Hiking on the Cluny to Charlieu trail
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationFrance / Burgundy-Franche-Comté
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions76.64 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Follow in the footsteps of the ancient pilgrims of Saint James from northeastern Europe along a still little-traveled route , ideal for those seeking authenticity. Starting from Cluny , a true beacon of medieval Christianity, your adventure begins between the Charolais and Mâconnais regions. This area reveals an exceptional vernacular heritage , dotted with wash houses and surprising monolithic stone huts, Christianized by Christian tradition .
As you progress through the stages, you'll traverse an astonishing diversity of landscapes . The trails wind through dense forests of fir and Douglas fir , then open onto wooded hills dotted with broom and peaceful valleys, watered by numerous trout streams . This verdant setting shelters vast meadows where goats, cows, and sheep graze, offering a complete escape into nature.
This cultural and rejuvenating journey culminates in Charlieu , a remarkable Cluniac site on the border of Burgundy and Brionnais. There you will discover a unique historical heart, home to a majestic Benedictine abbey and a fortified medieval monastery , precious legacies left by the great abbots.
The highlights
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Visit to several Cluniac sites.
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A diversity of natural landscapes.
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Discover exceptional pilgrimage routes.
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 17 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 502 m
Management
Program
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Cluny
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival in Cluny, free time to explore.
Accommodation in a bed and breakfast.
Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 1 -
Cluny - Tramayes
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 459 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The first steps on this stage of the Way of St. James will allow you to get away from civilization and enjoy the Grosne Valley, full of freshness and greenery, of which the stop at Lake St. Point will be the highlight.
After a glimpse of Lamartine's castle, the climb will be gradual to reach Tramayes, a village marked by Romanesque art.
Dinner and overnight stay in a guest house.
Day 2 -
Tramayes - Ouroux
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h29
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 519 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
A mostly wooded route, offering several lovely stretches such as Cenves, a village surrounded by hills. A stop is a must at St Jacques des Arrêts, an unusual place where the church perfectly blends natural and cultural heritage with the 19 canvases of Jean Fusaro.
Arriving in Ouroux, a village overlooking the beautiful valley with the exotic name of Grosne Orientale, you will discover a beautiful church.
Dinner and overnight stay in a guest house.
Day 3 -
Ouroux - Propières
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 668 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
A very beautiful day in the heart of Beaujolais Vert with magnificent views including the passage to Mont St Rigaud, the summit of this wine region at 1009 m altitude.
Arriving in Propières, a dynamic village, where you can enjoy its lake.
Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 4 -
Propières - Le Cergne
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 19 km
- Positive elevation gain 568 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
From Propières, you climb through fir and Douglas fir woods to reach the Col des Echarmeaux pass, then follow a lovely ridge line offering beautiful views. You'll discover paths bordered by broom or blackberries, depending on the season, allowing you to appreciate still wild corners.
Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 5 -
Le Cergne - Charlieu
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 292 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You will descend the mountain to discover the medieval town of Charlieu, listed among the "Most Beautiful Detours in France". With its religious heritage, Charlieu is an unmissable stop in the Roannais region.
This Cluniac site invites visitors to discover its stone and half-timbered houses, its Hospital and Silk Museums, created in the former 18th-century Hôtel-Dieu.
Dinner at leisure and overnight stay in a guest house.
Day 6 -
Charlieu
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Our services will end after breakfast in Charlieu.
Day 7
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- 5 nights half-board (room, dinner and breakfast)
- 1 night in a B&B in Charlieu
- Tourist documentation
- The map and route description (1 booklet for 4 people)
- Ongoing support in case of problems
- Tourist taxes
- Luggage transport between each stage
The price does not include
- Drinks with meals, and bar expenses
- Dinner in Charlieu
- Any visits or activities suggested along the route
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.