Along the Loire River with a donkey
How about taking your time? This hike with a donkey in the Brionnais region, in southern Burgundy, along the Loire River, invites you to experience a two-day loop around the donkey farm in the heart of a protected landscape. Here, the paths meander between rolling hills, meadows bordered by hedgerows, and Romanesque villages nestled in the Burgundian countryside.
This rdonkey loop hike en Burgundy It's perfect for a first experience. Accessible and friendly, it can be enjoyed with family, as a couple, or with friends. Far from the frenetic pace of everyday life, you'll discover an authentic rural area where you can walk at a leisurely pace.
Before setting off, a preparation session will teach you the essential skills: fitting the pack saddle, understanding donkey behavior, and ensuring safe handling. This exchange will give you the necessary independence to fully enjoy your trek.
Along the trail, the donkey carries the luggage and accompanies the younger children if needed. Its steady pace—about 3 km/h—naturally sets a soothing rhythm. We observe Charolais cows in the meadows, birds along the Loire River, and barges on the water. the canal from Roanne to Digoin.
At the end of each day, you return to your comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation. Meals showcase the flavors of the Burgundy region in a simple and welcoming atmosphere.
This hike with a donkey in the Brionnais fully embodies slow tourism: walking light, taking the time to exchange ideas, breathing the air of the hills and leaving with sincere and lasting memories.
The highlights of this hiking trip
- A hike along the Loire River to recharge your batteries in unspoiled and peaceful natural landscapes.
- A gentle experience with a donkey, the ideal travel companion for a friendly and accessible adventure for all.
- A route along the water's edge, winding through meadows, hedgerows, and an authentic Loire Valley atmosphere.
- An easy road trip to slow down and fully enjoy every moment
- A nature getaway that's perfect for families or groups of friends to experience the Loire in a different way.
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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
You are expected from 16pm onwards at the donkey farm for an overnight stay with half-board.
The farm is on the banks of the Roanne to Digoin canal with a view of the Loire, which is only 200 meters away.
Day 2
First steps in the heart of the Brionnais
This is the grand departure of your donkey trek in Burgundy! From the donkey farm located south of the BurgundyYou're setting off on a circular donkey trek in the valley of the Loire, specially designed for families with very young children.
This first day takes you through the peaceful meadows of the bocage countryside, where the famous Charolais cows graze. The terrain is gentle, the elevation changes moderate, and the wide paths allow for comfortable walking. Perfect for a first hiking experience with a donkey as a family.
The donkey sets the pace—around 3 km/h—and transforms the walk into a playful adventure. Children participate, hold the lead rope, observe nature, and gain confidence. Parents walk light: the pack saddle holds your belongings and can relieve the little ones if they get tired.
In the late afternoon, you return to your guesthouse. The circular route allows you to fully enjoy the experience in complete tranquility.
Before dinner, everyone can relax in the peace and quiet of the Burgundy countryside.
Distance: 10 or 14 km – approximately 4.5 hours of walking
D+: 127 m / D-: 82 m
Day 3
Banks of the Loire and the Roanne to Digoin canal
This second day of your donkey trek in Burgundy takes you along the towpaths of the Roanne to Digoin canal and the trails near the Loire River. The terrain is flat and safe, ideal for children aged 3 to 6 who are discovering hiking.
You'll be walking in a Natura 2000 protected area, particularly rich in biodiversity. Storks, kingfishers, African bee-eaters, and other colorful birds can be observed along the way. The open landscapes along the Loire River offer a bright and peaceful atmosphere.
This loop hike around the farm allows for gentle progress, without logistical constraints. You walk at a leisurely pace, take breaks by the water, and enjoy the moment.
In the late afternoon, return to the farm to say goodbye to your traveling companion. A moment that is always a little emotional, especially for children.
€162 per adult in a double room with full board
€116 per child aged 12 and over, full board
€84 per child under 12 years old on full board
€40 per child under 4 years old on full board
Free for a child sleeping in a crib
140 € per donkey rented (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 dinner on day 1 to the picnic lunch on day 3
- 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.
- An extra night on the farm:
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 insurance