Scenic route through the Ardèche gorges with a donkey
The Ardèche Gorges, a true natural gem of southern France, offer breathtaking scenery between vertiginous cliffs and crystal-clear rivers. This protected nature reserve is a paradise for hiking and exploration enthusiasts. Embark on an adventure in the heart of this unique setting, ideal for a getaway with a donkey!
Treat yourself to a unique five-day getaway, blending nature, authenticity, and visits to iconic Ardèche sites such as the Aven d'Orgnac and, above all, the Chauvet Cave , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This trek with a donkey promises special moments for the whole family, far from screens and daily stress. The donkey, a gentle and patient companion, becomes the guiding thread for a complete disconnection and a return to what truly matters.
Before setting off, a comprehensive training course is offered by a professional donkey trekker. You will learn how to care for your companion: brushing it, cleaning its hooves, fitting the pack saddle, and guiding it safely. A perfect introduction to confidently explore the magnificent landscapes of the Ardèche gorges.
During these five days, explore the Ardèche landscapes by following the GR4 long-distance hiking trail: the Ardèche Gorges are a true natural masterpiece, blending vertiginous cliffs, crystal-clear rivers, and wild forests. This spectacular canyon reveals breathtaking panoramas at every turn, such as the majestic Pont d'Arc, an emblem of the region. Between unspoiled nature and impressive terrain, it's a paradise for hiking enthusiasts and those seeking escape.
The donkey proves to be a valuable ally: carrying luggage and young children, it quickly becomes the star of the adventure, motivating young and old to walk at a leisurely pace of 3 km/h. An ideal speed for contemplating the landscape, taking a break in the shade of a tree, or chatting with the locals.
Each day ends with a warm evening in accommodations where the friendly welcome and hearty meals made with local Ardèche products create unforgettable memories.
This family hike is much more than just a stay: it's an immersion in a soothing way of life, a journey at the pace of slow tourism, where time seems suspended, to fully live each moment.
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Destination
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Start time
Vallon-Pont-d'Arc (07150) -
Departure time
9:00 -
Arriving time
17:00 -
Equipment
Helmets are mandatory for children
Picture gallery
Day 1
Vallon-Pont-d'Arc
You arrive the day before at 16 p.m. for your "donkey trek preparation" training: you will learn how to equip, drive, and take care of your donkey.
Accommodation in a bed and breakfast (meals not included that evening, but you can eat in Vallon Pont d'Arc)
Day 2
From Vallon Pont d'Arc to La Goule
A first, easy, and accessible stage to ease you into the journey. You'll hike through the magnificent woods of Labastide-de-Virac, on well-maintained trails shaded by beautiful holm oaks. You'll arrive at your overnight stop, where Isabelle will welcome you with a warm and inviting atmosphere. There you'll find unique tents, delicious breakfasts, picnics (with a food truck in the evenings), and a shop stocked with local delicacies, including a selection of the best Ardèche wines. And for ultimate relaxation, take a dip in the swimming pool.
You will have time to visit the Château des Roure, as well as the pretty village of Labastide-de-Virac, just a 30-minute walk away.
Unusual accommodations at a campsite
9 km - 3 hours of walking via the GR4
Day 3
The Tour du Saleyron from La Goule
Discover the Tour du Saleyron, an unmissable hike offering exceptional panoramic views of the Ardèche gorges. From the heights, admire the famous Pont d'Arc, an emblem of the region, and enjoy a sublime view of the canyon.
The return journey also holds some lovely surprises, with breathtaking views of the village of Labastide-de-Virac and its castle. A perfect walk to combine immersion in nature with the discovery of local heritage.
Unusual accommodations at a campsite
12 km - 4 hours of walking
Day 4
From La Goule to Orgnac
Follow the GR4 for a bucolic walk, with little elevation gain: a peaceful hike in the heart of nature.
Halfway through, stop at the Aven de la Forestière, a sparkling cavern perfect for delighting visitors of all ages, with games for children. Just a short walk away is the famous Aven d'Orgnac and its fascinating prehistory museum. We suggest adding an extra day to this trip, the day after this one, to take the time to visit this iconic Ardèche site, a designated "Grand Site de France": learn more
For accommodation, opt for the bed and breakfast at Françou and Loulou's (swimming pool and jacuzzi 1,5 km away) or the Hotel, renowned for its gourmet restaurant run for four generations, 2 km from the village.
OPTION + 1 DAY for the visit to the Orgnac cave:
Therefore, after this stage from La Goule to Orgnac, an extra day can be added to this program to take the time to visit the Aven d'Orgnac and its magnificent prehistory museum.
Loop around Orgnac: The Maubois Loop:
Discover a condensed version of Ardèche's heritage with this 5km loop around Orgnac. The Maubois trail immerses you in local history, with a cave, a limestone pavement, a dolmen and a charcoal kiln, all witnesses to the region's past.
At the start of your walk, don't miss the Orgnac cave and the regional prehistory museum, essential stops for a better understanding of the landscapes and the thousand-year-old heritage of the Ardèche. During your visit, your donkeys can be accommodated in an enclosure dedicated to the cave.
Plan your visit to the Orgnac cave
Unusual accommodations at a campsite
12 km - 4 hours of walking
Day 5
From Orgnac to Mas de Serret
Take the GR4 trail again for a charming hike that leads you to the Ardèche River, accessible in just 30 minutes on foot. Along the way, discover the Grande Lauze, an immense limestone slab once used to collect water, now offering a spectacular view of the horizon.
You'll end your hike at a beautiful yurt campsite nestled under holm oaks: a perfect spot for a nature immersion. Just a short walk away, treat yourself to a relaxing late afternoon by the river, deep in the Ardèche gorges, in a truly sublime setting.
Don't miss Laurent's famous pizzas and delicious local specialties to end the day in style.
Accommodation in a bed and breakfast or hotel
7 km - 2.5 hours of walking and access to the river + 30 minutes
Day 6
From Mas de Serret to Vallon-Pont-d'Arc
Reach Vallon-Pont-d'Arc via a charming route, following a pretty path that passes by the old Roman bridge of Rieussec or by taking the GR4.
This stage is ideal for a pleasant hike, with mostly flat or downhill terrain, perfect for enjoying the surrounding landscapes in complete tranquility. A beautiful way to conclude your adventure in the heart of the Ardèche, with arrival in the iconic village of Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, gateway to the famous gorges.
Unusual accommodations at a campsite
13,5 km - 4h30 walk
Day 7
Mas de Serret
Departure on the same day, BUT we suggest you don't leave without visiting the Chauvet Cave. It's a true prehistoric gem, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It houses the oldest known cave paintings, dating back more than 36,000 years. This archaeological treasure offers a fascinating glimpse into the art and lives of early humans. You'll visit the replica of the Pont d'Arc Cave, with its exceptional frescoes that celebrate wildlife, landscapes, and human creativity.
For us, it's truly an unmissable visit to delve into the heart of human history!
We can include cave entrance tickets in your stay.
Unusual accommodations at a campsite
What's it like hiking with a donkey?
First and foremost: the pleasure. Before being a pack animal, a donkey is a companion for travel and hiking. A word of advice to those who might want to hire a donkey simply because they're fed up with carrying their pack: choose another way to transport your gear. Throughout your journey, it will particularly appreciate cuddles and displays of affection and will reciprocate. You'll quickly realize that a bond forms between you and your donkey. As for children, they're instantly captivated. What's more, with its playful and theatrical nature, the donkey will entertain you with its comedic talents. It loosens tongues and opens doors for you. In short, it brings a soul to your hike.
Secondly: the pace. There's a lot of nonsense circulating about this. Let's remember, a donkey moves at a steady pace of between 2.5 and 4 km/h. If you're looking to achieve athletic feats and break speed records, don't go hiking with a donkey! The appeal of hiking with a donkey lies precisely in this pace: it's slow and steady. It allows you to appreciate the hike, the scenery, the wildlife, the flora... It's a chance to relax and take your time. And above all, it's an ideal pace for children!
Carrying equipment and your luggage:
Each donkey is equipped with a pack saddle consisting of two large saddlebags with a total capacity of 120 to 130 liters (the equivalent of two backpacks). Furthermore, bulky items such as clothing and sleeping bags can be placed on top of these two saddlebags.
To do this, plan to bring thin straps or bungee cords. The donkey's carrying capacity will be 30 to 35 kg. Any excess weight will have to be carried by you.
To best fill large panniers, we highly recommend using large plastic bags (such as bin bags) or small, flexible canvas bags. Keep in mind that it's always better to have four, five, or six small containers rather than two large, impractical bags for large panniers. Any excess baggage can always be left at your departure accommodation.
Even if the donkey is there to carry your luggage, you should still bring one or two small backpacks to hold your water bottle, purse and any fragile items, such as a camera.
How many donkeys?
Given the maximum weight a donkey can carry (30 to 35 kilos maximum per donkey depending on the size of the donkey, including the weight of luggage and children), we advise taking one donkey for a maximum of 3 to 4 people; this rule varies depending on the age of the children and their ability to walk the whole hike or not: we therefore advise you to carefully assess the weight that the donkey will have to carry during the hike and possibly take an additional donkey as an option if necessary.
The donkeys The donkeys can carry young children (under your full responsibility, as donkey trekking is a transport activity and not horseback riding) over short distances several times a day when they are tired or when it is necessary to move faster. If you wish to do this trek with very young children under 3 years old, it is perfectly possible, but they must be carried by an adult (using a baby carrier or hiking sling).
Can we bring our dog?
Some accommodations do not accept dogs, so it is essential to inform us if you wish to travel with a dog so that we can suggest a suitable itinerary. Your dog must be well-behaved and accept other animals such as donkeys, cats, dogs, rabbits, and pigs that it will encounter at the various accommodations where you will be staying. Your dog must be kept on a leash upon arrival at the accommodations, and if the owner requests it, you must allow it to remain on the leash.
Is your dog sufficiently trained for hiking? (consult your veterinarian for advice).
Various problems during the hike?
In case of any problem with your donkey during the hike: health problem, hoof or lameness not detected at the start of the hike, the donkey will be replaced very quickly.
If you decide to stop the hike on your own without a valid reason, you can be repatriated on the basis of €1,80 per km.
In the month before your departure, you will receive:
• The list of accommodations.
• The hiking logbook and all useful information (variations, distances, walking time...).
• If you require IGN maps 2837OT (Lac d'Issarlès) and 2836OT (Gerbier de Jonc), you must order them directly online (e.g., from the IGN website). They can also be purchased locally upon your departure.
Paper hiking logbook option: Delivery on site of the paper hiking logbook and all its elements (IGN map, guidebook, Ardèche Mountain booklet, ...) €30.
• The route in .gpx format for GPS (sent on simple request via the internet).
It seems obvious to us that a minimum knowledge of reading IGN maps is important.
Here are some links to help you:
http://education.ign.fr/dossiers/lire-une-carte-et-sorienter
https://www.altituderando.NotAllowedScriptcom/Comment-lire-une-carte-IGN-de-randonnee
€710 excluding July and August and €740 in July and August per adult in a double room with full board.
€390 per child under 10 years old in full board.
€70 per child under 2.
€340 per donkey rented (one donkey for 3 to 4 people).
These prices are for a minimum of 2 participating adults staying in the same room.
For families of more than 5 people, and for those wishing to have separate rooms, a supplement will be indicated in the quote.
For people travelling alone or for single-parent families with children under 12 years old, a supplement will be indicated in the quote.
In all cases, these prices are given as an indication only; depending on your requests, a quote will be drawn up before booking.
These prices include:
A single donkey, its hiking equipment (pack and saddlebags) and its food.
The complete organization of your hike.
Accommodation with breakfast from day 1 to day 7
Picnics from day 3 to day 6 and evening meals from day 2 to day 6
The departure briefing: advice on leading a donkey, itinerary.
The routes on the IGN map for each day of hiking, as well as a detailed route map.
GPX tracks for each day of hiking can be downloaded before your arrival.
These prices do not include:
Drinks and personal expenses.
Transportation to the starting point of the hike and back.
The repatriation of the donkey and hikers to the starting point in the event of abandonment on your part.
Multi-risk insurance (4,05% to 4,84% of the total cost of your stay)