• Brionnais Explorer

• April - End of October

• From £1020 (single supplement £285)
• From €1150 (single supplement €310)
• Loyalty scheme reduction applies for returning customers (see terms and conditions)

• 7 nights, 6 days self-guided centre-based walking staying in two guest houses
• Number of nights is flexible. Please contact us for a quote

• Beautiful rolling countryside with a patchwork of vibrant green fields and hedgerows
• Great Burgundy hospitality at your lovely guest houses
• Immaculate historic villages with typical early medieval architecture
• Wonderful views from open ridges across unspoiled countryside towards the Beaujolais hills and the Loire Valley
• Visting the historic hill top village of Semur en Brionnais, one of the prettiest villages in France
• Beautiful churches and amazing chateaux
• Choice of walks of different lengths

• "Everything was excellent! We enjoyed very much talking to our hosts and meeting a Russian lady who was so charming, sitting in her garden for meals was a delight. The final 2 days we opted out of walking she kindly gave us picnics there as well." E & F Floyd, UK
• See further customer comments regarding this and other self guided holidays in Burgundy.

• 7 nights in two high quality small guest houses in historic properties. Both are in chateaux and one has a swimming pool. They have been chosen for their local charm and character, high standards and warm welcome. Full board accommodation, evening meals are traditional and delicious local dishes. Picnic lunches prepared by your hosts.

1. Transfers to and from Lyon if needed, 7 night's full board accommodation. Full walking notes and maps, transport of luggage between two guest houses.

1. Travel to Lyon, France. Lunches on arrival and departure days. Any excursions and entrance fees. Travel insurance.

1. See full list of our independent walking holidays - Other Burgundy Holidays - Tour of the Brionnais self guided walking holiday

2. Home Page

Walking Profile

This independent centre-based walking holiday is suitable for most walkers of an average fitness (with a minimum of preparation). The walks are of varying distances meaning that you can choose the walk you wish to do based on the weather, how you are feeling etc. Walks vary between 8 and 18km, with a number of relatively small ascents throughout the day cumulating in an average height gain of about 300m per day. The walks allow for time to rest and take advantage of some of the interesting sites en route. The paths are generally good, although they can be rough and muddy in places. Some parts of the walking trails follow minor roads

Day 1: Arrival

Pick up from Lyon or direct to your accommodation near Clayette. A warm welcome in a medieval chateau in a lovely village in Eastern Brionnais where you'll get to sample some of the fine Charolais meat with your evening meal.

The following is a sample of the walks included in your guidebook

Pastures, Lakes & Hills

This walk takes you through beautiful green pastures with the local Charolais cattle grazing in this idyllic and quiet rural countryside. You have great views of the high hills to the south before you reach a more gentle landscape of small lakes and historic buildings. Varied scenery throughout. 10km - 14km, +470m

Montagne de Dun

Our walking trail takes you onto the beautiful rolling slopes of Montagne de Dun, the summit which sits on the edge of the Brionnais and from where you have magnificent views across the whole Brionnais region. On the way you'll pass through small rustic hamlets. You can decide whether to go to the summit before descending through a pretty rural valley with a patchwork of fields. 13km - 17km, +340m or +500m

Chateau de Dree

This walk will take you through a number of pretty villages and hamlets including Bois Ste Marie before reaching the fabulous Chateau de Dree which it is possible to visit. Gentle undulating countryside throughout. 14km, +250m

Exploring Clayette

The local town is dominated by its lake and beautiful historic chateau. An easy walk close to your guest house. 6km

Clayette to Christophe en Brionnais

On the day when you change guest house you can do a linear walk between the two locations. You have the choice of various drop off points depending on the distance you wish to cover. You'll pass through pretty rolling countryside where, if the weather is fine you'll be able to count 17 church towers dotted in the surrounding hills and valleys. Your route then passes through the pretty village of Vareilles, before following a ridge to reach the rustic villages of Amanze and then Oyé. You'll finish at your superb guest house near the village of St Christophe en Brionnais. Between 14 and 22km, +260m to +360m

St Christophe en Brionnais & Briant

Today's walk starts by exploring St Christophe en Brionnais, dominated by its 500 year old cattle market. Possible guided visits on market days (Wednesday). Your 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 climb onto a hill located in the centre of the Brionnais which affords great views of the area. 14km, +380m

Semur-en-Brionnais

You'll be given a transfer 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 walking trail follows a pretty secluded valley before climbing back onto the hills with superb views to the west of the Massif Central across the Loire Valley and to the south of the Beaujolais hills. 14km, +300m

Vauban and gentle hills

Heading south from your guest house you'll find a gentler landscape. Pass through a number of quiet rural hamlets and rustic farms far from the nearest towns, discovering a pretty unspoilt countryside. The walk can be varied to increase the distance as desired. Up to 18km and +240m

Valleys around St Christophe en Brionnais

A smaller half-day walk which can be combined with visiting the cattle market. Explore the pretty green valleys and ridges surrounding the village of St Christophe en Brionnais and your guest house. 7km, +150m

Day 8: Departure

Breakfast and leave direct from La Clayette or transfer to Lyon.