A multi-activity trip in the heart of the Ardèche that invites you to explore.
First, a 3-day itinerant trek across the high plateaux of the Cévennes with your travelling companion, the donkey.
Then you'll head for the more southerly Ardèche. You'll enjoy the sparkling freshness of the rivers as you discover the thrills of canyoning. A fun activity for all the family!
And finally, you can explore the wonders of the underground world with a unique caving experience.
D1
Welcome at the end of the afternoon in Sainte-Eulalie
You have now reached the high plateaux of the Cévennes.
Check-in at your hotel
Dinner and night at the hotel
D2
Walk from Pré du Bois to Ste Eulalie
Stage : 9,4 km Elevation :180 m Estimated time: 3 hours
You will drive to the park for your donkey (approx. 5 km).
After an introduction to donkey handling, you're ready for your first walk.
In the heart of the Ardèche plateau, enjoy a unique experience with your travelling companion, the donkey. This itinerary will take you quickly to Sainte Eulalie from the Pré du Bois farm. A charming village on the banks of the Loire. The route follows a path along the Loire. You'll pass through wooded and open landscapes ideal for grazing. Before you, a verdant setting on the eastern edge of the Massif Central.
Dinner and night at the hotel
D3
Walk from Ste Eulalie to Sagnes et Goudoulet
Stage : 10 km Elevation 240 m Estimated time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Climb to the top of easily accessible volcanic peaks. You'll walk to the foot of Mont Gerbier de Jonc, an exceptional natural site that is home to the source or sources of the Loire. Fantastic views of the Monts d'Ardèche await you. You will arrive in Sagnes-et-Goudoulet, a small village known as "the village with the roofs of roofing stones", with a fascinating history and heritage.
Dinner and night in a guest house
D4
From Sagnes et Goudoulet to Pré du Bois
Stage 4,7 km Elevation 70 m. Estimated time: 1 hour 30 minutes
This walk, dotted with undergrowth and beautiful scenery, promises to be a very pretty hike. You'll be able to admire an imposing panorama of the Hautes Cévennes. The "mires" at Pra Pouzols will give you an original experience, through the works of art on the watershed art trail. Enjoy these last moments with your fellow traveller.
Return to Pré du Bois to drop the donkey off at the farm. You will take your car back to Vals les Bains.
Dinner and night at the hotel
D5
River and canyoning day
A day full of thrills awaits you!
The Ardèche is a land of nature and canyoning, so why not try your hand at this fun activity? The programme includes jumping, swimming, abseiling, zip-lining, tobogganing and river-walking. Don't forget to look up, as the sites are exceptional in terms of both the flora and fauna and the landscapes encountered.
The activity lasts approximately 2 hours 45 minutes - minimum age: 8 years - swimming skills essential.
Dinner on your own
Night in hotel
D6
Introduction to caving
Taking your first steps underground...
Another must-do activity in the Ardèche is caving. Discover the Grotte des Croix Blanches at your own pace. Abseiling, crawling and climbing are all on offer. A unique experience for all the family!
The activity lasts around 2h30 - minimum age: 5 years old
Return journey from your home to the first accommodation on the route
Travel between activities
Optional insurance
Caractéristiques techniques
3 days walking with a donkey, suitable for families and unaccompanied.
Daily stages: between 1.5 and 3.5 hours' walking per day, depending on your own pace and wishes.
2 days of family-friendly outdoor activities
Organisation
The walks are more about discovery than sport. A road book will guide you throughout your stay. At each stage you'll find a place for the donkey to rest, with water and food.
Leading a donkey on a hike:
Travelling with a donkey is a great way to hike as a family, at the animal's slow pace. It will be a fabulous companion for young and old alike. The donkey's role is to carry your luggage for the day. It can also take turns carrying your children under your responsibility if they get tired.
However, there are a few points to bear in mind:
children must be at least 4 years old to be able to hold on properly to the animal (maximum weight 25 kg)
The terrain must not be uneven,
the donkey's total weight must not exceed 40 kg (including 25 kg for the child).
Access
By Car
Arrivée depuis le Sud de la France : A7 sortie Privas (n°16)
Arrivée depuis le Nord de la France : A75 en passant par Clermont-Ferrand sortie Le Puy en Velay (n°20)
By Plane
Lyon St Exupéry or Marseille Provence airport + TGV to Valence and car hire.
A multi-activity family trip that combines donkey walks, bike rides, canoeing and even the discovery of the dolomitic cirque of Mourèze. If you wish to make your vacations original and delight the whole family, this multi-activity tour is made…
This is a new holiday concept that you and your family are going to just love!
Walks in the majestic sites of the Vercors, bike rides in the lovely countryside around the old town of Die (say ’Dee’), canoeing down the unspoilt river…