Horseback riding and wild camping in the Dévoluy
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationHautes-Alpes / Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
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AgeFrom 16 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions80.75 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Experience an exceptional equestrian adventure in the heart of the Dévoluy massif , a wild territory where the stark beauty of the peaks meets the serenity of the alpine pastures. This four-day itinerary is exclusively for experienced riders seeking an authentic journey, far from the beaten track.
From the moment you leave the Col du Festre , your adventure takes on a new dimension. Following secret shepherds' paths, you enter a pristine pastoral world, nestled between isolated mountain huts and vast, untouched landscapes. The central theme of this journey is the bivouac experience: evenings spent gazing at the majestic silhouette of the Pic de Bure , where the magic of the campfire and the starlight offer a complete return to nature.
After traversing the hills of Saint-Etienne en Dévoluy , you'll cross the Saint-Disdier valley to explore a more secluded side of the massif. This journey demands genuine self-sufficiency and rigorous equipment to adapt to the vagaries of the mountain climate. More than just a hike, it's a true wilderness adventure in symbiosis with your horse, at the pace of a powerful and silent nature.
The highlights
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Raw adventure in wild bivouac, from the campfire to nights under the stars.
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A secret and technical route, reserved for riders in search of authenticity.
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Discovering the preserved alpine pastures and pastoral world at the foot of the Pic de Bure.
Photos
Sport
Level
Horseback riding
In figures
Horseback riding
- Average duration/day: 5h
Management
Vaïana, equestrian center manager and organizer of horseback riding tours. A qualified instructor with a BPJEPS (Brevet Professionnel de la Jeunesse, de l'Éducation Populaire et du Sport) in Equestrian Activities, a diploma as an Equestrian Tourism Guide (ATE), a Federal Certificate for Ethological Riding Instruction (BFEE 2), and a diploma as an Equestrian Tourism Guide (MATE) to guarantee your safety. Passionate about riding since childhood, I am eager to share my passion with you in the best possible conditions!
Program
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Col du Festre - Super-Dévoluy
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Our first day will take us along a scenic trail overlooking the ski resorts of La Joue-du-Loup and Super-Dévoluy, leading us to a small path known only to locals and shepherds, winding between sheepfolds and mountain huts. We'll sleep near one of these huts, or, if we arrive early, warm inside! After an evening around the campfire, the incredible view of the valley on one side and the Pic de Bure on the other is sure to leave you speechless...
Day 1 -
Super-Dévoluy - Agnières
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today we'll have to descend back down to the plains to cross the valley and reach the opposite slope. More mountain huts await us, but we'd prefer to sleep amidst the alpine pastures...
Day 2 -
Agnières - Col du Festre
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Third and final day to discover the incredible landscapes of the Dévoluy massif! Perched above the valley, we'll discover new huts occupied by shepherds, and a valley worthy of Mongolia... Before returning to civilization...
Day 3
Accommodation
It's possible to sleep inside the cabin if we arrive early enough and it's free.
Access
We'll meet at the Col du Festre inn.
Go to the starting point
We can pick you up at Veynes train station and take you to the starting point. Please contact us before booking your train ticket.
From Marseille-Provence Airport, you can reach the Marseille Saint-Charles or Aix-en-Provence train station to access the starting point of the hike by TER train or bus. Buses are available directly from the airport.
To reach us by car, please park in the Auberge du Col du Festre car park.
Price details
The price includes
- The provision of the horse and its equipment
- Supervision by a qualified professional
- The accommodation as described
- The meals mentioned
The price does not include
- The first day's picnic at noon
- Drinks or alcohol
- The FFE license
- Access to the place of stay
- The equipment requested
Options
- Annual FFE license : CHF36.59 / person
- FFE Green Licence valid for one month : CHF9.15 / 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
- Helmet meeting CE standards if you have notified us that you do not have one;
- Horse and its equipment + luggage.
Equipment to bring
- A small rubbish bag to take your rubbish home with you (nature thanks you!)
- Camping cutlery (each person is responsible for their own equipment and dishes)
- 2 round, waterproof picnic boxes
- self-inflating mattress
- Comfort duvet 0°C
- warm clothes for the night
Clothing to bring
- Hiking boots, preferably slightly high-top and waterproof
- Short chaps
- Riding trousers or leggings, breathable in summer, warm and water-repellent in winter
- Technical T-shirt that dries quickly, thin and short-sleeved for summer, warm and long-sleeved for winter
- A fleece
- A warm, windproof and waterproof jacket;
- Please bring your CE-approved helmet if you have one (please let us know if you don't have one).
Or your usual riding equipment. But avoid leather boots, which are very uncomfortable for long hours of riding...
The Vaïana team
For the past five years, our local expert, Vaïana, has been offering horseback riding excursions for all levels. Prioritizing animal welfare and ethology, she welcomes small groups of no more than five riders to ensure safety and a close connection. From the Durance Valley to the Queyras region, she organizes immersive wilderness experiences ranging from one day to a week. In 2026, Vaïana is launching new yoga and horseback riding retreats, available for private booking upon request for a truly personalized and authentic experience.
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- You pay a 30% deposit today to reserve your stay.
- The balance (the remaining 70%) must be paid no later than 30 days before departure.
- ✅ Of an amount greater than €300.
- ✅ Whose departure is in more than 30 days.