Information : The Vercors in the Drôme - a family affair
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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 Croix du Vellan, crossroads between the Plain of Valence and the Plateaux of the Vercors.
You'll love
the sheer beauty of the scenery along the Vallée de la Gervanne
amazing views from the lofty Cross of the Vellan (Croix du Vellan)
the charming village of Beaufort sur Gervanne and Suze
taking a dip in the turquoise waters of the Gervanne
Program : The Vercors in the Drôme - a family affair
Dinner*, night and breakfast in Chambres d'Hôtes (rural B+B) in a comfortable restored farmhouse.
* Meals are prepared as far as possible using locally resourced produce.
D2
Getting to know donkey and exploring the village of Eygluy
12.2 kilometre stage (circa 7 ½ miles) with 500 metres altitude change (c. 1,600 feet rise) - about 4 hours 30 mins.
This outing will help you get to know your travelling companion...
The walk up to the Col (pass) de Véraut is rewarded by a lovely view over the Vallon d’Eygluy. The hamlet at the pass is given over to goat breeding and lavender growing, and the route back to your lodgings takes you through this lovely countryside.
Dinner, room and breakfast in the Chambres d'Hôtes at the Ferme Bouvat.
D3
From Eygluy to Beaufort sur Gervanne by Plan de Baix
14 km stage with around 600m total rise. About 4hrs 30mins.
Lovely walk in unspoilt countryside in the Valley of the Gervanne river. You go up towards Plan de Baix by a steep path to come to the Croix (cross) du Vellan overlooking the village. Stop a while to enjoy the superb panorama facing you - the Forest of Saou with its celebrated lofty Cretaceous syncline culminating in the distinctive 3 becs ('3 beaks' - a triple mountain top) at 1557 metres ( over 5000 feet!).
Descend quietly along the GR and take advantage of the river to refresh yourself before reaching Beaufort sur Gervanne, your stage for the day.
Dinner, night and breakfast in a charming hotel in the heart of the village.
D4
Around Beaufort sur Gervanne until Suze
13.2 km stage with 230metres total rise. About 4hours.
Today, you start your walk in the agricultural plain of Drôme to reach Suze. Take time to visit this old village which offers a magnificent view over the valley. It is the ideal place for a picnic. Continue through the forest to the Saint Pancrace chapel, located on the site of an old monastery. From there, a beautiful descent in a lunar landscape will lead you to the bottom of the village of Gigors, at the foot of the mountain. You will return to Beaufort through a hilly route.
Dinner, night and breakfast in a charming hotel in the heart of the village.
D5
Walk from Beaufort sur Gervanne to Eygluy Escoulin
15 km stage with 130 metres total rise. Around 4hrs30.
For this last walk, you will follow the GR 9 at the bottom of Beaufort and go up quietly towards the village of Eygluy by a ridge path, which will offer you a last panorama on the Drôme valley and the perched syncline of the 3 Becs. In the village, you will plunge into the Sépie valley to reach your first accommodation. It's time to say goodbye to your companion, before hitting the road again!
full board (including dinner, breakfast and 'pique-nique' - packed lunch)
accommodation in 'chambres d'hôtes' (B+B) with 3 épis* listing (*a 'star system' for rural accommodation, 'épi' means 'ear of wheat') and a charming hotel
roadbook and maps
Itinerary available on Smartphone application
technical and logistic support
baggage transfers
Optional
Donkey rental: from 175 €
What's not included?
Beverage and extra
Return transfer from Home to the first accommodation
Facultative cancellation and repatriation insurance
Characteristics of circuits
Unaccompanied walking holiday with a donkey, suitable for families.
For children of 9 years old or over (child sporty : Sloping terrain)
Daily Stages between 12.2 km and 16.8 km (roughly 8 to 10 miles) with estimated times between 4hrs and 5hrs30 at your own pace and rhythm.
Daily accumulated uphill stretches: between 280 metres and 630 metres.
The route is mainly along paths and cart tracks, with some narrow roads with a little traffic
Organisation
These walks are more about peaceful exploration than sporting prowess! The invaluable roadbook will show you the way throughout your holiday. We look after all logistic and technical matters.
Walking with a donkey: this really is a fantastic way of taking your family on holiday, at the gentle pace of a pack animal. The kids will love the company of this furry friend, and we think you will, too!
The donkey's role is to carry your bags on each day's walk. It can also occasionally, under your sole responsibility, carry a tired child for a while.
However, you are asked to respect certain conditions for the safety of all, including the pack donkey:
- the child must be at least 4 years old and capable of safely sitting and holding itself unassisted on the animal
- this can only be done on reasonably level terrain
- the total weight carried by the donkey must not exceed 40 kilograms (about 6 stones).
Looking after a donkey demands careful attention, which is why we allow only one per family on these holidays.
Your accommodation has been chosen for its welcoming atmosphere, and architectural and environmental interest.
N.B: the accommodation mentioned here is given as a guide, and may be modified according to availability at the time of final booking
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 SNCF + taxi to the accomodation
By train
TER train to Crest SNCF + taxi to the accomodation
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