Between castles and the Sologne forest with a donkey
Just a few kilometers from the most beautiful castles of the Loire Valley, embark on a timeless adventure, a 5-day hike with a donkey where nature, exceptional heritage and local produce meet.
Embark on a five-day escape to the heart of the Sologne region and the Loire Valley châteaux , an adventure for families or couples focused on nature, heritage, and shared experiences. Guided by a gentle and endearing donkey, you'll discover unspoiled forest landscapes, country lanes, and exceptional estates, far from the stresses of everyday life.
A peaceful departure
Before hitting the road, a full training You will be given instructions on how to care for your donkey: brushing, grooming, fitting the pack saddle, and tips for guiding it properly. This essential introduction will allow you to set off with confidence and fully enjoy this trek in the Sologne region.
A donkey to set the rhythm of your journey
Your donkey will be more than just a pack animal; it will be a true companion on your journey. Its calming presence will inspire even the youngest children to walk, transforming each step into a playful and immersive exploration. With it by your side, time slows down, offering the perfect opportunity to savor every moment and admire the local flora and fauna. You might even be lucky enough to spot deer, the discreet inhabitants of the Sologne woods.
Between nature and legendary castles
Day after day, let yourself be captivated by the rich heritage of the Loire Valley. Along your route, the Château de Cheverny, one of the region's most iconic castles, welcomes you with its magnificent gardens and activities designed for children. A little further on, the Château de Villesavin offers a fun-filled visit, where a captivating treasure hunt will immerse the whole family in a thrilling investigation.
Authentic and welcoming stopovers
Each evening, after a day of hiking at the leisurely pace of your donkey, you'll be welcomed into a warm and inviting homestay. Delicious meals, prepared with local produce, will introduce you to regional specialties and the authentic charm of the Sologne region. It's the perfect opportunity to share stories from your day and savor the region's friendly atmosphere.
A slow tourism trip to the heart of the Loire Valley
At a leisurely pace of 3 km per hour, this getaway is an invitation to slow down. Settle down under a large oak tree for a picnic, watch the sun reflecting off a pond, listen to the sounds of the forest, or simply enjoy the joy of children walking alongside their donkey.
Hiking with a donkey in Sologne and the Loire castles is much more than just a stay; it's an immersion in an exceptional natural setting, a human and sensory adventure, where every moment becomes a precious memory.
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Destination
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Start time
Cons -
Departure time
9:00 -
Arriving time
17:00 -
Equipment
Helmets are mandatory for children
Picture gallery
Day 1
Fancy a break from the noise and stress? Head out for a hike in the heart of the forest, at the leisurely pace of your donkey. Here, there are no cars, just birdsong, the rustling of leaves, and perhaps, with a bit of luck, the fleeting shadow of a stag, a doe, or a wild boar.
The children move forward without complaint, captivated by their long-eared companion and by the thousand treasures that the forest has to offer. Gathering branches to build a hut, making a wooden sword, arranging a pretty bouquet… Every break is a new adventure!
At picnic time, we take our time. A simple and precious moment where we savor nature, where we share, where we enjoy… quite simply.
Bed and breakfast accommodation
15 km - 4 hours of walking
Day 2
Follow a route beloved by locals, nicknamed "On the Charlemagne Trail," and let yourself be charmed by the diverse landscapes. Between sun-drenched vineyards, peaceful meadows, and quaint little hamlets, this hike with a donkey is an invitation to discovery.
Along the way, take the time to admire the private castles and beautiful residences that dot the route. A true journey through history and terroir, in the heart of a renowned vineyard.
Bed and breakfast accommodation
15 km - 4 hours of walking
Day 3
Let your long-eared companion guide you to the Château de Cheverny, one of the most iconic castles in the Loire Valley. A visit that will delight young and old alike with its many activities!
For children: immerse yourselves in the world of Tintin at the dedicated museum, have fun in the maze, or embark on a treasure hunt for the Chancellor's Treasure. The Lego activities will also captivate younger visitors.
For the whole family: stroll through the superb gardens, embark on a peaceful boat trip on the water, and enjoy the enchanting setting of this castle steeped in history.
Complimentary tasting: Before leaving, make a detour to the Maison des Vins (Wine House), located just opposite the château. The winemakers of the Cheverny AOC offer you a tasting of three wines to fully appreciate the richness of the terroir.
A perfect day, combining a walk in nature, heritage and convivial moments with family.
Bed and breakfast accommodation
15 or 12 km - 4 hours of walking
Day 4
Embark on a bucolic hike in the Sologne region, through woods, moors, heaths, and ponds, following small country lanes. At the gentle pace of your donkey, enjoy the tranquility of the forest and this immersion in nature.
The Château de Villesavin, a castle on a human scale
After tethering and watering your faithful companion, set off to explore this 16th-century castle, a favorite with families. Children will love the "In Search of the Castle Ghost" treasure hunt, a fun and original way to discover the history of the place.
A magical moment for the little ones
Before leaving, be sure to visit the animals at the mini-farm, a joyful break that will delight the youngest visitors!
Picnic break at the castle
Settle down in the large park for an open-air lunch. A moment of relaxation before hitting the road again… and when your donkey starts braying, it's time to go home!
Bed and breakfast accommodation
15 km - 4 hours of walking
Day 5
Here, there are no roads, no noise… and hardly anyone in sight! Just you, your donkey, and the surrounding forest. As you walk along peaceful little paths, keep your eyes peeled: you might spot an elegant doe or a majestic stag around a bend in the trail.
Take the time to fully enjoy this unspoiled nature, the gentle rhythm of your long-eared companion, and these simple yet precious moments with your family. Between laughter, discoveries, and little adventures, this hike promises unforgettable memories.
We can't wait to hear your best stories when you get back!
15 km - 4 hours of walking
Preparing luggage
Don't overload yourself: the donkey carries a maximum of 30 to 35 kilos depending on the donkey's size (which corresponds to 10% of their weight: donkeys are not overloaded!) including the weight of luggage and children: only take essentials! Two saddlebags in which you must distribute your luggage evenly (a scale for weighing luggage will be provided for the duration of the hike) will be given to you the day before or the morning of the hike.
What you need:
- Your clothes (don't forget practical, lightweight rain gear and caps).
- A good pair of hiking shoes and possibly a second pair to rest your feet in the evening BUT LIGHT (sandal type).
- Shower gel and shampoo not provided in guest rooms.
- One water bottle per person of at least 1,5 liters which will be filled every morning before your departure.
- A small emergency pharmacy (antiseptic, bandages, aspirin, mosquito and tick repellent, tick remover, sunscreen).
- A mountain bike helmet for children riding the donkey (MANDATORY, not provided).
- One or more small backpacks that allow you to unload the donkey when the children are tired or to carry the excess that the donkey cannot carry.
- Garbage bags for storing your clothes: garbage bags are very lightweight, waterproof, strong, and compact: much better than a backpack or gym bag. Suitcases should be avoided at all costs.
- A water spray bottle (usually used for plants), very useful for cooling you down during hot weather.
What you don't need:
- You don't need towels, sheets or sleeping bags.
- You do not need any picnic equipment, everything will be provided with the picnic on the first day.
- Games for children (there is everything you need in the accommodation).
- Extra food (including for the donkey), meals, breakfasts and picnics are very hearty, don't worry.
Hike preparation
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 You can carry young children (under your supervision) for short distances several times a day when they are tired or when it is necessary to move faster. If you wish to do this hike with very young children under 3 years old, it is perfectly possible, but they must be carried by an adult (baby carrier, hiking baby carrier).
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 per km (with a maximum of €50).
In the month before your departure, you will receive:
• The list of accommodations.
• The hiking logbook and all useful information (variations, distances, walking time...).
• Hiking maps in PDF format (but no need to print them, they will be provided to you in A4 format laminated upon your arrival).
• 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
€ 490 per adult
320 € per child under 12 years old
€350 per donkey rented (one donkey for 3 to 4 people)
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 picnic day 1 to picnic day 5
The departure briefing: tips for leading a donkey, itinerary
Your travel journal 3 weeks before your arrival
The price does not include
Transportation to and from the meeting point
IGN maps and road maps in paper format
Drinks and personal expenses
Multi-risk insurance
Possible options:
Additional night before or after your stay in a bed and breakfast or unusual accommodation