Mountain biking on the Loire riverbank paths
Treat yourself to a sporty and rejuvenating break with this 3-day mountain biking trip in the Brionnais region, in southern Burgundy. A hilly, unspoiled and authentic area, perfectly suited to cycling, where each route immerses you in varied landscapes between hills, hedged farmland and the banks of the Loire.
The Brionnais, nicknamed the land of the 7 hills, offers an ideal playground for enthusiasts of Moutain BikeThe routes alternate between gentle climbs, fun descents, and smoother sections, for a perfect balance between enjoyment and effort. The trails wind through a preserved bocage landscape, where natural hedgerows structure the scenery and Charolais cows peacefully accompany your progress.
During your stay, you will also pass through iconic sites such as Semur-en-BrionnaisA jewel of local heritage, where history and Romanesque architecture naturally intertwine with your journey. These cultural interludes enrich the experience, between more athletic activities.
The contrast is striking when you join the banks of the LoireWilder and more open, this section of the route immerses you in a Natura 2000 protected area, where nature expresses itself fully. Between the canal, the river, and wide open spaces, the atmosphere becomes gentler, conducive to observing wildlife and contemplation.
Ce Mountain biking holiday in Burgundy It caters to all levels, with routes that can be adapted to your preferences. Whether you're an athlete or simply enjoy active walks, you'll find the perfect balance between physical activity, exploration, and relaxation.
In the evening, you can enjoy the comfort of a guest room and the pleasure of a friendly table, to share your impressions of the day and recharge your batteries in a warm atmosphere.
A complete stay, combining sport, nature, and authenticity, to discover the Brionnais region in a different way, at the pace of a bicycle. 🚴♀️🌿
The highlights of this hiking trip
- Mountain biking holiday in Southern Burgundy in the heart of the Brionnais bocage
- Varied routes through hills, sunken lanes and wild Loire riverbanks
- Passing through Semur-en-Brionnais, a village of character with a rich Romanesque heritage
- Immersion in a Natura 2000 area with possible observation of wildlife
- Bed and breakfast accommodation with half-board for a comfortable stay
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Destination
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Start time
Melay (71340) -
Departure time
9:00 -
Arriving time
17:00 -
Equipment
Helmet mandatory.
Picture gallery
Day 1
From Melay to Saint-Edmond
Today, we're climbing! You'll quickly understand why the Brionnais region is called the land of seven hills. While they aren't seven mountains, you'll still have a blast! The trails here are plentiful and a real treat for mountain bikers! Enjoy riding along these sunken lanes through pastures where Charolais cows graze peacefully! You'll pass through the villages of Fleury-la-Montagne , with its magnificent views of the bocage countryside, and Ligny-en-Brionnais, where the little Bézo river flows, creating a truly idyllic landscape!
Half-board accommodation in a bed and breakfast
Easy :
- 20 km / D+: 498 m and D-: 320 m / max altitude: 457 m and min altitude: 249 m
- 27 km / D+: 570 m and D-: 411 m / max altitude: 457 m and min altitude: 249 m
Way :
- 35 km / D+: 662 m and D-: 484 m / max altitude: 458 m and min altitude: 249 m
Day 2
From Saint-Edmond to Anzy-le-duc
Now for the serious stuff, we've saved the best for last! Head to Semur-en-Brionnais for a short visit, if you're so inclined: the Collegiate Church of Saint Hilaire , built in the 12th century and listed as a historical monument in the 20th century. It was the last Romanesque church built in the Brionnais region.
It's a blend of Cluniac Romanesque style and early Gothic elements. You can also visit the Château de Semur-en-Brionnais , right next to the church. Guided tours of the Collegiate Church of Saint-Hilaire and/or the Chapel of Saint-Martin are optional. Then, we head back towards the magnificent Arconce Valley via paths of varying lengths—the choice is yours!
Half-board accommodation in a bed and breakfast
Easy :
- 23 km / D+: 284 m and D-: 466 m / max altitude: 498 m and min altitude: 245 m
- 29 km / D+: 481 m and D-: 663 m / max altitude: 498 m and min altitude: 245 m
Way :
- 34 km / D+: 593 m and D-: 775 m / max altitude: 245 m min altitude: 498 m
Day 3
From Anzy-le-duc to Melay
A relaxing day as we offer you a circuit in the Loire plain with few elevation changes to gently warm up your muscles before tackling the hills of Brionnais! You will ride partly on the towpaths of the canal parallel to the Loire, the longest river in France, commonly called the last wild river in Europe.
You will be walking in a Natura 2000 protected area , which encompasses natural sites across Europe identified for the rarity or fragility of their wild animal and plant species and their habitats. You are very likely to encounter numerous wading birds, such as storks, as well as many other birds along this route.
Easy :
- 23 km / D+: 112 m and D-: 120 m / max altitude: 273 m and min altitude: 242 m
- 33 km / D+: 95 m and D-: 92 m / max altitude: 268 m and min altitude: 235 m
Average distance: 44 km / Elevation gain: 312 m and elevation loss: 308 m / Maximum altitude: 318 m and Minimum altitude: 235 m
This tour can be offered at a higher level upon request.
This cycling tour is self-guided and at your own risk. We will provide you with a tour pack, which will be sent to you by post or email three weeks before your arrival date, containing:
- The contact details for the accommodations.
- The IGN maps will be highlighted.
- The route in .gpx format for GPS.
Departure from Melay, on the day of your choice.
Parking: You have the option of parking your vehicle in a free public car park in Melay (or in the car park of the bed and breakfast where you stayed if you arrived the day before).
Train access: shuttle bus from Roanne station or Le Creusot – Montchanin TGV station to Marcigny.
Dispersion at Melay.
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.
What you need or don't need:
Shampoo and shower gel are not provided in the accommodations.
You will only be carrying a backpack containing your belongings for the day including your picnic, so we recommend a 40-litre backpack (an insulated backpack is a plus for carrying your picnic).
Equip yourself with rain gear.
To avoid the consumption of plastic bottles, consider bringing one or two reusable water bottles per person of at least 1,5 liters, which will be filled every morning before your departure.
Don't forget the small emergency pharmacy (antiseptic, bandages, blister plasters, aspirin, mosquito and tick repellent, tick remover, sunscreen, earplugs...).
Bed linen and towels are provided in each accommodation.
For 2 participants sharing the same room: €280 per person on a half-board basis.
For 3 to 4 participants sharing the same room: €220 per person half board.
These rates are for people sharing the same room and bathroom.
For single people, for people wishing for separate rooms, a supplement will be indicated when the quote is drawn up.
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:
- The complete organization of your hike
- Accommodation during the hike, half-board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 3
- Luggage transport
- The GPX tracks for each day of hiking can be downloaded before your arrival.
These prices do not include:
- Drinks outside of meals and personal expenses.
- Accommodation the day before and the last day of hiking (optional).
- Transportation to the starting point of the hike and back.
- Guided tour of a Romanesque church along the route (optional)
- Multi-risk insurance (optional)
- Lunchtime picnics (optional)
- Electric bike rental (optional).