A wonderful trek across the "Causses", a Unesco World Heritage site. There is a striking contrast between these limestone plateaux with their meditative steppe-like expanses, and the lush green gorges of the river La Vis.
The daily stages, each with its own particular interest, aim to help you explore a varied, cared-for heritage. The Cirque* of Navacelles, the mediaeval village of La Couvertoirade, the karstic rock formations of the Causses, the resurgence of the river La Vis, the menhirs...all these unforgettable sites and sounds will make yours a memorable holiday.
The Botanical Trail of Vissec highlights a wealth of flora and fauna, and the incessant flights of vultures overhead remind us that they are back in the Larzac after a long absence!
*corrie
You'll love
the beauty of the walks
the marked contrast between the arid 'Causse' and the abundant flora of the Gorges
leading your donkey into the mediaeval village of La Couvertoirade
accommodation at the very heart of the listed site of Navacelles
observing the flight of Griffon Vultures (Gyps Fulvus) over the Causse
Dinner in a restaurant and overnight stay in an ecological lodge in La Vacquerie.
D2
Around La Vacquerie
7 kilometres, total uphill 180 metres. Level 2/5. Approximate time 2 hrs 30.
Donkey-driving initiation in the shade of a pine wood.
This first gentle stroll will help you get to know your equine companion...
The route rises quickly to give you an idea of the broad expanse of the Causse and the distant fracture of the gorges of the river, La Vis. At the highest point, beyond a confusion of hills, plains and 'étangs' (lakes near the sea), you may well see the distant 'Grande Bleue' (the Mediterranean).
Dinner in a restaurant and overnight stay in an ecological lodge in La Vacquerie.
D3
Walk from La Vacquerie to Navacelles (Transfer organised to St Maurice de Navacelles)
Walk from St Maurice to Navacelles - 10 km stage with a downhill profile (level 2/5) - Estimated duration 3h30
Here you are at the start from the village of St Maurice. A stretch of flat ground to warm you up before taking a path that plunges towards the Cirque de Navacelles. The panorama will be grandiose and superb. Very quickly you will reach the Vis gorges which will lead you to the village of Navacelles nestled at the end of the world!
Dinner and night in a bed and breakfast in Navacelles
D4
Around Saint Maurice-Navacelles
11.5 km with total uphill 145metres. Level 2/5. Around 4hrs.
This is a loop walk that brings you into the heart of the Causses of the Larzac. First you go along a section of the 'GR du Pays' called Tour du Larzac Méridional (signposted regional footpath of the southern Larzac) ), then continue along a narrow footpath to get back to your accommodation. You may meet a few animals along the way... quite surprising if you're not used to it!
Dinner and night in chambre d'hôtes in Navacelles.
D5
Walk from Navacelles to Vissec
9.9 km with total uphill of 230metres. Level 2/5. About 4hrs.
Today you wind along the river Vis on a shady woodland path - particularly pleasant on very hot days. You go up to the village of Vissec past the Moulins de la Foux (mills), which we consider a must-see on this holiday! Make the most of the lovely views over the valley of La Vis and the various cirques that have been fashioned over the centuries.
Dinner and overnight in a gîte in the heart of Vissec.
D6
From Vissec to Saint-Michel d'Alajou
Walk from Vissec to St Michel d'Alajou - 12 km stage with a difference in altitude of 525 m (level 2/5) - Estimated time: 5h
A wild and very pleasant walk to reach the Larzac plateau. You will climb without fear in the dry bed of the Vis and then opt for the bed of the Virenque! A steady climb takes you to the village of Sorbs with its communal oven and a charming church. Here you are on the wide expanses of the Causse. A wide path will lead you to your stage of the day.
Dinner and overnight stay in a bed and breakfast in St Michel d'Alajou.
D7
From Saint-Michel d'Alajou to La Vacquerie
Walk from St Michel d'Alajou to La Vacquerie - 14 km (level 2/5) - Estimated duration: 5 hours
This last hike is a journey to the heart of the caussenard country. The characteristic landscapes of this limestone plateau are of a rare beauty and invite meditation. For the observer, the human traces are numerous: menhirs dating from the Neolithic period, washhouses from the Gallo-Roman era, bastides from the 18th century.
Dinner at the restaurant and overnight stay at the ecological gîte at La Vacquerie.
Return transfer from Home to the first accomodation
Facultative cancellation and rapatriation insurance
Characteristics of circuits
Walking holiday in the company of a donkey, suitable for families.
Recommended for children 6 and over accompanied by adults.
Daily stages: between 6,5 and 15 kms, 2hrs30 to 5hrs30 walking.
Total uphill from 140m to 300m.
Altitudes from 250 m to 800 m above sea level.
Organisation
These walks are much more about relaxed exploration than athletic performance. Your roadbook will guide you from beginning to end, and at each stage you'll find 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 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:
1) they are at least 4 years old and capable of holding themselves seated upright on the animal;
2) the terrain is even, and
3) 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.
On longer holidays you change accommodation every other day, which gives you the chance to better explore your surroundings or simply take the time to relax...
Accommodation has been selected 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 : A75 exit 49 Le Caylar - 16 km
By air
Marseille-Provence Airport
By train
Montpellier railway station. Then, tram and bus to Lodève. Next, bus from Lodève to La Vacquerie St-Martin with reservation available from the tourist office.
The entrance to the first accommodation is not recommended with public transport. For more informations, call the agency.
Comments
Global note
5.0
Très bonne assistance et accompagnement de la part de Safrantours. Nous avons vécu un séjour unique et inoubliable !
"The Larzac and Cirque de Navacelles, spectacular - between the steppe and gorges a roaming more than exotic with family, and as unique adventure jumping in Navacelles waterfalls - the so hospitable innkeepers that make each step a novelty ! (no need to go into the canyons in the US !)
Unforgettable experience by the beauty of the sites in the company of an extraordinary animal. Quality accommodation. To remake!!
Wonderful family walk through beautiful scenery in the company of our courageous "Colibri".
A wonderful trek across the "Causses" , a Unesco World Heritage site. There is a striking contrast between these limestone plateaux with their meditative steppe-like expanses, and the lush green gorges of the river La Vis.
The daily stages, each with…
Your holiday takes you to the meeting point of the Tarn-et-Garonne department and that of the Tarn. On one hand, there's the Quercy with its landscape of "causses" (rugged limestone plateaux), its rivers and celebrated cuisine. On the…
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