Walking holiday with a donkey in the Massif Central

Quotation Book

Duration 7 days
Activity Walking holiday with a donkey
Holiday among adults, with family
Theme mountain, countryside

680€

Information : The Massif Central with a donkey

Comfort
Difficulty
Note No note
Roadbooks French

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Presentation

Take your time, breathe in the fresh air, and take in your surroundings ! These are the simple pleasures you'll experience during your stay in the Massif Central. At the gentle pace of your long-eared companion, you’ll journey through a variety of landscapes, spot birds and wildlife, and savour the local flavours. In the land of the Sucs, the sweeping views of the surrounding mountain ranges will leave you speechless. The deep spruce forests and their lively ballet of wild animals will enchant you. Hamlets with slate roofs and basalt stone houses—true havens of peace and coolness—will invite you to slow down and unwind. At an average altitude of 1,000 metres, your adventure will take on a new dimension: the air is crisper, the views broader, and every step brings a new discovery.

You'll love

- The authenticity and traditional architecture of the villages and hamlets

- Stunning viewpoints over the Alps and Mount Mézenc

- The diversity of landscapes along the route

- Hikes at the gentle pace of a donkey

- A high-altitude adventure, sheltered from the intense summer heat

Program : The Massif Central with a donkey

D1 Arrival in Champclause at the end of the day

You have arrived in the heart of the Massif Central, surrounded by lush greenery, which will quickly immerse you in the rural atmosphere of your stay.

Check into your chalet, overnight stay and dinner at your accommodation in Champclause (or Montusclat).
D2 Walk with a donkey from Queyrières to Champclause

Walk between 11 and 13 km - 380 m elevation gain + (the walk can be adjusted on request)

This morning, you have a 9:30 a.m. appointment with your donkey driver in the car park at the entrance to the village of Queyrières. After a short introduction, you will set off on your adventure with your long-eared companion. The Compostela trails await you, historic hiking routes linking the famous village of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, the Meygal forest, hamlets built from natural basalt stones and balcony trails. You will discover the sucs! These geological curiosities, like little mountains, will guide your journey, starting today with the ascent of Testavoyre.

Night and dinner at your accommodation in Champclause (or Montusclat).
D3 Walk with a donkey from Champclause to Saint Julien Chapteuil

Walk between 9 and 12 km - between 170 and 280 m elevation gain + (on request, the walk can be adjusted)

As you walk through hamlets with slate roofs, guided by the numerous stone walls typical of the region, you will pass through unspoilt countryside, alternating between large spruce forests and the old mills of Neyzac. Keep your eyes peeled! A few deer roam the wooded areas. A final detour to the ruined Château des Couderts offers a magnificent view of Saint Julien Chapteuil, your stop for the day.

Night and dinner at your accommodation in Saint Julien Chapteuil.
D4 Walk with a donkey around Saint Julien Chapteuil

11.5 km walk - 290 m elevation gain + (on request, the walk can be adjusted)

Basalt, the region's iconic rock, will guide your steps throughout your walk. Monac, Saint Pierre Eynac and Eynac are just some of the small hamlets that invite you to pause and contemplate. More superb views of the Mézenc, a few steps along the Compostela trail, and you're back in Saint Julien. You'll definitely have time to cool off at the village swimming pool!

Night and dinner at your accommodation in Saint Julien Chapteuil.
D5 Walk with a donkey from Saint Julien Chapteuil to Yssingeaux

14.7 km walk - 550 m elevation gain + (the walk can be adjusted on request)

Between two juices, take a detour through the forest to the sound of birdsong and enjoy the flora and fauna around you. A few water mills are hidden in this green setting, including the Guérin mill, the only one still in working order in the region! A detour to Queyrières may be useful if you are feeling tired, as your vehicle has been parked there for a few days! During this walk, a few open spaces will allow you to leave the woods behind and see the horizon again!

Night and dinner at your accommodation in Yssingeaux.
D6 Walk with a donkey from Yssingeaux to Queyrières

13 km walk - 450 m elevation gain + (the walk can be adjusted on request)

Today, your travel companion will take you to the foot of the Suc de Saussac. From this historically fortified site, you will enjoy unobstructed views of the Meygal massif and the neighbouring Alps. Through the deep landscape of the famous Velay granite plateau, you will follow a beautiful rural route between flower-filled pastures and small streams, typical hamlets and volcanic peaks. The forest paths give way to sublime balcony trails, allowing you to admire the beauty of this unspoilt landscape before a gentle descent to the charming village of Queyrières. Pick up your vehicle and return to Yssingeaux for your last night.

Night and dinner at your accommodation in Yssingeaux.
D7 Departure

Departure after breakfast with memories to last a lifetime.

Tariffs High season

From July to August, departure every 2 days

In family room

Adult : 680 €
Junior (12 - 17) : 615 €
Child (2 - 11) : 440 €
Baby (0 - 1) : 70 €

In double room

Adult : 770 €
Junior (12 - 17) : 770 €
Child (2 - 11) : 710 €
Baby (0 - 1) : 70 €

In single room

970 €

Solo traveller

1010 €

Tariffs low season

From May to June and September, departure everyday

In family room

Adult : 680 €
Junior (12 - 17) : 615 €
child (2 - 11) : 440 €
Baby (0 - 1) : 70 €

In double room

Adult : 770 €
Junior (12 - 17) : 770 €
Child (2 - 11) : 710 €
Baby (0 - 1) : 70 €

In single room

970 €

Solo traveller

1010 €

What's included?

6 nights in Half-board (dinner and breakfast included)
3 picnic lunches (Days 2, 3 and 6)
Nature campsite, 3-star hotel and inn
Safrantours application to guide you along the trails
Luggage transport
Logistic and technical support provided

En option

Donkey rental: 315 €

What's not included?

2 picnic lunches (Days 4 and 5)
Beverage and extra
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
Daily stages: between 9 and 14.7 kms, 3hrs à 5hrs walking
Total uphill from 170 m to 550 m per day
Altitudes from 800 to 1400 m

Organisation

The walks focus on discovery rather than physical exertion. Your luggage is transported from one accommodation to the next by us and you will be provided with a road book for the duration of your stay. We also provide logistical and technical assistance.
The accommodation has been chosen for its atmosphere, hospitality, architecture and surroundings.
N.B.: the accommodation described above is provided for information purposes only and is subject to change depending on availability at the time of final booking.

Access

By car

From Paris: Motorway towards Clermont Ferrand, then towards Le Puy en Velay and N102, N88, D15.

From Lyon: Motorway 7 towards Saint Chamond, then N88.

From Bordeaux: Motorway towards Clermont Ferrand, then towards Le Puy en Velay and N102, N88, D15.

From the south: A7 motorway to Loriol, then D86, D21, D15.

By plane

Clermont Ferrand Airport.

By train

Saint-Etienne-Châteaucreux station.