Information : The foot of the Vercors with a donkey
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Note
Roadbooks
French
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Re-energize yourselves in the beautiful valley of the Gervanne, tucked in between the Alps and Provence. At the foot of the Vercors Mountain range, this lovely area is a mix of unspoilt nature and rural industry, as witnessed by the thriving aromatic plant distillery.
In the company of your friendly donkey, head for the land of the chamois and deer that populate the southern Vercors. Take in the brilliant light and space, the fresh tumbling water of the river, the delicate scents of wild orchids, and the heady atmosphere of thyme and lavender.
One of the high spots of the holiday is the trip upstream to see the celebrated waterfall known as the ‘chute de la Druise’.
You'll love
the beauty of the scenery along the Valley of the Gervanne
the excitement of coming in sight of the 70 metre high waterfall of the Druise
strolling along the ridges with royal eagles gliding above you
the heady scents of thyme and lavender
taking a dip in the turquoise waters of the Gervanne river on a hot day
Dinner, night and breakfast in chambres d'hôtes (guestrooms) in a comfortable restored farmhouse.
*Meals are prepared using local produce.
D2
Walk around the Merly and around the village of Eygluy
Distance: 12,2 km - Total uphill: 500 m - Duration : about 4hrs30
A little initiation so you can get to know your new companion. The climb up the Col de Véraut (pass) is rewarded by a fine view over the Vallon d'Eygluy (high valley). The hamlet at the Col is given over to lavender growing. It's through this unspoilt countryside that you pursue your stroll before coming back to the guestrooms.
Dinner, night and breakfast in guestrooms.
D3
Loop circuit along the ridges
Distance: 12km - Total uphill: 530m - Duration : about 4hrs30
Lovely walk along the wild ridges separating the Valleys of the Sépie and the Sure. All day long it's first you see them, then you don't: the Bec Pointu and the Tête de la Dame dominate the area at 1342m and 1506m respectively. Look out too for the royal eagles nesting in the cliffs and making frequent flights over the area!
Dinner, night and breakfast in your guestrooms.
D4
Along the Gervanne to the Chutes (falls) de la Druise
Distance: 10km - Total uphill: 100m - Duration : about 3hrs30
A trip up the river towards the pretty falls of the Druise. You set off from the confluence of the Sépie and gervanne rivers; there's a natural pool right at the start that is just asking to be paddled in! Then you go up alongside the the fresh waters of the Gervanne in the direction of the imposing cliff of Anse. There are a number of fords along the river providing opportunities to cool down on hot summer days. And at the end of your route, set in a narrowing passage, the loveliest waterfall of the Vercors come into site!
Travel file via the ‘Safrantours’ guidance application
Logistical and technical support.
Optional
Donkey rental: 150 €
What's not included?
Supplement for travelling with your dog : to pay directly to the accommodation
Beverage and extra
Transfer from Home to the accommodation
Facultative cancellation and repatriation insurance
Characteristics of circuits
Walking holiday accompanied by a donkey, especially for families.
Suitable for children 6 and over.
Daily stages: from 8 to 12 kilometres, around 3hrs to 5hrs30.
Total uphill: between 100 and 530 metres per day.
Overall altitudes: between 400m and 900m.
Organisation
These walks are much more about relaxed exploration than athletic performance. Your roadbook will guide you from beginning to end. We provide the logistical and technical support necessary.
Leading a pack donkey: travelling with a donkey is a fantastic way of enjoying a family walking holiday at the slow 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, under your supervision and at your own risk, carry the children one-at-a time if they start to feel too tired, provided that
they are at least 4 years old and capable of holding themselves seated upright on the animal;
the terrain is even, and
the donkey's total load is less than 40 kilograms.
Looking after a donkey requires some 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 excellence.
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
By car
Highway A7, exit Valence sud or Loriol - 40 km
By air
Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport + TGV to Valence + TER train to Crest + taxi
By train
SNCF (French railways) at Crest station + taxi
Comments
Global note
5.0
Great family holiday. Ideal to start the vacations, to recharge your batteries close to nature. The location of the gîte is great, right in the middle of nature. Great walks. Great welcome from the gîte and great experience with the donkey. Would definitely do it again!
Translate from french
La Drôme au début du printemps est magnifique, avec les arbres en fleurs, les orchidées, les verts tendres . Karine et Bernard sont au top et toute la famille a adoré randonner avec Chaf !
Partis avec mes 3 enfants, nous avons été enchantés par le lieu, l'accueil et nos 3 jours de balade. Nous referons !
Ideal stay with children in nature, with hosts particularly helpful and friendly.
Very warm welcome. Thank you for these few days of totale disconnection.
Wonderful stay in the Vercors for the whole family in the company of "Jules" (donkey).
In the sunny foothills of the Vercors mountain range, a breath of fresh air in fabulous scenery all along the way. Welcome to the Vercors Regional Nature Park! Enjoy the charming Valley of the Gervanne. You will pass through Plan de Baix and the…
A fine introduction to travelling with a pack donkey! The outings, with no major technical difficulty, are simple and well signposted. No grand monuments here, rather a series of modest architectural heirlooms which give particular charm to their…