At the source of the Loire with a donkey
In the heart of the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Natural Park, embark on a hike with donkeys to discover exceptional volcanic landscapes: the source of the Loire River, Mont Gerbier de Jonc, Vestide du Pal, the Verrerie peat bog, and many other wonders. A nature trip certified by the "Regional Natural Park Values" label, for an unforgettable immersion in the heart of the Monts d'Ardèche!
Embark on a five-day family adventure with a donkey , a unique experience that combines simplicity, nature, and discovery . Far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, let yourself be guided by this gentle and endearing animal, the perfect companion for young and old alike. Its tranquil pace and soothing temperament will set the rhythm of your journey, making the hike accessible to everyone.
Before setting off, you'll receive a comprehensive introduction : how to prepare your donkey, put on the pack saddle, guide it calmly, and understand its behavior. An ideal immersion before exploring the Ardèche Mountains and the source of the Loire River.
Along the trails, explore a territory shaped by volcanism , marked by contrasting landscapes of table-top peaks, deep forests, peat bogs, and vast plateaus . The route will lead you to iconic sites such as Mont Gerbier de Jonc , the Vestide du Pal , the Suc de Bauzon , and the watershed between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
Children will be captivated by the diverse route: forest paths, river crossings, encounters with marmots , visits to a traditional farm and a sled dog kennel , and even swimming breaks under a stone bridge. The donkey, in addition to carrying luggage, will motivate the youngest participants to keep going while having fun.
Each evening, you will find the warm hospitality of mountain lodges and local inns , where you can enjoy Ardèche specialties and chat with locals passionate about their region.
With a leisurely pace of approximately 3 km per hour , this hike is an invitation to slow down , observe and fully immerse yourself in a preserved environment.
Hiking with a donkey in the Ardèche Mountains is much more than just a trip: it's a timeless interlude , a return to the essentials where every moment becomes an unforgettable memory.
The highlights of this hiking trip
- A grand journey to the source of the Loire, through volcanoes, forests and wild landscapes of the Ardèche
- A hike with a donkey after a fun introduction to learn how to guide and travel independently
- Iconic sites: Mont Gerbier de Jonc, Vestide du Pal, watershed
- A rich nature immersion: peat bogs, rare flora, marmot watching and river swimming
- A complete and exotic stay combining adventure, the discovery of volcanism and breathtaking panoramas.
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Destination
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Start time
Burzet (07450) -
Departure time
9:00 -
Arriving time
17:00 -
Equipment
Helmets are mandatory for children
Picture gallery
Day 1
From "Pré du Bois" to Rousset du Lac
Meet at 9:00 am at the Pré du Bois farm at an altitude of 1260 meters. Barricaude pass in the town of
Burzet (07450). The farm is not in the village of Burzet but on the plateau, closer to the village of Sagnes-
et-Goudoulet.
From 9am to 9:30am: Administrative check-in and route planning. 9:30am: Group donkey briefing.
Your first steps with the donkey will take place on a fun donkey-guiding trail adjacent to the farm where you
You will learn how to guide them through different obstacles and lead them.
Hike from Pré du Bois to Rousset du lac
The hike starts towards the Bauzon forest, a place of great natural richness where you will discover the peat bog.
of the Glassworks and its carnivorous plants, then the Vestide du Pal an ancient volcanic crater.
Beautiful forest trails lead you to your evening stop.
8 km - 3 hours of walking. Elevation gain: 160 m, Elevation loss: 150 m
Gîte d'étape (stopover accommodation) formula: small dormitory for 6 to 12 people or room for 2 to 5 people depending on the accommodation and
Availability. Shared sanitary facilities.
Please bring: A sleeping bag liner (blankets provided) or sleeping bag
A pillowcase
A single mattress sheet
"A small gesture for the planet":
To reduce water consumption and laundry in the gîtes (rural guesthouses), we (some accommodations and the MCR+ agency) prioritize minimizing changes of sheets and towels for our gîte d'étape (hiking guesthouse) stays. Therefore, we encourage hikers to bring their own sheets and towels and use them daily in different accommodations.
Comfort package: Bed and breakfast and hotel. Rooms for 2 to 4 people or family rooms for 5 people, subject to availability. Depending on the accommodation, bathrooms are located in the room.
Sheets and towels provided.
Each morning, at the start, you will be given a picnic lunch with mixed salad, cheese, bread and fruit.
(Don't forget your airtight container and cutlery, listed in the luggage checklist).
Day 2
From Rousset du Lac to Sainte-Eulalie:
From Rousset du LacThe route runs along the base of the Bauzon juice, an old volcano of the Strombolian type. The descent then leads to the village of Rieutord, where you will have your first encounter with the LoireAt this point, the river begins a turn towards the northwest in the direction of the Atlantic, while it is still close to the Mediterranean.
In Sainte-Eulalie , you will discover an old traditional farmhouse with a broom thatch roof, typical of the region. An adjoining ethnobotanical garden offers free access, ideal for learning more about the local flora.
12.5 km - 4h30 walk. D+: 320 m, D-: 330 m
Gîte d'étape (stopover accommodation) formula: small dormitory for 6 to 12 people or room for 2 to 5 people depending on the accommodation and
Availability. Shared sanitary facilities.
Please bring: A sleeping bag liner (blankets provided) or sleeping bag
A pillowcase
A single mattress sheet
"A small gesture for the planet":
To reduce water consumption and laundry in the gîtes (rural guesthouses), we (some accommodations and the MCR+ agency) prioritize minimizing changes of sheets and towels for our gîte d'étape (hiking guesthouse) stays. Therefore, we encourage hikers to bring their own sheets and towels and use them daily in different accommodations.
Comfort package: Bed and breakfast and hotel. Rooms for 2 to 4 people or family rooms for 5 people, subject to availability. Depending on the accommodation, bathrooms are located in the room.
Sheets and towels provided.
Each morning, at the start, you will be given a picnic lunch with mixed salad, cheese, bread and fruit.
(Don't forget your airtight container and cutlery, listed in the luggage checklist).
Day 3
From Sainte-Eulalie to Mont Gerbier de Jonc:
Starting from Sainte-Eulalie, a path runs alongside the Loire to its confluence with theAigu Nègre, its first tributary. The route then follows a small road which becomes a track, before reaching the broad ridges and the GR®7offering superb panoramic views of the Mont Mezenc.
This long-distance hiking trail leads you to Mont Gerbier de Jonc , an iconic site where the Loire River originates. On site, you can:
Climb Mont Gerbier de Jonc. Visit the Maison de site des sources de la Loire (Loire Sources Site House).
11 km - 4 hours of walking. M: 270 m, D-: 150 m
Gîte d'étape (stopover accommodation) formula: small dormitory for 6 to 12 people or room for 2 to 5 people depending on the accommodation and
Availability. Shared sanitary facilities.
Please bring: A sleeping bag liner (blankets provided) or sleeping bag
A pillowcase
A single mattress sheet
"A small gesture for the planet":
To reduce water consumption and laundry in the gîtes (rural guesthouses), we (some accommodations and the MCR+ agency) prioritize minimizing changes of sheets and towels for our gîte d'étape (hiking guesthouse) stays. Therefore, we encourage hikers to bring their own sheets and towels and use them daily in different accommodations.
Comfort package: Bed and breakfast and hotel. Rooms for 2 to 4 people or family rooms for 5 people, subject to availability. Depending on the accommodation, bathrooms are located in the room.
Sheets and towels provided.
Each morning, at the start, you will be given a picnic lunch with mixed salad, cheese, bread and fruit.
(Don't forget your airtight container and cutlery, listed in the luggage checklist).
Day 4
From Mont Gerbier de Jonc to Sagnes-et-Goudoulet:
From Mont Gerbier de Jonc, the route crosses the Lanau wood forestd, offering a pleasant immersion in nature. You then join Angakoq's pack, a sled dog breeding farm, with the possibility of visiting the kennel (reservation with the musher at 06 42 44 13 26).
The trail continues towards the summit of Les Coux , an ancient volcano with a flat, table-like shape. Along the way, with a little discretion, you might spot marmots in their natural habitat.
You arrive at your evening stop where you will have the opportunity to take the time for a swim under the Sagnes bridge.
9.5 km - 3h30, walking. M: 180m, D: 300m
Gîte d'étape (stopover accommodation) formula: small dormitory for 6 to 12 people or room for 2 to 5 people depending on the accommodation and
Availability. Shared sanitary facilities.
Please bring: A sleeping bag liner (blankets provided) or sleeping bag
A pillowcase
A single mattress sheet
"A small gesture for the planet":
To reduce water consumption and laundry in the gîtes (rural guesthouses), we (some accommodations and the MCR+ agency) prioritize minimizing changes of sheets and towels for our gîte d'étape (hiking guesthouse) stays. Therefore, we encourage hikers to bring their own sheets and towels and use them daily in different accommodations.
Comfort package: Bed and breakfast and hotel. Rooms for 2 to 4 people or family rooms for 5 people, subject to availability. Depending on the accommodation, bathrooms are located in the room.
Sheets and towels provided.
Each morning, at the start, you will be given a picnic lunch with mixed salad, cheese, bread and fruit.
(Don't forget your airtight container and cutlery, listed in the luggage checklist).
Day 5
From Sagnes-et-Goudoulet to the Pré du Bois farm:
For this final stage, you follow the watershed between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, a route taken by the GR®7The trail offers magnificent panoramic views of the eastern part of the Massif Centralalternating hilly terrain, volcanic peaks and the more enclosed landscapes of the Cévennes.
Along the way, you will discover the Pra Pouzol markers , which materialize this invisible border between the Mediterranean and Atlantic watersheds.
Arrival at the Pré du Bois farm, where your hike with the donkeys ends.
5.5 km - 2 hours, walking. M: 140m, D: 140m
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
Gîte d'étape (stopover accommodation) formula:
| Number of people | Adult price | Child price (under 11 years old) |
| 2 | 625 | 535 |
| 3 | 545 | 465 |
| 4 | 505 | 435 |
| 5 | 485 | 415 |
Comfort package (hotel or bed and breakfast):
| Number of people | Adult price | Child price (under 11 years old) |
| 2 | 705 | 600 |
| 3 | 625 | 530 |
| 4 | 585 | 500 |
| 5 | 565 | 480 |
These rates are for a minimum of 2 adults or 1 adult and 1 child aged 12 and over participating and staying in the same room. For families of more than 5 people, for people wanting separate rooms, a supplement will be indicated in the quote. For single-parent families with children under 12, a supplement will be indicated in the quote.
These rates are given for information purposes only. Depending on your requests, a customized quote will be established before booking. Do not hesitate to let us know any useful information for organizing your stay.
The donkey trek program is given for information purposes only, it may be modified depending on weather conditions, the level of the group and/or the availability of accommodation.
The price includes
- Full board accommodation from dinner on day 1 to picnic lunch on day 5
- 1 donkey and carrying equipment for 2 to 5 people
- The departure briefing: tips for leading a donkey, itinerary
- The hiking logbook in digital format
- A guidebook for taking a donkey on a hike.
The price does not include
- Transportation to and from the meeting point
- Picnic Day 1
- The hiking logbook in paper format and the IGN map
- Round-trip transfer to Aubenas
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Multi-risk insurance
Possible options:
- Additional night before or after the stay:
- - Half-board accommodation in a tipi bivouac at the Pré du Bois farm: €42 / adult and €34 / child under 11 years old
- Half-board in a gîte d'étape: €65 / adult and €52 / child under 11 years old
- Half board in a guest room / Hotel €94 / adult and €70 child under 11 years old - Round-trip transfer from Aubenas bus station: €75 per person based on 2 people
- 1 additional donkey: €295
- Paper hiking logbook: Handover of the paper hiking logbook and all its elements (IGN map, guidebook, Ardèche Mountain booklet, ...) €30.