Information : Gorges of the Ardèche with a donkey 5 days
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Here is an invitation to venture into the remote wild beauty of the Ardèche and plunge into its distant past. In a natural environment where man seems to have left but a passing trace, you'll weave among the rocks between swallowholes and caves - some of which may be visited. This holiday is fun and physical and a delightful human experience appealing to all the senses, as you follow in the footsteps of the prehistoric peoples who once lived here so long ago.
Then it's back to the present, and what better to wake you from such dreamy meanderings than to stroll through lovely sunny villages - maybe take a dip in a nearby stream - whilst enjoying the cheerful presence of the ever-faithful pack donkey by your side?
Arrival late afternoon in Vagnas.
Meeting with donkey handler.
Dinner and night in either a bubble dome or tent lodge, camping in cosy comfort!
D2
Walk from Vallon Pont d’Arc to Vagnas
9.3 km stage with 220 metres total uphill (level of difficulty 1/5). Time about 4hrs.
This first outing will help you and your travelling companion to get to know each other. You leave Vallon Pont d’Arc by a pretty path, then go over the Ardèche river to get to Salavas and the ‘Garrigues’ (heathlands) of the region. Take the time to appreciate this rugged and beautiful scenery and make sure you see the Neolithic Dolmen of Champagnac before your arrival at the campsite.
Dinner and night in either a bubble dome or tent lodge, camping in cosy comfort!
D3
From Vagnas to Orgnac l’Aven
11.2 km stage. 180 metres total uphill. (Level 1/5). About 4hrs.
The day begins with a walk through the village of Labastide de Virac, then continues in the midst of the garrigue of the Ardèche. It’s worth taking your time as there’s plenty to see: menhirs, the St Roman Chapel, sinkholes (‘aven’ in French)…then at the end of the day a spectacular visit to the Aven d’Orgnac, listed as one of the ‘Grand Site de France’. Some programme, during which you’ll learn much about the famous Gorges de l’Ardèche!
Dinner and night in 2-star hotel in Orgnac.
D4
From Orgnac to the Mas de Serret
8.2 km stage with total uphill of 170 metres. About 2hrs30. Level 1/5.
+ a short walk without the donkey (3.7kms), total uphill 170m - about 2hrs00.
A short walk passing by the remarkable Dolmen of the Plain brings you to the next stage, in the heart of the gorges of the Ardèche.
You can leave your donkey and do a little loop walk during which you have the choice of several places to bathe.
Dinner and night in the tente lodge (canvas-walled cabin) at the campsite.
D5
From Mas de Serret to Vallon Pont d'Arc
13.8 kms with 100m uphill. Duration around 5hrs00. Level 1/5.
Fine natural walk through holm oaks back to Vallon Pont d'Arc. If you decide to take the Rocher de Saleyron option you'll see the amazing natural bridge known as the "Pont d'Arc" from an excellent viewpoint.
You leave your donkey and using your own vehicle drive back to the campsite.
Entry to the swallow hole at Orgnac and the museum of prehistory.
Detailed roadbook and maps provided.
Update GPS tracks
Logistical and technical support.
Baggage transfers
Optional
Donkey rental: 250 €
What's not included?
Beverage and extra
Round trip transfer from Home to the first accomodation
Facultative cancellation and repatriation insurance
Characteristics of circuits
Walking from place to place in the company of a pack donkey, suitable for families.
Daily stages: between 6,5 and 18 kilometres, around 2hrs30 to 6hrs walking.
Total uphill: between 100 and 380 metres per day.
Altitudes: from 100 to 350 metres.
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 carry each of your smaller children in turn, under your entire responsibility, should they get tired.
Nevertheless you should bear in mind some commonsense safety principles:
- children must be at least 4 years old and capable of remaining safely seated on a moving donkey (max weight 25 kg)
- riding is permitted only over even ground
- the donkey's total load must not exceed 40 kilograms.
Looking after a donkey requires close care and 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 appeal.
When at the campsite you will be in a "tente-lodge" (canvas-walled cabin) with hotel service: beds and cleaning done, clean towels provided... and to complement the bohemian chic, there is an awesome view over the gorges! There are several spacious shower-rooms, washbasins and toilets at about 100 metres. Breakfast and dinner are served in the campsite restaurant.
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
Arrival by car recommended
By car
Highway A7, exit Montélimar nord or sud - 50 km
By air
Marseille-Provence airport or Lyon St-Exupéry airport + TGV or train to Montélimar + car rental from Montélimar to Vallon Pont d'Arc
By train
Montelimar railway station. Then, car rental to Vallon Pont d'Arc to the accomodation.
Here is an invitation to venture into the remote wild beauty of the Ardèche and plunge into its distant past. In a natural environment where man seems to have left but a passing trace, you'll weave among the rocks between swallowholes and…
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