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 river whose turquoise waters flow down through the Gorges of Omblèze. In the hamlet of Léoncel, crossroads between the Plain of Valence and the Plateaux of the Vercors, just 60 residents are watched over by the dreamily elegant 12th century Cistercian Abbey.
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)
walking along ridgeways overflown by Golden Eagles
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 Le Chaffal
13.7 km stage with around 630m 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!).
Then you continue towards the north on a broad track mainly bordered by undergrowth, with great views over the Plateau of the Vercors.
Dinner, night and breakfast in Chambre d'Hôtes.
D4
Around Chaffal
16.8 km stage with 280metres total rise. About 5hours 30 mins.
Today you enjoy a ramble along the plateau at between 900 and 1000 metres altitude.
It's a walk without any major difficulty that invites you to step out across the broad pastureland.
As you go throught the small village of Léoncel, you'll discover the beautiful Cistercian Abbey founded in 1137. It is open to the public all year round, a place of wonderous calm and peace.
Then a gentle slope along a fine forestry track brings you to the Col de Limouches (1086 metres) overlooking the Plain of Valence.
The return walk to your accommodation along the woodside is equally very pleasant.
Dinner, room and breakfast in Chambres d'Hôtes.
D5
Walk from Chaffal to Eygluy
16.4 km stage with 520 metres total rise. Around 5hrs30.
This last outing takes you back to the Valley of the Gervanne by a narrow forest path along which you approach the superb Gorges d'Omblèze with their vertiginous waterwalls each vying to top the others! On the second part of the stage you reach the highest point of the holiday on the ridges above the Col des Ayes at 1169metres (over 3800 ft). As a bonus, there is a lovely view over the Plateau d'Ambel. Take care during the rather steep descent but remember to lift your head to enjoy the beauty of the Vallée de la Sépie before arriving back at the house with your loyal companion!
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')
detailed roadbook and maps
updated SATNAV routes on demand
technical and logistic support
baggage transfers
Optional
Donkey rental: à partir de 165 €
What's not included ?
Supplement for travelling with your dog : to pay directly to the accomodation
Beverage and extra
Return transfer from Home to the first accomodation
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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