Multi-activity stay for families in the Vercors

Description

At the southern end of the Vercors plateau, in the Diois, the whole family will gather for relaxing moments in the heart of nature. This trip will make you discover some exceptional natural sites: the sumptuous Archiane cirque, the romantic Combeau valley, the natural reserve of the highlands and the spectacular Mont Aiguille, emblematic citadel of the Vercors.

Parents will appreciate the scenery and serenity of a valley away from the hustle and offering some delicious local products: Clairette de Die, Dauphiné ravioles, goat cheese ...

Children will find a thousand reasons to discover the environment in a fun way: tree climbing, water hiking, animal watching, discovery of caves, treasure hunting...

And all will love the immersion of the last two days in the immensity of the highlands with our donkeys, these companions with big ears: Prince, Mabrouk, Baptiste, Zoe, Canelle...

This trip does not present any technical difficulties, and it is possible to adapt the level of the hikes and the activities according to the age of the children and the motivations of the parents.

This multi-activity family holiday in the Vercors also exists in a winter version.

If you would like to continue your discovery of this beautiful region, I also offer:

• a hiking and yoga stay between Provence and Vercors,
• a weekend of hiking and discovering the Die region,
• a hiking and yoga stay in the Vercors,
• and 6 days of hiking and well-being in the southern Vercors.

Program

Day 1: Treetop adventure in Die.
Welcome at 2pm at Die station.
A fun treetop adventure in the Parc du Martouret, followed by a transfer to the hamlet of Archiane, a timeless village set in an exceptional natural cirque. Over the past few years, griffon vultures have taken up residence here, thanks to the perfect aerological and nesting conditions. This reintroduction has been a great success, with 4 different species now inhabiting the cirque's cliffs, including the bone-crushing lammergeier. We have many opportunities to observe them. We'll also enjoy the waterfalls, pools and slides of the Aubaise, a cool river that rises in the upper valley and joins the Archiane a little downstream from its resurgence.
Night in shared rooms at the lodge "Le refuge d'Archiane".

Day 2: Hiking to the Tour de Borne.
Departing from the remote village of Borne, we set off to discover a local geological curiosity: "Les Sucettes", slender stone spires that shape an astonishing landscape. Our escapade continues to the Tour de Borne, an associative alpine lodge ideally located in a grandiose mountain setting, facing the Jocou ridges (2,050m).
After the picnic, visit the medieval village of Châtillon-en-Diois, classified among the most beautiful villages in France, and return to the Archiane cirque to explore the resurgences with flashlights and enjoy the coolness of the mossy rocks.
2 to 3 hours walking.
Night in shared rooms at the lodge "Le refuge d'Archiane".

Day 3: Treasure hunt and aquatic course.
This morning, the "treasure hunt" takes us to the meadows, lavender fields, pine forests and ruins near the village to discover – in the footsteps of Ulysses – the life of yesteryear.
The afternoon is devoted to a fun aquatic activity with the discovery of the Comane canyon (introductory level, bring old sneakers to walk in the water): slides, small jumps, swimming, wild river walking as well as a fun zip line are on the program! For the little ones or those who do not want the water activity, a ride will be offered.
2 and a half hours of exploration for the canyon.
Night in shared rooms at the lodge "Le refuge d'Archiane".

Day 4: The Vercors Highlands Conservation Area with donkeys.
After a short transfer in the Combeau valley, we set off for two days of self-sufficiency with the donkeys, excellent travelling companions for the children and bearers of our luggage. We'll head for the Chaumailloux sheepfold, an important place of the Resistance and an incomparable viewpoint over Mont Aiguille and the surrounding Dévoluy, Belledonne and Oisans massifs. It's also a haven for ibex and chamois.
4-hour walking.
Night in an unguarded mountain hut.

Day 5: Return hike to Combeau.
We follow a superb donkey-paced itinerary through the wildest parts of the Hauts-Plateaux Conservation Area: plaine de la longue fissolle,  Jardin du Roy sheepfolds, Pas de la Coche. We meet the marmots at the foot of the Montagnette, then return to the bucolic Combeau valley, where our donkeys find their summer quarters. Time for a final cuddle with our long-eared companions.
Transfer to Die train station and separation at 5pm.
4.5 hours walking.

NB: Due to weather conditions or logistical constraints, I may have to modify the order or content of the days described.
During the week, a 9-seater minibus driven by the guide will take you from one activity to another. If the group is larger, I may ask a volunteer participant to use his/her car for short trips during the stay (compensation will be provided).

The price includes

• Supervision by the mountain leader.
• Supervision by a canyoning instructor for the aquatic hike.
• Full-board accommodation throughout the tour.
• Entry to the adventure course.
• Technical equipment rental.
• Donkey hire for the 2 days on the highlands.
• Luggage transfers (limited to 15kg) and personal transfers for the entire tour.
• Price: 735€ per person.
  Children aged 7 to 12: 685€.
  Please note that children must be at least 7 years old at the time of departure, otherwise they will not be able to take part in the accrobranche and aquatic trekking activities.

The price does not include

• Round-trip transportation to Die, 1 hour and 15 minutes drive from Valence and 2 hours from Grenoble.
• Drinks and personal expenses.
• Cancellation and repatriation insurance.
• Visits and activities not planned in the program.
• Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".

Accommodation

Nights:

• 4 nights at "refuge d'Archiane" in shared rooms (4 to 6 people).
• 1 night in a private, unguarded refuge in Chaumailloux: night in a dormitory, no running water (but spring nearby), mountain atmosphere guaranteed.

Meals:

• Breakfasts and evening meals served in accommodation.
• Picnics are usually prepared by the guide (sometimes by the hosts), using local and often organic produce.
• At the refuge, I prepare the evening meal and breakfast - a helping hand is always welcome!

• Share on twitter
• Share on Facebook
• Send by e-mail