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BEAUTIFUL BRIONNAIS: SECRET HILLS OF BURGUNDY

Highlights

Beautiful rolling countryside with a patchwork of vibrant green fields and hedgerows. Great Burgundy hospitality at your lovely guest houses.

Destinations

France

Budget

From $250 per person

All highlights

This unique independent walking holiday takes place in the Brionnais, a secret region of Burgundy in central France. In the shadow of the high Beaujolais hills, the green and picturesque hills of the Brionnais lead you towards the mighty Loire Valley. These rolling hills and valleys are made up of a patchwork of fields and you’ll pass from beautiful secluded valleys with babbling streams to open ridges with great panoramic views. This secluded and quiet part of south west Burgundy also has a number of architectural treasures to rival some of the more popular parts of Burgundy, a region known worldwide for its hospitality, and great food and wine. A number of delightful villages, immaculately maintained and decorated with lovely floral displays, are home to fine Clunian churches and abbeys, as well as a number of other historic buildings. La Clayette has an amazing chateau, whilst Charlieu houses a magnificent abbey. Semur-en-Brionnais, classed as one of the prettiest villages in France, sits on top of a ridge with its 10th-century chateau St Hughes, the oldest one in Burgundy, overlooking the Burgundy hills. Inside its village walls you’ll also discover a wonderful church and several historic houses, whilst on the outside, the valley slopes are planted with vines. Your self-guided walking tour takes a circular trail through the Brionnais, flirting at its eastern end with the Beaujolais hills and in the west descending down to the Loire Valley. Holiday Profile . 7 nights/8 days: 6 days independent walking between guest houses .

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Pick up from Lyon or direct to your accommodation near La Clayette. A warm welcome in a stone-built historic chateau with garden and pool.. .

Day 3: St Christophe-en-Brionnais - Anzy-le-Duc

Today's walk crosses a number of delightful valleys and ridges. You'll pass through the pretty village of Briant adorning a hill top position. You'll have great views as you pass over a couple of hills before descending to the beautiful historic village of Anzy-le-Duc with its priory and amazing church.. Overnight: Anzy-le-Duc, Walk: 22km, +330m . .

Day 4: Anzy-le-Duc - Iguerande

Your walking trail takes you to the ridge top village of Semur-en-Brionnais, classed as one of the prettiest villages in France, with the oldest chateau in Burgundy and a beautiful historic church. Afterwards your route crosses a number of pretty valleys before descending to the pretty village of Iguerande, overlooking the Loire Valley with great views towards the Mont de Madeleine to the west.. Overnight: Iguerande, Walk: 14km, +320m . .

Day 5: Iguerande - Charlieu

You'll pass through the local vines which, although small in scale, cover 4 communes or parishes. In days gone by 4000 hectares of this area were once covered in vines, witness to the sunny nature of the climate in the Brionnais. With a mixture of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Gris, the production comes under the appellation Vin du Pays de Saone et Loire. Great views throughout the day including from the hilltop village of Fleury la Montagne. Discover the market town of Charlieu with its pretty streets lined by a mix of stone and wooden frame buildings, and its benedictine abbey where you can admire its gothic cloisters. . Overnight: near Charlieu, Walk: 18km +300m . .

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast transfer from your guest house to Lyon after breakfast. Please note that your walking holiday may differ from that shown above, due to the availability of guest houses. This will not however, affect the overall walking circuit..

Prices

Price per person	2 pers	4 pers	6 pers	8 pers
Price per adult	$250	$180	$160	$150
Price per kid	$130	$90	$80	$80

Services

Included:

Airport and station transfers from Lyon or local train stations (We'll provide you with a specific quote depending on the transfers required)
7 nights accommodation
FULL BOARD
Full walking notes and maps
Transfers to and from some walks and between guest houses along with your luggage

Excluded:

Travel to and from Lyon, France
Lunches on your day of arrival and departure plus one evening meal
Drinks on some evenings
Travel insurance
Any entrance fees

Optional:

Extra Nights
City Breaks
Combining walking holidays
Tailor-made trips

Receive a free quote from your local travel agency within 48 hours by e-mail. No obligation to purchase.

Pauline Mathieu

travel expert: France & Scotland

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