Description
Here is an invitation to venture into the remote wild beauty of the Ardèche and plunge into its distant past. In a natural environment where man seems to have left but a passing trace, you'll weave among the rocks between swallowholes and caves - some of which may be visited. This holiday is fun and physical and a delightful human experience appealing to all the senses, as you follow in the footsteps of the prehistoric peoples who once lived here so long ago.
Then it's back to the present, and what better to wake you from such dreamy meanderings than to stroll through lovely sunny villages - maybe take a dip in a nearby stream - whilst enjoying the cheerful presence of the ever-faithful pack donkey by your side?
YOU'LL LOVE
- Taking a dip in the cool waters down in the Gorges of the Ardèche!
- Visiting the Aven d'Orgnac, a swallow-hole listed 'Grand Site de France'
- Strolling through a forest of Holm Oaks (quercus ilex)
- Staying in rather atypical accommodation - a tent-lodge overlooking the Gorges!
Day 1
Arrival at Vallon Pont d'Arc
Reception late afternoon in Vallon Pont d'Arc.
Settling in at the hotel.
Dinner and night in 3 star hotel with pool, Vallon Pont d'Arc.
Day 2
Walk from Vallon Pont d’Arc to Vagnas
9.3 km stage with 220 metres total uphill (level of difficulty 1/5). Time about 4hrs.
This first outing will help you and your travelling companion to get to know each other. You leave Vallon Pont d’Arc by a pretty path, then go over the Ardèche river to get to Salavas and the ‘Garrigues’ (heathlands) of the region. Take the time to appreciate this rugged and beautiful scenery and make sure you see the Neolithic Dolmen of Champagnac before your arrival at the campsite.
Dinner and night in either a bubble dome or tent lodge, camping in cosy comfort!
Day 3
Walk around Vagnas
11.7 km stage. 210 metres total uphill. (Level 1/5). Around 4hrs.
Today you gain a bit of height. Looking down from the Rochers de Saleyron, you’ll enjoy lovely views over the Gorges of the Ardèches and the famous Pont d’Arc, the famous natural stone bridge. On the way down you may like to visit the silkworm farm, fascinating for both young and not-so young, at the Château des Roure.
Dinner and night in the comfort of a bubble dome or tent lodge.
Day 4
From Vagnas to Orgnac l’Aven
11.2 km stage. 180 metres total uphill. (Level 1/5). About 4hrs.
The day begins with a walk through the village of Labastide de Virac, then continues in the midst of the garrigue of the Ardèche. It’s worth taking your time as there’s plenty to see: menhirs, the St Roman Chapel, sinkholes (‘aven’ in French)…then at the end of the day a spectacular visit to the Aven d’Orgnac, listed as one of the ‘Grand Site de France’. Some programme, during which you’ll learn much about the famous Gorges de l’Ardèche!
Dinner and night in 2-star hotel in Orgnac.
Day 5
From Orgnac to the Mas de Serret
8km stage with total uphill of 100 metres. About 2hrs30. Level 1/5.
+ a short walk without the donkey (3.7kms), total uphill 200m - about 2hrs00.
A short walk passing by the remarkable Dolmen of the Plain brings you to the next stage, in the heart of the gorges of the Ardèche.
You can leave your donkey and do a little loop walk during which you have the choice of several places to bathe.
Dinner and night in the tente lodge (canvas-walled cabin) at the campsite.
Day 6
From Mas de Serret to Vallon Pont d'Arc
Option 1: 13.8 kms with 100m uphill. Duration around 5hrs. Level 1/5.
Fine natural walk through holm oaks back to Vallon Pont d'Arc. If you decide to take the Rocher de Saleyron option you'll see the amazing natural bridge known as the "Pont d'Arc" from an excellent viewpoint.
You leave your donkey and using your own vehicle drive back to the campsite.
Dinner and night at campsite.
Day 7
Departure
Breakfast.
If you wish you could go off and enjoy the beaches of Savalas or Le Pont d'Arc (accessible by car).
Or perhaps visit the Caverne du Pont d'Arc, a fantastic replica of the now world-famous Grotte Chauvet. But you must book well beforehand.
Departure.
Additional info
- Spoken languages :EnglishFrench
Prices
Adult: from 425 €
Child: from 655 €.
