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:
Hiking : Pessade - Pessade
2 to 2.30 hours walking - kota or caravan / 6 to 8 km/ + 150 m / - 150 m
Meeting at 2 p.m. in Pessade (follow the “rando-âne” signs in the village from the large car park where you can leave your vehicle at the entrance to the village). It is in this small village that your donkey awaits you.
Possibility of spending the night here the day before departure (see “Details” section).
Short loop hike in the afternoon on the Puy de Baladou for a first approach to the volcanoes.
Possibility for the first day (or half day), to hire the services of a mountain guide who will teach you in a few hours how to read a map (essential for following a route). The guide will also be able to make you aware of the donkey's good behavior... all this in order to make the most of your stay (see the prices in the "Price information" section for this accompanied option). -
Day 2:
Hiking : Pessade - Aydat
4 hours walking - Hotel or guest house / 12 km / +106 m / - 424 m
Hike to reach Lake Aydat, near the nautical base at 840 m altitude. Swimming possible.
Dinner and night at the hotel or in a B&B. -
Day 3:
Hiking : Aydat - Pessade
4 hours walking / 11,4 km /+ 395 m / -75 m
Your last day of hiking with your big-eared travel companion will take you back to the village of Pessade via the Narse d'Espinasse, a real little gem and relic of the ice age.
For groups of 4 people or more, remember to leave your luggage at the hotel that day, before setting off on your hike. You will have to collect them at the end of the hike.
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 2 to 4 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 last day, you will have to collect your luggage yourself at the end of the hike. Before going hiking this last day, remember to leave your luggage in the accommodation where you spent this last night.
Donkey (s)
The donkey will carry your small backpacks with personal belongings of the day as well as your picnics (max 45 kg).
For any additional donkey on the stay : 205 €.
Child carrying
During the hike, it is under your complete responsibility that the child rides on the donkey. NB: Our activity is not horse riding, but transport. If you wish to put the children on the back of the donkey donkey, we advise you to bring a suitable helmet that meets horse riding standards
NB : We do not provide a helmet.
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 September
PRICES 2024 :
Price for adults and teenagers from 12 years old :
- 1 person in the group : 795 €/pers
- 2 people in the group : 470 €/pers
- 3 people in the group : 380 €/pers
- 4 people in the group : 350 €/pers
- 5 people in the group : 325 €/pers
- 6 people in the group : 305 €/pers
- 7 people in the group : 290 €/pers
- 8 people in the group : 280 €/pers
Price for children under 12 years old : Reduction of 30 € on the price above.
1 donkey included in the price.
If additional donkey desired during the stay = 205 €.
1 taxi for luggage is provided on Day 2, for families or groups of friends from 4 people at no extra charge.
For groups of 4 people or more, 1 taxi for luggage on Day 2 is provided.
If taxi needed for the transport of luggage Day 2, for families of less than 4 people, taxi package = 60 €.
Option first day with a mountain tour leader : 225 €.
Option first half day with a mountain tour leader : 150 €.
For single-parent families, if you have no prior experience of staying with a donkey, you will have to leave with a guide for the first 1/2 day or day, because we will not let a parent leave alone with their child(ren).
If you arrive the day before we can reserve a hotel for you the day before departure in Orcival :
- Half board for adults or teenagers from 12 years old in a double room = €87/pers
- Half board in a triple or family room = €82/person
- Half board for single-parent family = €118/adult
- Half board for children under 12 years old in their parents’ room = €42/child
PS: At these prices, add €15/person for a picnic basket
Our price includes
Meals
Full board from dinner on D1 to lunch on D3.
Transport
For group of 1 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 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 12 kg/personn will be transported by taxi.
Donkey (s)
There is 1 donkey provided. If additional donkey desired during the stay = 205 €.
Equipment
Maps and road book for logistical information but also for naturalist and cultural information.
Accommodation
1 night in a kota or caravan and 1 night in a hotel or guest house.
Our price does not include
Meals
Drinks and personal extras. Meals not mentioned above.
Transport and donkey (s)
Baggage transport by taxi for families of less than 4 people. For groups of at least 4 people, baggage transport is not included on the first or last day. Luggage transport package by taxi on D2 for families of less than 4 people: €60. Travel to the meeting place. Additional donkey for the stay : 205 €.
Tour leader option
Option first day with a mountain tour leader : 225 €. Option first half day with a mountain tour leader : 150 €.
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
Public transportation : In order to limit your CO2 emissions, we encourage you to use public transport to get to Clermont-Fd train or bus station.From Clermont station to Pessade, about € 70 / taxi ride on weekdays and about € 100 / taxi ride on Sundays and public holidays.For information, transport to / from Clermont-Fd - Pessade (60 km A / R).By road : 30 km (40 mn) from Clermont-ferrand. Take the N89 in the direction of Mont Dore, then at the Ventouse pass, turn left (dir Besse) then 500 m further on the right on the D5. At Zanière, turn right until Pessade.
Accommodation
First night in a kota or caravan (3 to 5 beds per accommodation). The following 2 nights are in hotels, guest rooms or gîtes in hotel formula, in family rooms. Your room will be accessible from 5 p.m. and must be vacated before 10 a.m.
Food
You have breakfast in your accommodation.
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