Guided hike with a donkey to discover the volcanoes of Ardèche
Embark on a multi-day hike with a donkey in the heart of the volcanoes of the Ardèche Mountains, on the high plateaus of the Massif Central.
For five days, you'll explore a stunning landscape shaped by volcanism: ancient volcanic peaks, vast high-altitude pastures, deep forests, and wild rivers. The route partly follows the GR7 long-distance hiking trail and the watershed between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
As you walk, you will discover iconic sites such as Mont Gerbier de Jonc , the sources of the Loire, and the volcanic landscapes classified as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Accompanied by a mountain guide and donkeys carrying the luggage, the hike takes place in a friendly and accessible atmosphere. The days alternate between walking, nature discoveries, and moments of relaxation. An overnight bivouac in a tipi or tent completes the adventure for an even deeper immersion in the Ardèche countryside.
A perfect stay to discover the Ardèche mountains in a different way, at the peaceful pace of the donkey.
The highlights of the stay
- Hiking in the heart of the volcanoes of the Ardèche Mountains, a territory classified as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
- Accompanied by pack donkeys.
- Easy ascent of Mont Gerbier de Jonc and the volcanic peaks.
- A night bivouacking in the heart of nature, in a tipi or tent.
- Discover the wildlife and landscapes of the Massif Central with a mountain guide.
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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
First steps with donkeys and a hike to Sagnes-et-Goudoulet
Welcome in the morning at the Pré du Bois farm. The morning is devoted to meeting the donkeys and learning the basics: animal care, setting up the pack saddle and organizing the carrying.
After a picnic at the farm, the hike begins on the ridges of the Ardèche Mountains. An initial landscape reading allows one to understand the volcanic history of the territory before descending gently towards the village of Sagnes-et-Goudoulet.
Accommodation in a gîte d'étape (small dormitories for 6 people)
Distance 6,5 km, 2h30 walking time. Elevation gain: 165 m, Elevation loss: 155 m
Day 2
Volcanic plateaus at Mont Gerbier de Jonc
You take a small path that crosses the pastures before reaching the Coux plateau . At the foot of the mountain, the donkeys take a break while you set off to explore the summit.
The ascent passes by the mysterious Devil's Table , a place shrouded in legend. From the summit of Les Coux, an ancient volcano with a flat, table-like shape, the panorama opens up across the landscapes of the Ardèche Mountains. Facing you rises the famous Mont Gerbier de Jonc, an iconic symbol of the Ardèche mountains.
The hike then continues by crossing several small streams that feed the sources of the Loire, before reaching your accommodation located at the foot of Mont Gerbier de Jonc.
Accommodation in a gîte d'étape (dormitory for 10 people).
Activities during the day: Marmot watching, discovering volcanism, landscape reading.
Distance 11 km. 4h30 hike. Elevation gain: 380m, Elevation loss: 260m
Day 3
The sources of the Loire and bivouacking in the forest
In the morning, you leave the donkeys at the Bachasson farm and set off on foot to climb Mont Gerbier de Jonc . This iconic summit offers the opportunity to discover the sources of the Loire River as well as the artworks of the Partage des Eaux art trail , installed on the ridges between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
After the picnic, you meet up with the donkeys and continue the hike on the GR7 to the Chanchemine clearing , where your bivouac site is located.
The group helps set up the camp and the donkey enclosure. The afternoon is spent peacefully in nature: observing insects and exploring the forest and wetland environments around the small ponds on the site.
Tipi/tent accommodation (one tipi for 4-6 people or per family depending on availability): Participation of the group for the installation of the camp and the park for the donkeys.
Activities during the day: discovering the sources of the Loire, setting up camp and tipis, essential bivouac tasks (gathering wood, water, etc.). In the evening, we offer a short night walk listening to the sounds of the forest and/or stargazing.
Distance 7 km. 3 hours of hiking. Elevation gain: 300 m, Elevation loss: 280 m.
Day 4
The volcanoes of the plateau and the Loire Valley
You follow a path that crosses a beautiful coniferous forest before reaching the summit of the Suc de la Lauzière , in the heart of the area of the five sucs , a group of ancient volcanoes classified as Sensitive Natural Areas in Ardèche.
At the summit, you'll discover phonolite , an amazing volcanic rock that produces a clear sound when struck. This is your chance to try out a fun "lauziophone," an instrument improvised with stones from the volcano.
The hike then descends towards the Villevieille farm , before reaching the first confluence of the Loire. A pleasant path then follows the river to the village of Sainte-Eulalie . Guiding the donkeys requires some attention on this tree-lined section.
Throughout the walk, you'll discover the richness of the aquatic environment: otters, frogs, dragonflies, dippers, and trout can sometimes be spotted. In Sainte-Eulalie, you'll visit an old farmhouse with a traditional broom roof, as well as the village's ethnobotanical garden.
Accommodation in a gîte. Subject to availability, rooms for 2 to 4 people or a small dormitory for 5 people, or for the more adventurous, a 2nd night bivouacking on the banks of the Loire.
Activities during the day: Swimming possible. Exploration of the river's aquatic environment. Insect observation. Camp dismantling. Volcanism. Landscape interpretation. Making a "lauziophone".
Distance 15 km. 5h30 hiking. Elevation gain: 335 m, Elevation loss: 455 m.
Day 5
Back to the Ardèche plateaus
You cross the Loire before climbing towards Mont Mézy , a vast volcanic plateau located in the heart of the Ardèche Mountains. Amidst the high-altitude pastures, the panorama opens up widely onto the Ardèche mountains.
Along the way, your guide will tell you about the history of these high plateaus: the story of the farmers who came to settle there and the old muleteers who once ensured trade across these mountains.
You then cross a small tributary of the Loire, the Padelle , before reaching the Pré du Bois farm , the end point of your hike.
The stay is scheduled to end around 14 p.m., after the shared picnic at the farm.
Why hike 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!
This hike is guided:
This hike is guided by a state-certified mountain guide. The mountain guide leads groups of all levels in the mid-mountain region, both on and off-trail, adhering to all safety regulations. They also introduce participants to the flora and fauna of the natural environments, as well as the heritage and history of the local inhabitants, landscapes, and mountains traversed. The guide is the group's primary contact and will be available to assist them.
listening to your expectations or minor concerns inherent to hiking.
Group:
From 5 participants. Grouping of individuals into groups, maximum 12 people.
Prioritize the conviviality of your group by forming a group of at least 4 people and choose your departure date outside of the scheduled program. Supplement €50 per person
Suitable from 7-8 years old depending on physical condition.
Carrying equipment and your luggage:
Luggage is transported by donkeys. We plan for one donkey for 4 to 5 people with a maximum load of 8 kg per person.
Each donkey is equipped with a pack saddle consisting of two large bags with a total capacity of 120 to 130 liters (the equivalent of two backpacks). However, bring some plastic bags or waterproof soft bags to protect your belongings from moisture. You can also add one or two additional bags to the pack saddle (a sturdy travel bag, hiking bag, or tube bag). Keep in mind that it's always better to have four, five, or six small containers rather than two large, impractical bags for the large pockets.
Furthermore, it is possible to place bulky items such as clothes, sleeping bags, etc., above these two pockets.
To do this, plan to bring thin straps or bungee cords. The weight the donkey can carry will therefore be 35 to 40 kg.
NB: excess weight will be carried by the participants or can always, in any case, remain at the starting accommodation.
Even though 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?
No dogs allowed on this hike
Various problems during the hike?
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.
€ 685 per adult
€580 per child between 7 and 10 years old
Dates for this stay:
13 in April 17 2026
20 in April 24 2026
06 at 10 July 2026
13 at 17 July 2026
20 at 24 July 2026
27 at 31 July 2026
August 03 to August 07, 2026
August 10 to August 14, 2026
August 17 to August 21, 2026
August 24 to August 28, 2026
October 19 to October 23, 2026
The price includes
- Full board accommodation from picnic lunch on day 1 to picnic lunch on day 5 (Wine and coffee included with meals)
- Supervision by a state-certified mountain guide
- Donkeys and pack equipment
- The visits scheduled in the program
- Tipis/tents and bivouac equipment (including self-inflating mattresses)
The price does not include
- Transportation to and from the meeting point
- Round-trip transfer to/from Aubenas bus station
- Equipment for camping: sleeping bag and sleeping mat. Rental available on site.
- Drinks outside of meals and personal expenses
- multi-risk insurance
The options :
- Additional night before or after the stay:
- Half-board at the Pré du Bois bivouac (Night in a tipi/tent): €42/adult, €34/child under 11. Mattress provided. Bring your own sleeping bag.
- Half-board in a gîte d'étape: €65 / adult, €52 / child under 11 years old
- Half board in a guest room / Hotel €94 / adult, €70 child under 11 years old
- Round-trip transfer from Aubenas bus station: €75 per person (based on 2 people)
- Cancellation insurance €38/person
- Sleeping bag rental for overnight bivouac: €10/person