 m and Elevation loss: 586 m
This hike is a self-guided hike , which means that it is done without a guide and at your own risk.
We will provide you with a hiking pack, which will be sent to you by post or email three weeks before your arrival date, containing:
- the contact details of the accommodations.
- Detailed itineraries for each day of hiking.
- IGN maps, in A4 format, for each day of hiking, with the routes highlighted. On site, the day before your hike, you will be given a compact, laminated, and easy-to-use A4 version of these maps. Accommodations are precisely located, and shortcuts are clearly highlighted.
- The route in .gpx format for GPS.
In the event of abandonment along the way, skipped stage or other unused service due to the hikers, no refund can be demanded.
We may sometimes need to slightly modify the indicated itinerary: either due to organizational issues (problems with accommodation availability, changes in terrain conditions, etc.). These modifications will always be communicated to you at the time of booking.
You are the sole judge of your strengths and your ability to manage unexpected situations (fatigue, weather, presence of animals, changes in terrain, etc.).
We decline all responsibility in case of error on your part regarding orientation (error or change of route) or time management (departure too late in the morning, picnic break too long...).
You must be able to follow a route using a 1/25000 map, a route sheet written by us and clues on the ground.
Packing instructions:
The price does not include luggage transport because you can travel light over two days!
But transporting luggage by vehicle is possible: however, we ask you to be reasonable: plan luggage that is not too bulky (preferably in a single bag), and whose weight does not exceed 13 kilos per person.
Shampoos and shower gels are not provided in the accommodations.
To avoid the consumption of plastic bottles, consider bringing a 1,5 litre water bottle per person, which will be filled every morning before your departure.
Don't forget the small emergency pharmacy (antiseptic, plasters, blister plasters, mosquito repellent, tick remover, sunscreen, earplugs...).
For 2 participants sharing the same room:
130 € / person
From 3 participants sharing the same room:
110 € / person
FEEL FREE TO REQUEST A QUOTE: we adapt our prices according to your wishes (shorter or longer tour, simpler or higher quality accommodation...), but also to your budget! It costs nothing to ask.
These prices are indicative only; depending on your requests, a quote will be drawn up before booking: particularly for groups of more than 4 people, for people with children under 12 years old, for people wanting separate rooms, for single people...
These prices include:
- The complete organization of your hike.
- Accommodation during the hike includes full board from picnic lunch on day 1 to picnic lunch on day 2.
- The routes on IGN map in A4 format for each day of hiking, as well as a detailed route sheet.
- GPX tracks for each day of hiking can be downloaded before your arrival.
These prices do not include:
- Drinks and personal expenses.
- Luggage transport (optional).
- Shuttle service from the station if you are coming by train (optional).
- Multi-risk insurance (optional).
- An extra night in a bed and breakfast with half-board, the day before and the last day of hiking (optional)
- 2 IGN 1/25000 maps of the route, which you keep after the hike: €30