Would you like to discover the hidden treasures of the Loire Valley and experience an authentic adventure? At the pace of your donkey, take the time to look at the landscape around you, observe the flora and fauna, and visit the castles that stand in front of you! A unique experience, 100% nature and sometimes "cut off from the world", that will leave you with wonderful memories, with family or friends.
12 km stage, slight gradient - estimated time: 4h00.
Meet your donkey driver at around 10:30 a.m., where you'll leave your vehicle for 5 days.
After getting acquainted with your travelling companion, you begin this beautiful adventure at your donkey's pace, amidst the lush meadows and woods of the Cheverny forest. Winding your way through the vineyards, you can visit the 15th-century Château de Troussay, considered the smallest of the Loire castles.
Night and diner in a B&B.
D3
Walk around Cheverny
11 km stage, slight gradient - estimated time: 4h00.
On this day, you'll stroll in a bucolic atmosphere around your accommodation, always accompanied by your big-eared friend. During your walk, take your time and keep an eye out for the local flora and fauna. It's easy to spot a fox or a deer between two of the region's typical hamlets, or at the bend in a pond!
Overnight and diner in a B&B.
D4
Walk between Cheverny and Cour-Cheverny, via the Château de Cheverny
14 km stage, slight gradient - estimated duration: 5h00.
After winding your way through the Sologne countryside and small forest roads, you'll discover the magnificent Château de Cheverny, the inspiration for the famous Château de Moulinsart in Hergé's adventures with Tintin. Stop off at the Maison des Vins for a tasting of local wines.
Overnight and diner (catered meal) in a bed & breakfast.
D5
A walk around Cour-Cheverny
15 km stage, slight gradient - estimated time: 5h00.
Away from the crowds at the château, you'll head deep into the forest and circle the typical Sologne ponds. If you keep your eyes peeled, you'll be able to hear and see many of the animals that live here in peace and quiet!
Overnight and diner (catered meal) in a B&B.
D6
A walk between Cour-Cheverny and Contres
10km stage - estimated duration 3h15.
On this final walk, you'll cross the Sologne forest one last time, with its majestic avenues. You'll feel all alone in the world! After skirting part of the golf course and the ponds at its center, take the time to cuddle your traveling companion one last time, before taking him home for a well-deserved rest.
5 nights full board (dinners, breakfasts and picnics) in charming B&Bs
1 night and breakfast in a charming B&B
Route booklet and maps
Route available on Safrantours application
Logistical and technical assistance
Luggage transport
Optional
Donkey rental: from 360 €
What's not included?
Day 6 dinners
Drinks and extras
Return trip to first accommodation on route
Optional insurance
Characteristics of circuits
Family-friendly walking tour with a donkey
Recommended for children aged 3 and over
Daily stages: between 10 and 15 km, i.e. 3h to 5h walking time
Organisation
Our hikes are more about discovery than sport.
A route booklet accompanies you throughout your vacation.
At each stage, you'll find a place for the donkey to rest, with food and water. We also provide logistical and technical assistance.
Hiking with a donkey: traveling with a donkey is a great way for families to hike together, at the animal's slow pace. It will be a fabulous companion for your children, young and old alike. Taking care of a donkey requires attention, which is why we only offer one donkey per family per stay.
Accommodation has been chosen for its atmosphere, quality of welcome, architecture and environment.
N.B.: the accommodations described above are given for information only and are subject to change according to availability at the time of final booking.
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,…
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…