From the hills of Roannais to the hills of Brionnais by bike

From Melay , you follow a quiet country road alongside the Roanne to Digoin canal , passing locks, barges, and plane trees – perfect for a gentle warm-up. At Pouilly-sous-Charlieu , you cross the Loire River , a highlight of the day, before joining a pleasant and safe greenway .

After a few kilometers, you leave the road to reach Semur-en-Brionnais , a superb medieval village listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France . Its Saint-Hugues castle and Romanesque collegiate church overlook the surrounding hills. You then continue towards Anzy-le-Duc , where a stop is a must to discover its Romanesque church , one of the most renowned in Burgundy.

Back on the greenway to reach Montceaux-l'Étoile , through the meadows and hedged paths of the Brionnais. The day ends in Paray-le-Monial , with the possibility of strolling through the town or visiting its famous basilica .

Starting from Paray-le-Monial , you gently leave the town by taking the greenway , a peaceful and safe route that runs alongside the canal. The landscapes gradually open up to the Charolais meadows , offering an ideal introduction to this day of cycling: a day dedicated to rolling landscapes and local heritage .

Your journey ends in Charlieu, a very pretty medieval town.

Starting from Charlieu , a town of character with a rich heritage, you leave the town via quiet country roads towards the Loire villages . The route passes successively through Jarnosse , Coutouvre and Notre-Dame-de-Boisset , in the heart of a gentle and green countryside.

You then reach the Villerest dam , an impressive structure marking the entrance to the old Loire gorges. A break by the Villerest lake is a must to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, nestled between wooded hills and the shimmering reflections on the water.

The road then continues, gaining altitude through the wild landscapes of the old Loire gorges , offering superb panoramas and a more mountainous atmosphere.

If you still have the energy at the end of the day, a short walk in the arrival village will allow you to fully enjoy the calm and beauty of this preserved territory, to conclude the stage on a gentle note.

We offer a loop day trip , ideal for settling in and fully enjoying the must-sees of this little-known area of ​​the Loire, which is really worth a visit!

The route begins at the place called Pets d'Âne , where a spectacular view of the largest meander of the Loire River immerses you directly in the beauty of the landscape. You then continue towards Saint-Paul-de-Vézelin and Vézelin-sur-Loire , charming villages with authentic heritage, before reaching Saint-Georges-de-Baroilles .

Crossing the Chessieux viaduct allows you to traverse the Loire in a unique setting, with breathtaking panoramas of the river and the surrounding valleys. The route continues along quiet country roads towards Pinay and Saint-Jodard , where the countryside and gentle hills offer magnificent vistas for cyclists.

To conclude this loop, we invite you to discover the Château de la Roche , an iconic site where history and nature meet, perfect for a break and some souvenir photos before returning to your starting point.

Starting from Saint-Jean-Saint-Maurice-sur-Loire , a spectacular village perched on its rocky promontory, you leave the Loire gorges and gradually gain altitude. The first few kilometers already offer magnificent panoramas, before entering more wooded landscapes.

You then head back up towards the Noës dam , along quiet country roads through the mid-mountains. Forests, meadows and wide open spaces accompany your progress in a calm and verdant atmosphere, ideal for savoring the pleasure of a long-distance ride.

From Les Noës , the route continues along beautiful mountain roads, little frequented and punctuated by superb viewpoints, before beginning a gentle descent towards the vineyard slopes of the Loire.

You then arrive in Saint-Haon-le-Châtel , a superb perched medieval town, listed among the most beautiful villages of the Loire. The cobbled streets, the old houses and the panoramic views over the plain naturally invite you to a timeless break.

The last part of the stage takes you to Ambierle , a charming village nestled in the heart of the vineyards, where this day ends amidst vineyards, heritage and the gentle Loire Valley .

Starting from the inn , nestled in the heart of the Monts de la Madeleine, you begin your day with a gentle descent through still mountainous landscapes, with beautiful views of the surrounding valleys.

Leaving Arfeuilles , the route gradually becomes gentler and more winding, passing through Châtelus and then Saint-Martin-d'Estréaux , through verdant meadows, forests, and small hamlets. The countryside gradually regains its authentic and welcoming character, offering a harmonious transition between mountain and plain.

You continue along quiet, pleasant mountain roads, perfect for cycling, before reaching the medieval village of Le Crozet , perched above the valley. Its narrow streets and ramparts tell a story of a rich past, ideal for a contemplative break.

The last part of the stage gradually takes you back to the Loire plain , with a gentle climb from Crozet that turns into a quiet descent towards the open and bright landscapes of the region.