Trekking with donkeys in the Vercors: nature, bivouac and sharing
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationVercors Massif / Isère
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions36.69 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Between Grenoble and Die , discover the Vercors , a wild region where vertiginous cliffs, deep forests, and sun-drenched alpine pastures intertwine. This trip, accessible by train, invites you to explore these vast landscapes with ease, accompanied by pack donkeys that will carry your belongings.
Led by a passionate guide , you'll learn to decipher the surrounding nature through anecdotes and fun observations. After a day of hiking, it's time to relax in unusual accommodations : the more adventurous will spend the night in a tipi , while those seeking comfort will enjoy a cozy refuge with real mattresses.
In the evening, share convivial moments around the fire, savor delicious meals , and let yourself be soothed by the peaceful mountain atmosphere. A unique immersion for young and old, combining gentle adventure and total disconnection.
The highlights
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A family adventure for ages 6 and up, with fun activities for everyone.
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The donkeys, practical and endearing, carry your belongings and motivate the group.
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A unique setting: the Vercors High Plateaus, the largest nature reserve in France
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 8 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 400 m
- Average daily descent: 400 m
Management
French
Alice Dumoulin - State-certified mountain guide and her hiking donkeys.
Program
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Chichilianne – Chaumailloux Sheepfold
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 50 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet in Chichilianne , at the foot of Mont Aiguille , to prepare the donkeys and distribute the load. The route begins with the ascent of the Pas de l'Aiguille , a demanding climb through woods and pastures. Everyone progresses at their own pace to complete this first, and most physically demanding, stage of the trip. Once on the High Plateaus , the exertion gives way to a rolling, open landscape, offering a welcome breath of fresh air before reaching the refuge for the night.
Day 1 -
Chaumailloux Sheepfold – Combeau Inn
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Head towards the Vercors High Plateaus , where the trails alternate between alpine meadows and sparse forests . From the Pas de l'Aiguille , the ascent is gentle through these unspoiled landscapes to the Combeau valley . Keep your eyes peeled along the way: marmots, vultures , and ibex are often spotted.
Day 2 -
Combeau Inn – Esparon Refuge
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The route follows discreet paths in the Combeau valley , leading to the ridges for breathtaking views of the mountains, from the Écrins to Mont Blanc, including the Chartreuse . After the Col de Menée , which marks the border between Drôme and Isère , the descent enters a mysterious forest, nicknamed the wolves' den , where the atmosphere changes with every step.
Day 3 -
Esparon Refuge – Chichilianne
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
For this final day, we head towards the Valley of the Wolves , where the cliffs offer stunning views. The trail then winds through the hedged farmland of the Trièves region , gradually revealing the landscapes of the bio-valley . Arrival is expected in the mid-afternoon, giving us time to share one last moment with the donkeys before parting ways.
Day 4
Note
We may sometimes need to slightly modify the indicated itinerary: either due to organizational issues (overbooked accommodations, changes in trail conditions, etc.) or directly at the guide's discretion (weather, group level). Rest assured, these modifications are always made in your best interest, for your safety and comfort.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Carpooling from the train station to the meeting point will be organized with the guide and participants, approximately 10 minutes. If necessary, it is also possible to take a taxi (approximate price ~€15).
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in shared dormitories, mountain huts and hostels
- Full board from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 4
- Supervision by a qualified Mountain Guide
- Donkeys and their hiking equipment
- Tourist taxes
The price does not include
- Drinks
- Your personal expenses and tips
Options
- 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 to bring
- Backpack, between 30 and 40 liters for adults and 10 and 20 liters for children
- Snacks, if you're used to snacking while hiking
- An airtight container, a cup, and cutlery
- Species (spending at the shelter, tips)
- Water bottle (1.5 liters) with purification option (tablets or water filter)
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Sleeping bag liner: The accommodations provide blankets, but a sleeping bag liner is a plus for hygiene. If you don't have one, one will be provided. If you wish to sleep in the tipi, you will need a warm sleeping bag (minimum comfort rating 5°C), which can also be provided.
- A lightweight and compact microfiber shower towel, ideal for saving space and replacing the traditional cotton terry towel. The washcloth might be handy for a quick wash when accommodations don't offer showers.
- Small toiletry bag with toothpaste, soap, toothbrush, etc.
- Flashlight or headlamp, remember to check the batteries before you leave
Clothing to bring
- Clothing suitable for hiking
- Waterproof jacket such as Gore-Tex or K-Way
- Suitable footwear, such as closed hiking boots
- A change of clothes including warm clothes to change into in the evening, to enjoy the cooler nights.
- Hat, neck warmer and gloves: Useful for cool evenings in the mountains
