Here is an invitation to venture into the remote wild beauty of the Ardèche and plunge into its distant past. In a natural environment where man seems to have left but a passing trace, you'll weave among the rocks between swallowholes and caves - some of which may be visited. This holiday is fun and physical and a delightful human experience appealing to all the senses, as you follow in the footsteps of the prehistoric peoples who once lived here so long ago.
Then it's back to the present, and what better to wake you from such dreamy meanderings than to stroll through lovely sunny villages - maybe take a dip in a nearby stream - whilst enjoying the cheerful presence of the ever-faithful pack donkey by your side?
Dinner and night in either a bubble dome or tent lodge, camping in cosy comfort!.
D2
Walk from Vallon Pont d’Arc to Vagnas
9.3 km stage with 220 metres total uphill (level of difficulty 1/5). Time about 4hrs.
This first outing will help you and your travelling companion to get to know each other. You leave Vallon Pont d’Arc by a pretty path, then go over the Ardèche river to get to Salavas and the ‘Garrigues’ (heathlands) of the region. Take the time to appreciate this rugged and beautiful scenery and make sure you see the Neolithic Dolmen of Champagnac before your arrival at the campsite.
Dinner and night in either a bubble dome or tent lodge, camping in cosy comfort!
D3
Walk around Vagnas
11.7 km stage. 210 metres total uphill. (Level 1/5). Around 4hrs.
Today you gain a bit of height. Looking down from the Rochers de Saleyron, you’ll enjoy lovely views over the Gorges of the Ardèches and the famous Pont d’Arc, the famous natural stone bridge. On the way down you may like to visit the silkworm farm, fascinating for both young and not-so young, at the Château des Roure.
Dinner and night in the comfort of a bubble dome or tent lodge.
D4
From Vagnas to Orgnac l’Aven
11.2 km stage. 180 metres total uphill. (Level 1/5). About 4hrs.
The day begins with a walk through the village of Labastide de Virac, then continues in the midst of the garrigue of the Ardèche. It’s worth taking your time as there’s plenty to see: menhirs, the St Roman Chapel, sinkholes (‘aven’ in French)…then at the end of the day a spectacular visit to the Aven d’Orgnac, listed as one of the ‘Grand Site de France’. Some programme, during which you’ll learn much about the famous Gorges de l’Ardèche!
Dinner and night in 2-star hotel in Orgnac.
D5
From Orgnac to the Mas de Serret
8km stage with total uphill of 100 metres. About 2hrs30. Level 1/5.
+ a short walk without the donkey (3.7kms), total uphill 200m - about 2hrs00.
A short walk passing by the remarkable Dolmen of the Plain brings you to the next stage, in the heart of the gorges of the Ardèche.
You can leave your donkey and do a little loop walk during which you have the choice of several places to bathe.
Dinner and night in the tente lodge (canvas-walled cabin) at the campsite.
D6
From Mas de Serret to Vallon Pont d'Arc
Option 1: 13.8 kms with 100m uphill. Duration around 5hrs. Level 1/5.
Fine natural walk through holm oaks back to Vallon Pont d'Arc. If you decide to take the Rocher de Saleyron option you'll see the amazing natural bridge known as the "Pont d'Arc" from an excellent viewpoint.
You leave your donkey and using your own vehicle drive back to the campsite.
Dinner and night at campsite.
D7
Departure
Breakfast.
If you wish you could go off and enjoy the beaches of Savalas or Le Pont d'Arc (accessible by car).
Or perhaps visit the Caverne du Pont d'Arc, a fantastic replica of the now world-famous Grotte Chauvet. But you must book well beforehand.
Entry to the swallow hole at Orgnac and the museum of prehistory.
Detailed roadbook and maps provided.
Update GPS tracks
Logistical and technical support.
Baggage transfers
Optional
Donkey rental: 315 €
What's not included?
Beverage and extra
Return transfer from Home to the first accomodation
Facultative cancellation and repatriation insurance
Characteristics of circuits
Walking from place to place in the company of a pack donkey, suitable for families.
Daily stages: between 6,5 and 18 kilometres, around 2hrs30 to 6hrs walking.
Total uphill: between 100 and 380 metres per day.
Altitudes: from 100 to 350 metres.
Organisation
These walks are much more about relaxed exploration than athletic performance. Your roadbook will guide you from beginning to end, and at the end of each stage there's a place for the donkey to drink, eat and rest. We provide the logistical and technical support necessary.
Leading a pack donkey: travelling with a donkey is a superb way of enjoying a family walking holiday at the gentle rhythm of the animal. They are great company for children and adults alike.
The donkey's role is to carry your baggage for the day. It can also carry each of your smaller children in turn, under your entire responsibility, should they get tired.
Nevertheless you should bear in mind some commonsense safety principles:
- children must be at least 4 years old and capable themselves of remaining safely seated on a moving donkey without being held (max weight 25 kg)
- riding is permitted only over even ground
- the donkey's total load must not exceed 40 kilograms.
Looking after a donkey requires close care and attention, which is why we only provide one donkey per family per holiday.
Accommodation has been chosen for its atmosphere, warm welcome and environmental and architectural appeal.
When at the campsite you will be in a "tente-lodge" (canvas-walled cabin) with hotel-like service: beds and cleaning done, fresh towels provided... and to complement the bohemian chic, there is an awesome view over the gorges! For the 'castaways' there are several spacious shower-rooms, washbasins and toilets at about a hundred metres. Breakfast and dinner are served in the campsite restaurant.
N.B : the accommodation described above is given as an indication and may vary according to availability at the moment your reservation is finalized.
Access
Arrival by car recommended
By car
Highway A7, exit Montélimar nord or sud - 50 km
By air
Marseille-Provence airport or Lyon St-Exupéry airport + TGV or train to Montélimar + car rental from Montélimar to Vallon Pont d'Arc
By train
Montelimar railway station. Then, car rental to Vallon Pont d'Arc to the accomodation.
Comments
Global note
5.0
We were delighted to discover Safrantours, a team that was available and responsive, and who put together a ready-to-go package for us. Great stay, we'd do it again! Thank you Safrantours.
Translate from french
Magnifique aventure en famille avec Lulu ! Hébergements et repas au top ! A refaire avec grand plaisir !
Organisation de qualité permettant de partir pour de "vraies" vacances en toute tranquillité.
Il s'agit d'une expérience inoubliable. Toute la famille gardera de magnifiques souvenirs de cette aventure gràce à Lulu, notre fidèle compagnon de route, qui nous a mené dans les gorges de l'Ardèche, où nous avons pu découvrir des sites remarquables et des personnes fort sympathiques. Merci Safrantours !
Sans vous connaître nous vous avons fait confiance. Organisation parfaite, expérience que nous allons renouveller et sans aucun doute, recommander à nos amis et famille.
Initier ma fille de 10 ans à la randonnée s'est fait avec facilité et avec beaucoup de plaisir gràce à la présence douce de l'ânesse et à la rencontre d'une autre famille participante. A refaire !
Thank you for this very well paths, offering nature, culture and bathing in still wild places. Very well adapted for interests and walking ability for our daughter (9 yers)!
High above the celebrated vineyards of Cornas and St Péray, your first guest house awaits you in the calm of a plateau at 600 metres overlooking the Valley of the Rhône. Fine walks to look forward to, along with the clear air of forest…
Here is an invitation to venture into the remote wild beauty of the Ardèche and plunge into its distant past. In a natural environment where man seems to have left but a passing trace, you'll weave among the rocks between swallowholes and…
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