3 days with a donkey in Auvergne
Self guided trip 3 days/ 2 nights
3 days hiking with a donkey in a self guided trip. In the heart of the Regional Natural Park of the Volcanoes of Auvergne, take the time to share with family real authentic moments. Come to meet this fabulous territory, at the slow pace of your valiant companion who will carry your food for lunch and your bags. In this gentle landscape, your walking days will be both easy and fun and in harmony with this preserved nature, will draw all the energy and benefits of this land of contrast.
Itinerary
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Day 1:
Orcival (Moleide) - Montlosier
4.30 à 5.30 hours walking - Lodge / 15,2 km /D+ 327 m / D- 236 m
Imperative appointment at 9am at Julien (the donkey driver) in Moleide near Orcival. Possibility of spending the night at the hotel in Orcival the day before departure (see "Price Info" section).
In the morning, the Chaîne des Puys reveals itself more and more to your eyes as you walk through the countryside, through small villages. You will then continue your walk to the Château de Montlosier, headquarters of the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park. Possible free visit of the exhibition on the Chaîne des Puys.
Dinner and night at the gîte in Montlosier.
For groups of more than 4 people, before your hike, remember to drop off your luggage in Montlosier, this first day because it is not included in the price (by car, return trip in 20 minutes). -
Day 2:
Château de Montlosier - Pessade
4 to 5 hours walking - Lodge / 12.6 km / +310 m / - 110 m
For this day of hiking, with your friendly travel companion, you will climb to the village of Pessade via the Narse d'Espinasse, a real little gem and relic of the ice age.
Night in kota-trailer. -
Day 3:
Pessade - Moleide
3.50 hours walking / 8,6 km /+ 100 m / -396 m
YoThis last day of hiking allows you to reach Lake Servières, a pretty little crater lake a few thousand years old. Then a gentle descent will take you near the village of Orcival to the donkey farm (Moleide).
Additional night possible in Orcival.
Disclaimer
The route can be modified for reasons of safety, meteorology or unforeseen events linked to events beyond our control: cut roads, local festivals ... "Aluna Voyages" and its team will always strive to provide the best solution.
Level
Walking or Activity Time
The days offer 4 to 5 hours of activity per day.
Consecutive Days of Hiking
3 days of activities suitable for families with children.
Elevation / Elevation / Terrain
Low elevation on easy terrain.
Transportation during your hike
For families of 2 to 3 people, the donkey will carry all your belongings, so plan travel bags and not suitcases, with a weight not exceeding 12 kg per person (if you desire more comfort, we can Transport your luggage by taxi Day 2 : 60 €).
For families or groups of friends over 3 people, your travel bags (or suitcases) will be transported by taxi Day 2 . In this case, the donkey can carry your small backpacks with personal belongings of the day as well as your picnics.
On the first day, you will have to drop off your luggage in the first lodge (Montlosier) before starting hiking.
On the last day, you will have to pick up your luggage in Pessade at the end of your hike.
Donkey (s)
The donkey will carry your small backpacks with personal belongings of the day as well as your picnics (max 30 kg).
For any additional donkey on the stay : 210 €.
Climatic environment
Pleasant mountain climate in the inter-season and hot in summer. The evenings can be cool.
Experience Required
No specific experience, Walk regularly and have the pleasure of effort. Easy journey and accessible to anyone in good health.
Dates & prices
May to October
PRICES 2023 :
Price for adults and teenagers from 12 years old :
- 1 person in the group : 465 €/pers
- 2 people in the group : 305 €/pers
- 3 people in the group : 250 €/pers
- 4 people in the group : 240 €/pers
- 5 people in the group : 220€/pers
- 6 people in the group : 210 €/pers
- 7 people in the group : 200 €/pers
- 8 people in the group : 195 €/pers
Price for children under 12 years old : Reduction of 45 € on the price above.
1 donkey included in the price.
If additional donkey desired during the stay = 210 €.
1 taxi for luggage is provided on Day 1 and Day 2, for families or groups of friends from 4 people at no extra charge.
If taxi needed for the transport of luggage Day 1 and Day 2, for families of less than 4 people, taxi package = 120 €.
Option first day with a mountain tour leader : 215 €.
Option first half day with a mountain tour leader : 140 €.
If you arrive the day before, possibility of spending the night in Orcival in a hotel :
- Half-board adult or teenager from 12 years old in a double or family room = 82 €/pers
- Half-board child under 12 years old in parents' room = 42 €/child
Our price includes
Meals
Full board from dinner on D1 to lunch on D3.
Transport
For group of 2 to 3 people, the donkey will carry all your belongings during your trip. For families or groups of friends of 4 or more people, your bags will be transported by taxi Day 1 and Day 2, while the donkey will carry your small backpacks with personal belongings of the day as well as your lunch. Only 1 bag max weight 15 kg/personn will be transported by taxi.
Donkey (s)
There is 1 donkey provided. If additional donkey desired during the stay = 210 €.
Equipment
Maps and road book for logistical information but also for naturalist and cultural information.
Accommodation
Hotel and lodging
Our price does not include
Meals
Drinks and personal extras. Meals not mentioned above.
Transport and donkey (s)
Luggage transport by taxi for group less than 4 people.
For group more than 3 people, transport of your luggage Day 3. This day, keep your luggages in the last lodge before leaving the place. You will get them back in the afternoon after finishing the trip (only 10 mn by car).
Luggage transport by taxi DAy 1 and 2, for group less than 4 persons : 120 €.
Transportation to get to the starting point Day 1.
Additional donkey during your stay : 210 €.
Tour leader option
Option first day with a mountain tour leader : 215 €. Option first half day with a mountain tour leader : 140 €.
Various
Paying entries in the parks, sites and museums not included in the program.
Insurance
Insurance Cancellation, Luggage, Interruption and Repatriation : 4.90% of the price of your trip.
Registration fee
- 30 days or more before departure : 12 €/pers.
- Less than 30 days before departure : 20 €/pers
- For any tailor-made trip : 30 € + €12/pers
Practical info
Your meeting
In order to limit your CO2 emissions, we encourage you to use public transport to get to Clermont-Fd SNCF station.
To reach the meeting place from the SNCF station, remember to book a transport.
From Clermont station to Orcival, approximately 60 €/taxi journey during the week and approximately 90 €/taxi journey on Sundays and public holidays.
Accommodation
1 night in a stopover gîte and 1 night in a kota/caravan.
Your room will be accessible from 5 p.m. and must be vacated before 10 a.m.
If you arrive the day before, you can spend the night in Finnish kota or caravan in Pessade.
- Night in kota for adult : 20 €/night
- Night in kota for Child under 12 years : 15 €/night
Provide a comfort sleeping bag +5° for the night or as an option: duvet KIT which is 6 € extra per person (which includes a duvet with cover + a bath towel and a hand towel per person).
Shared toilets.
Possibility to order catering meals : You must add to these costs, a package of 24 €/delivery.
- Evening meal + breakfast : 30 €/adult and 21 €/child under 12
- Dinner / Breakfast / Lunch box, delivered to kota : 39 €/adult and 27 €/child under 12
- Overnight Half board with dinner and breakfast : 54 €/adult and 39 €/child under 12 years
- Night in full board with 3 meals : 63 €/adult and 46 €/child under 12 years
Food
You have breakfast at the lodges.
Picnics will be carried by your big-eared companion.
Evening meals are taken in your accommodation.
Recommended equipment
A small backpack containing
- Hat or cap
- Pair of sunglasses
- Rain cape or a K-Way windbreaker or better a Gore-Tex jacket
- Toilet paper
- Small personal first aid kit (aspirin, plaster, elastoplast, ...)
- Tupperware with cutlery for picnics and a gourd
- Plastic bags to wrap business in bad weather
For your evening luggage
For donkey transportation : only soft bags (no suitcase) and maximum weight 10 kg/pers.
For taxi transportation : only 1 bag/pers (max weight 12 kg/pers).
- Silk or cotton sheet for the night at the cottage (blankets are provided)
- Canvas or jogging pants
- Pair of tennis or other for the evening
- Polar fur
- Spare clothing and underwear
- Swiming suit
- Toilet kit with a bath towel
Shoes
- Pair of lightweight walking shoes, preferably already used, or, for sensitive feet, a good pair of reinforced tennis shoes