Family hike: the Coal Tour with donkeys
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationSavoy / Bauges Mountains
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AgeFrom 10 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions18.9 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Treat yourself to a rare escape in the heart of the Bauges mountains: a four-day guided adventure where every step brings you a little closer to what truly matters. Here, the mountains are experienced gently, at the gentle pace of two donkeys that carry some of your belongings while you let the landscapes unfold before you: deep forests, sun-drenched alpine pastures, viewpoints suspended above Lake Annecy, and even the majestic silhouette of Mont Blanc.
Evenings are savored around a local meal, in a mountain refuge, a cabin, or under the stars. Children create, adults breathe, everyone reconnects. Here, we slow down. We observe. We taste, we walk, we marvel. An accessible and immersive experience, ideal for families, nature lovers, or those who simply dream of an authentic stay, far from the noise of the world.
The highlights
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Heidi and Doudou, the two donkeys who will accompany you
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A unique and wild route
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Expert guide of the mountain range and donkey driver
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Hiking for families - an introduction to mountain hiking. This hike is suitable for children aged 10 and up who regularly participate in sports.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 425 m
- Average daily descent: 400 m
Management
French
Your guide is an expert on the Bauges mountains and a long-time donkey handler. He will lead you on the Bauges trails. He will share his mountain knowledge with you and introduce you to bivouacking. He is also there to take care of the donkeys and the logistics of the trip (preparing picnics).
Program
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Between river and mountain
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 100 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Let yourself be carried away by a gentle and timeless day, to the soothing rhythm of the Nant. On its wild banks, we will take the time to create a real bond with the donkeys: a special moment made up of brushing, preparing and discovering how to lead these endearing companions.
The adventure then begins, between nature and authenticity. We will cross the charming typical Bauju village of La Compôte, before going up the Grand Nant, a true haven of freshness, where we will enjoy a first picnic in the heart of a preserved environment.
Gradually, the path will lead us up to the Bornette pass, revealing ever more magnificent landscapes. Up there, at the Ailes du Nant refuge, Fabien will give us a warm welcome to this unique place, where an exceptional view of Lake Annecy will crown this unforgettable day.
Day 1 -
Gaining perspective
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 100 m
- Accommodation Cabin
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We'll set off gently to reach the Combe alpine pasture, where goats and horses live in harmony with the seasons. The path, carved into the rock, will guide us through luminous landscapes, punctuated by superb viewpoints that invite contemplation.
We will continue to the Charbon cabin, nestled in a wild setting among chamois and marmots, with the majestic Mont Blanc massif as a backdrop. There, time seems to stand still.
Around the cabin, young and old can try their hand at a primitive DIY workshop, a fun and authentic moment to reconnect with simple gestures.
For the most motivated, the day can be extended in style with a climb to the Banc Plat mountain, where a spectacular sunset will set the surrounding peaks ablaze… a magical moment to be fully savored.
Day 2 -
Alpine Day
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Gain some altitude and let yourself be amazed by the wide open spaces. In the heart of the Bauges nature reserve, we will move in an exceptional environment, surrounded by majestic peaks, whose fourteen summits exceeding 2000 meters create a breathtaking panorama.
In these sublime landscapes, wildlife sometimes reveals itself around a bend in the path, adding to the magic of the place. The powerful and iconic Trélod mountain will undoubtedly impress us with its presence.
After this immersion in altitude, we will begin our descent towards Julien's goat farm, where we will spend a warm evening near the farm, between authenticity, nature and conviviality.
Day 3 -
Let's make the most of this last day
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 8 km
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
In the early morning, gently awaken to life on the farm. Surrounded by goats, we will witness the milking, an authentic and privileged moment close to everyday mountain life.
The day will continue gently with a mostly downhill route to La Compôte, ideal for fully enjoying the scenery and prolonging this feeling of serenity.
On the way back, we'll enjoy the invigorating coolness of the Grand Nant, a refreshing break in the heart of unspoiled nature. End of stay around 2 pm
Day 4
Note
Depending on the weather, conditions and the group, the guide may adjust the itinerary.
Accommodation
Unguarded and open mountain hut. Mattresses and sleeping bags available.
Access
Go to the starting point
Train and bus regular line information and details www.francony.com
public hiker parking
Price details
The price includes
- Your welcome & briefing on the first day
- Full board in a gîte
- Supervision by a guide and donkey
- Donkeys
- Camping equipment
- The tourist tax
The price does not include
- Your personal expenses
- Drinks
- Possible insurance policies
- Anything not mentioned in "the price includes".
Options
- Additional night with half-board before your stay : CHF67.70 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Tent for bivouacking
- Inflatable mattress (on request)
- Duvet (on request)
Equipment to bring
- High-top hiking boots (safer for walking with a donkey, protects the Achilles tendon)
- one backpack each – 15 to 20L for children and 35L for adults.
- 1.5L water bottle per person
- Airtight container, knife, spoon for picnics
- Frontal
- Rain gear and sleeping bag
- Small snacks (for snacking on the go)
- Gloves, hats, and down jackets for evenings out or in case of bad weather.
- Spare clothes ideally in a waterproof bag or bin bag (in total including what you are wearing: 3 pairs of socks + 3 pairs of underwear + 2 technical t-shirts + 1 long-sleeved t-shirt + 1 fleece + 1 pair of shorts + 1 pair of trousers + swimsuit)
- A small first-aid kit (for treating blisters); your guide will have their own complete kit.
- Sleeping bag liners are mandatory in the mountain huts.
- Duvet (available for loan)
- Compact inflatable mattress (available for loan)
- 1 pair of excellent quality sunglasses (minimum category 3).
- sunscreen and lip balm
The donkeys will carry a large portion of the equipment. However, they won't be able to carry everything. Please bring your own: a change of clothes, water, and any hiking gear you will need. The guide will check and adjust your bags before departure.
Clothing to bring
When hiking , the 3-layer system remains the recommended equipment for your comfort and safety.
- T-shirt made of breathable material (hollow fiber).
- a warm fleece or down jacket
- a windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket (Gore-Tex type)
Depending on the weather and the level of exertion, you can always choose the most effective option. When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a t-shirt is comfortable. In rainy or windy conditions, simply add a waterproof jacket. On cold days, or during breaks at altitude, a fleece jacket is an essential layer under a windproof jacket.
Pack quick-drying clothes , so avoid cotton. Opt for wool, silk, and synthetic fibers, which will keep you dry and warm for as long as possible. Sweat is a hiker's enemy, as it dampens clothing, which quickly becomes cold during breaks.
