Loire Bourgogne Randonnées Travel agency - local and sustainable tourism

H I K I N G W I T H A D O N K E Y

FIVE-DAY UNACCOMPANIED HIKE WITH A DONKEY

Family hike with a WELCOME IN BRIONNAIS donkey : discover the IN BURGUNDY country of green gold, its meadows Five days to discover the country of the 7 hills, and its diamonds, green hedged farmland, where the gentle landscape Charolais cows! never ceases to amaze hikers This five-day donkey trek will offer you all the pleasures of a family vacation where you share 5 days of hike 4 nights simple but authentic moments. The donkey will be the link that will unite you, far from screens and Medium level stress, a nature moment to disconnect from your daily life and reconnect to simple but essential things, to get together, to live an adventure that Bed and breakfast and unusual will be one of your best memory. accomodations A f t e r t r a i n i n g w i t h a THE PROGRAM p r o f e s s i o n a l t r e k k i n g d o n k e y , Day 1 w h e r e y o u w i l l l e a r n t o t a k e c a r e o f t h i s a n i m a l s o g e n t l e From Melay to Saint Julien de Jonzy : a n d p a t i e n t ( b r u s h i n g , Meet at 9 am, in the town of Melay, at the Donkey Farm for two c l e a n i n g t h e f e e t , p u t t i n g t h e m a t e r i e l ) a n d w h e r e a l l t h e hours of lessons "how to care about my donkey and how to e x p l a n a t i o n s t o c o n d u c t y o u r drive it easily?" (if you come from far enough, we advise you D o n k e y i n t h e m o s t s i m p l y to arrive the day before, the " training "will then take place w a y , w i l l b e g i v e n t o y o u , y o u around 5pm). c a n l e a v e s e r e n e w i t h y o u r You start your hike gently through the towpath of the canal, n e w w a l k i n g c o m p a n i o n . then cross the river Loire to T h e d o n k e y w i l l c a r r y y o u r l u g g a g e a n d t h e y o u n g e s t hike on the small paths of Brionnais: paths are bordered with c h i l d r e n w h e n t h e y a r e t i r e d . hedgerows : it's typical of A r e a l a l l y f o r p a r e n t s , the Brionnais grove. You will pass under the small village of b e c a u s e i t i s a l w a y s t h e r e t o Fleury la Montagne. You will see in the distance the church of m o t i v a t e c h i l d r e n w h o w i l l Mailly and you will end your hike at Saint Julien de Jonzy. It's a s u r p r i s e p a r e n r t s w i t h t h e i r w a l k i n g a b i l i t y . varied and very panoramic hike T h e s e f i v e d a y s w i l l a l l o w y o u t o d i s c o v e r t h e L o i r e V a l l e y : Day 2 a n e a s y h i k e b e c a u s e w i t h v e r y l i t t l e e l e v a t i o n . Y o u w i l l From Saint Julien de Jonzy to Vauban : t h e n h a v e a l l t h e t i m e t o A day like a promise: time for oneself, the sweetness of the a p p r e c i a t e t h e m a n y b i r d s landscape and an authentic nature ... for all that, you will find t h a t l i v e b y t h e r i v e r : t h e m a n y s t o r k s , t h e v a r i o u s the valley of the Bézo, pretty little river winding in the middle s p e c i e s o f h e r o n s t h a t f e a s t of the meadows or graze peacefully the cows charolaises. You o n f i s h a n d a t t h e r i g h t can then go for a quiet day or alone pushes the pace of the t i m e s , m a y b e y o u c a n current ... then you will reach your evening step o b s e r v e t h e A f r i c a n b e e - crossing the small forest of Foumoux. e a t e r s , t h e g e e s e a n d s w a n s i n f u l l m i g r a t i o n . A n d i n t h e e v e n i n g , t h e Day 3 f a m i l y , t i r e d b u t r e l a x e d , w i l l From Vauban to Amanzé : e n j o y a n i c e s t o p o v e r w i t h It is towards the eastern borders of Brionnais that you will t h e l o c a l s , w e l c o m e d a s venture: small stone walls, small chapel, and one discreet f r i e n d s , a t a t a b l e w h e r e y o u w i l l b e o f f e r e d m e a l s m a d e Romanesque church in Vareilles, so many small hidden w i t h g o o d l o c a l B u r g u n d y treasures that will be offered to you. Here, everything is only p r o d u c t s w i t h a h i n t o f calm, luxury and pleasure, it will take time to daydream under e x o t i c i s m , t h e o w n e r b e i n g a big oak tree, to put you in the rhythm of the Charolaises who f r o m R e u n i o n i s l a n d ! brood, watch the buzzards and hawks hunt, close your eyes to A r i d e w i t h a d o n k e y , i s t h e better listen and feel : What a pleasant hike! b e s t " s l o w t o u r i s m " : a r e g u l a r r h y t h m o f 3 k m p e r W A L K I N G L E V E L h o u r , t i m e t o e n j o y t h e Medium l a n d s c a p e , a n a p i n t h e s h a d e DAY 1 : 15 km - 4 h 30 walking (Short cut possible: 1,5 and 3 km) - 4 h o f a n o a k t r e e , a m e e t i n g of walk D+ : 367 m and D- : 189 m w i t h a t a l k a t i v e f a r m e r , t i m e DAY 2 : 12,5 km 3h30 walking (short cut possible : 2 km) : D+ : 234m s t a n d s s t i l l a n d e v e r y t h i n g and D- : 319 m w i l l b e c o m e s o p e a c e f u l . DAY 3 : 14 km - 4 h walking (short cut possible of 2 km) : D+ : 252 m and D - : 258 m Please note, this program is given for information only, it can be modified depending on weather conditions, group level and / or availability of accommodation. The walking times are given for information only, without the break times and depend on your walking level. NB : D +: ascent, D-: descent. THE PROGRAM ACCOMODATION Day 4 First night : B&B or wiwgam accomodation From Amanzé to Saint Julien de Jonzy : It's a day all in balance: it goes up as much as it goes down! It is not for nothing that we call this part of the country the “little Switzerland” Brionnaise: a multitude of hills and valleys compose it and give a good rhythm to your hike! On the crests of the hills you can enjoy magnificent views over the Arconce valley. Second night : Tipi accomodation with a swimming pool

T h i r d n i g h t : B&B, treehouse or stopover lodge Day 5

From Saint Julien de Jonzy to Melay : A day to disconnect: your program "nature and tranquility": you start your hike in the forest: you cross huge forests of hardwoods like the wood of the tower, the big wood, the wood of the priests, the wood of the king. At the exit of this forest, it's easy to arrive on the F o u r t h n i g h t : heights of , where you finish the hike by B & B a c c o m o d a t i o n visiting the magnificent Romanesque church of Iguerande overlooking the Loire Valley, a breathtaking view on the river ... Give yourself space time !

W A L K I N G L E V E L Medium O n s i t e , y o u w i l l e a t a t DAY 4 : 16,5 km - 5 h walking (short cut possible of 2,5 t h e t a b l e d ' h ô t e s . km) : D+ : 278 m and D - : 257 m DAY 5 : 14 km - 4 h of hiking / D+ : 254 m et D- : 432 m T h e p i c n i c o f D a y 1

Please note, this program is given for information w i l l b e p r e p a r e d b y L B only, it can be modified depending on weather R a n d o a n d t h e p i c n i c conditions, group level and / or availability of accommodation. o f t h e f o l l o w i n g d a y s The walking times are given for information only, without the break times and depend on your walking b y t h e a c c o m m o d a t i o n level. w h e r e y o u s t a y NB : D +: ascent, D-: descent. LUGGAGE LEVEL ZOOM PREPARATION T h e F r e n c h F e d e r a t i o n o f h i k i n g h a s d e s i g n e d a p r a c t i c a l t o o l t o e s t i m a t e t h e Don't charge too much ! d i f f i c u l t y o f t h e h i k e s , a The donkey carries 30 to 35 kilos maximum weight of s i m p l e o n e t h a t w e h a v e u s e d luggage and children included: take only useful things! t o g i v e y o u a n i d e a o f t h e l e v e l r e q u i r e d f o r t h i s h i k e . T h e r a t i n g o f t h e Two bags in which you will have to distribute your F F R a n d o n n é e i s a t r u e luggage in a balanced way (a scale to weigh the luggage r e f l e c t i o n o f t h e d i f f i c u l t y o f will be provided for the duration of the hike) will be a h i k e e x p r e s s e d a c c o r d i n g t o given to you the day before or the morning of the hike. 3 c r i t e r i a : E F F O R T , T E C H N I C I T Y a n d R I S K

G e n e r a l l e v e l o f t h e h i k e : What you need : E N O U G H E A S Y

E F F O R T : L E V E L 3 / 5 Your clothes (do not forget a practical and light rain N O T V E R Y D I F F I C U L T suit and caps) H i k i n g r e q u i r e s a c e r t a i n Good hiking shoes and possibly a second pair to rest p h y s i c a l c o m m i t m e n t w h i c h the feet at night BUT LIGHT (type sandal) r e m a i n s m e a s u r e d . T h i s l e v e l c o r r e s p o n d s t o m o d e r a t e Shower gel and shampoo not included in the B&B h i k e s . A gourd of at least 1.5 liters per person which will be filled each morning before your departure. T E C H N I C I T Y : L e v e l 2 / 5 A small emergency pharmacy (antiseptic, bandages, E A S Y E N O U G H aspirin, mosquito and anti ticks, sun cream) R o u t e o r p o r t i o n o f r o u t e w i t h o b s t a c l e s l e s s t h a n o r A bicycle helmet for children riding on the donkey e q u a l t o t h e h e i g h t o f t h e (MANDATORY, not provided) a n k l e . T h e f o o t i s a p p l i e d b y One or more small backpacks that allow you to unload l o o k i n g f o r " f l a t " o r the donkey when the children are tired or carry the " c o m f o r t a b l e " a r e a s o f t h e s u p p o r t , w h i c h a r e f a i r l y extra luggage e a s i l y i d e n t i f i a b l e . that the donkey can not carry. Garbage bags for puting your clothes: garbage bags R I S K : L e v e l 2 / 5 are very light, waterproof, solid and space-saving: it's R A T H E R W E A K F a i r l y l o w l e v e l o f a c c i d e n t even better r i s k . E x p o s u r e t o d a n g e r than a backpack or a gym bag. Suitcases to avoid r e m a i n s l i m i t e d . I n j u r i e s a r e absolutely. p o s s i b l e b u t m i n o r ( e x a m p l e s : f a i r l y m a r k e d r e l i e f p a t h w i t h p o s s i b l e s l o p e , d i s l o c a t i o n What you don't need : a n d p o s s i b l e s p r a i n s i n t h e e v e n t o f a f a l l , e t c . ) . you do not need towels, sheets or sleeping bags You do not need picnic material, everything will be provided with pic nic of the first day games for children (there is everything you need for accommodation) additional food (including for the donkey), meals, breakfasts and pic nic are very plentiful, do not worry PRICES LUGGAGE 465 to 495 € per adult full board in double room 260 to 295€ per child from 12 years old full board TRANSPORT 200 to 245 € per child under 12 years old full board T h e l u g g a g e i s t r a n s p o r t e d 125 to 135 € per child under 4 years old full board 95 to 105 € per child under 3 years old full board b y d o n k e y s . W e r e c o m m e n d a d o n k e y f o r 3 t o 4 p e o p l e These rates are for 2 adults minimum in the same room. For families of more than 5 people, for people wanting w i t h a M A X I M U M o f 3 5 k g , separate rooms, for single people or single parents with w e i g h t o f l u g g a g e A N D one or more children, a supplement will be indicated y o u n g c h i l d r e n t h a t c a n during the estimate. In all cases, these prices are given as an indication, r i d e t h e d o n k e y according to your requests, a quote will be established before booking. OPTIONS

These prices include : A n a d d i t i o n a l n i g h t w i t h

One Donkey, hiking material and food for the donkey h a l f b o a r d t h e d a y b e f o r e The complete organization of your hike t h e h i k e Accomodation during the hike in full board in guest comfort B&B, wigwam from picnic day 1 to picnic day A n a d d i t i o n a l n i g h t w i t h

5 h a l f b o a r d o n t h e l a s t The start briefing: advices for driving a donkey, d a y o f h i k i n g itinerary The IGN map traces of each hiking day, as well as a A n a d d i t i o n a l d o n k e y

detailed road map. t r a n s f e r M a r c i g n y / M e l a y The GPX tracks of each day of hiking downloadable o r P o u i l l y s o u s C h a r l i e u / before your arrival M e l a y w i t h a t a x i

C a n c e l l a t i o n a n d

These prices don't include : i n t e r r u p t i o n i n s u r a n c e Drinks outside diner and wine during the diner of the day 2 (aperitif and digestif offered this day) and personal expenses Accommodation the day before and the last day of hiking

From € 60 per adult in double room with full board From € 45 per child from 12 years old on full board From € 30 per child under 12 years old with full board From € 20 per child unOdePr 4T yIeaOrs NoldS with full board Child sleeping in a cot and under 4 years old: free

Transport to the starting point of the hike and return The repatriation of the donkey and hikers to the starting point in case of abandonment on your part Insurance, including cancellation and interruption insurance BOOKING ACCESS Please complete the online form by following this link : You are going to the village of Melay in Saône et Loire: department 71 BOOKING FORM Saône et Loire is served by the A6, A39 and A40 motorways and by the national road Center Europe Atlantic. We will get back to you as soon as possible by email with a tailor-made quote for your stay in Southern Burgundy. By road, Melay is 9 hours south of London, 7 hours south of Brussels and Bruges, 3 hours west of You have a question ? Geneva, 4 hours south of Paris, 2 Write to us directly on the contact page of our website hours south west of Dijon, 1 hour 30 minutes south west of Chalon sur saône , 1h30 north-west of Lyon, 1h west of Mâcon, and 20 mins north of Roanne. On Google Map, enter the destination CONTACT "bougres d'ânes".

Loire Bourgogne Randonnées By train, enter as arrival La ferme de Putinat destination: 71 340 MELAY If you come from the North of or Europe, you can stop at Tel : +33 (0)3 85 84 16 70 - TGV [email protected] station where you will take a bus which will drop you off an hour www.lb-rando.com later at the Marcigny stop where a taxi that we can book take you to your destination. If you come from the south of France or Europe, you must reach Roanne station where we will pick you up where a bus will drop you off at the Pouilly sous Charlieu stop where a taxi that we can book take you to your destination.

SNCF (train) : 00 33 (0)8 92 35 35 35 Brionnais has some wonderful Bus from train station to Marcigny or Pouilly sous Charlieu : surprises in store for you! +33 (0)4 77 68 30 00

2020 price list