Family trekking with donkeys (Baronnies of Provence)

Description

I propose a guided family trekking in the company of donkeys in the Baronnies of Provence.

Here, on the borders of the south of the Drôme and the Ventoux country, nature celebrates the meeting between the mountains and the climate of Provence. Away from the main roads, this somewhat forgotten territory is protected by a mid-mountain relief full of character. You will experience a beautiful disconnection and get in touch with nature by walking at the rhythm of the donkeys. Every evening you will set up camp in the nature for beautiful evenings under the stars.

This family circuit does not have any particular difficulty but nevertheless requires a good physical shape. It is accessible to children from 7 years old.

You only carry your belongings for the day in a small backpack. The rest is carried by the  donkeys. We ask you to limit the weight to be carried by the donkeys to 6kg per person. Tents are not provided, please bring a light one. A mess tent or a large tarpaulin is provided in case of bad weather.

The + of this trek:

• an itinerary off the beaten track with wild bivouacs,
• a mix of mountain atmosphere and softness of Provence,
• a festival of good local products.

On the same principle, you can follow me on a family itinerant hike with donkeys in the Vercors, this family trekking with donkeys, still in the Vercors massif and a trek with donkeys on the paths of the Routo in Ubaye or in the Southern Alps. It's also possible for adults to go hiking with donkeys in the Baronnies. Last but not least, I'd be delighted to take you on a hike with donkeys and celebrate the transhumance in the southern Vercors at the end of spring.

Photo credits: Bamboul'âne - Maïté Baldi.

Program

D1: Arrival in Éourres (1000m).
You arrive in Éourres via the spectacular Méouge gorges, where crystal-clear water flows into numerous basins, ideal for swimming. Welcome at 3pm at the Bamboul'âne farm campsite.
Discovery of this extraordinary place, a tiny campsite clinging to the mountain, on the edge of the village of Éourres, in a haven of calm and greenery in the heart of the Parc des Baronnies Provençales. You will experience disconnection and sobriety thanks to simple facilities: no electricity (but an exceptional night sky), spring-fed water, solar showers and dry toilets. At the end of the day, we meet the donkeys and get our first briefing, as we'll be leaving early the next day.
Overnight in tents at the farm campsite.

D2: Éourres (1000m) - Col de Branche (1465m).
We load the donkeys (one for every 3 people) and set off early for a first day of gentle walking over the Col Saint-Pierre. An easy walk on a wide path to take the donkeys in hand and get used to their rhythm. A picnic break in the shade will do us a world of good. After a stop at the spring to refresh and refill for the evening, we climb up to the Col de Branche, which offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. Once we've arrived at our bivouac site, and after looking after the donkeys, we set up camp together, share a good meal and then enjoy a lovely evening under the stars. It's an opportunity to share a story, a song or a piece of music.
4-hour walk, positive altitude difference: 500 meters, night in tents.

D3: Col de Branche - Vieux Bus (1280m).
Today, we enjoy the atmosphere of the mountain pastures as we hike along the welcoming ridge of Chanteduc mountain. The easy, little-frequented summit is a typical grazing area where Provence and mountain ambiences mingle. Beautiful panoramas await us: the Palle mountain, the Écrins massif, the Cévennes, and the majestic Mont Ventoux!
We then change slope and enjoy the shade of the forest before reaching our bivouac, located in a beautiful clearing where a spring flows.
4 hours and a half' walk, D+: 400m, D-: 570m, night in tents.

D4: Vieux bus - Rougnouse (1200m).
Today's route follows a shady path through woods and green clearings. This day's walk is shorter than previous ones, giving us more time to play games, observe animals and learn about botany, ornithology and insects. And don't forget that group life takes up a lot of time: breakfast, brushing the donkeys, tidying up the tents, organizing the saddlebags, washing up, cleaning the camp and leaving it tidy, and so on.
Tonight, it's pizza night! The whole tribe will be pitching in for this festive meal under the shooting stars!
3 hours and a half' walk, D+: 250m, D-: 400m, night in tents

D5: Rougnouse - Éourres.
A final climb over the ridges gives us a glimpse of the Provençal Baronnies before heading into the forest and then gently down to the village of Éourres. Perched at an altitude of 1000 metres, Éourres is in constant transformation. Men and women from all around the world are trying to get involved. They are experimenting with new individual and collective lifestyles as an alternative to the consumer society. They are also committed to humanist values and respect for nature.
Separation at 5pm at the Bamboul'âne campsite.
4 hours and a half' walk, D+: 370m, D-: 560m.

The price includes

• Supervision by the mountain leader specialized in traveling with donkeys.
• The material of common bivouac (mess tent, dishes, etc.).
• Meals (from dinner on D1 to lunch on D5).
• The donkeys for the carrying of the luggage.
• Adult rate: 585€.
  Children from 7 to 12 years old: 515€.

The price does not include

• Return transport to Éourres, 25km from Laragne-Montéglin and 35km from Sisteron.
• Individual camping equipment (tent, ground sheet, sleeping bag).
• Drinks.
• Personal expenses.
• Cancellation and repatriation insurance.
• Visits and activities not included in the program.
• It is customary (but not mandatory), depending on your satisfaction at the end of the stay, to give a tip to your guide.
• Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".

It is customary (but not mandatoty), depending on your satisfaction at the end of your stay, to tip your guide.

Accommodation

In tent.

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