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.

During the summer months, I also offer attractive families trekking with donkeys in the Vercors. And for the older ones, you can follow me on this trekking to discover Mont Aiguille and the treasures of Die region.

Program

D1: 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 ideal aerological and nesting conditions provided by the 400 to 500-meter-high crags overlooking the area. This reintroduction has been a great success, with 4 different species now inhabiting the cirque's cliffs, including the bone-crushing lammergeier. Observing these great birds will be the main theme of our week. 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.
Overnight in shared rooms at "Le refuge d'Archiane".

D2: Hiking at 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.
After a picnic in the vicinity, we continue our hike to discover the Tour de Borne, an associative alpine lodge ideally located in a grandiose mountain environment, facing the Jocou peaks (2050m). After a snack at the lodge, return to the Archiane cirque to explore the resurgences by flashlight and enjoy the coolness of the mossy rocks.
2-3 hours' walk.
Overnight in shared rooms at "Le refuge d'Archiane".

D3: Die area discovery and water hike in the Comane canyon.
In the morning, we head off for a fun-filled visit to the medieval village of Châtillon-en-Diois, listed as one of France's most beautiful villages, a tour of the vineyards, a picnic and a swim in the surrounding area.
The afternoon is devoted to an aquatic activity with the discovery of the Comane canyon (beginners' level, bring old sneakers to walk in the water). At the program: slides, small jumps, swimming, walking in a wild river and a fun zip-line! For the little ones, or those who don't want to take part in the aquatic activity, a walk will be proposed. Return to the cirque for sliding on the Aubaise slabs or building huts.
2 and a half hours of canyon exploration.
Overnight in shared rooms at "Le refuge d'Archiane".

D4: Exploration of the Archiane cirque.
Today we're staying in the cirque to stroll along the vulture trail and reach the observation telescope at the bottom of Pedane, which will enable us to detail the nests and resting places of these large, mysterious birds. It's also the day of the great "treasure hunt" which takes us through meadows, lavender fields, pine forests and ruins close to the village to solve a fascinating riddle that will give us access to a royal snack.
3 to 4 hours' walk.
Overnight in shared rooms at "Le refuge d'Archiane".

D5: Hike in 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 hike.
Overnight in an unguarded mountain hut.

D6: 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.
4 ½-hour hike.
Transfer to Die train station and departure at 5pm.

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: 805€ per person.
  Children aged 7 to 12: 735€.
  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

• Transport 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!

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