Savoy
/ Bauges Mountains
Family hike: the Coal Tour with donkeys
Réf : PVMOAR
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
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Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
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
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band :
1 supervisor for 4 to 10 people
Languages spoken:
🇫🇷
French
Flo
Flo
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
During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.
Access
Departure
Bellecombe-en-Bauges, France
Day 1
: 09h00
End of stay
Bellecombe-en-Bauges, France
Day 4
- 15h00
Go to the starting point
Take the train toAnnecy,ChambéryOrAix les bains
Train and bus regular line information and details www.francony.com
Travel to the place of stay
with parking
available
public hiker parking
Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
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 : CHF70.30 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Equipment
Decathlon Travel Partner
The Élise team
4.7/5
(16 reviews)
• 21 stays
Nestled in the heart of the Bauges mountains, between Annecy and Chambéry, our local partner is a family-run, independent agency specializing in outdoor adventures since 1995. Now managed by two passionate sisters, the agency offers a unique way to discover the Alps through hiking, skiing, or multi-activity trips (canyoning, via ferrata). The agency leverages its in-depth knowledge of the area and provides flexible and friendly bilingual (French/English) support, offering authentic local experiences without the need to travel to the ends of the earth.
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by joining
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Best price guaranteed:
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