Walking with pack donkeys

Zebulon and Truly just love children, and they especially like being stroked between their ears. Every week, they delight children aged 5 to 11, and they'll even carry the bags without complaining.

The Guides' Office can organise mini-trips in the Upper Giffre, to discover the natural environment at altitudes ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 m. The trips are specially thought out for children in the 6 to 10 age group. There are forests of conifers, mountain pastures, gentians, and rhododendrons all along our route. On our way, we may well see marmots, chamois, or even a golden eagle. Our two female donkeys carry the backpacks.

Family outings with a difference: the Cairn takes you on outings with donkeys!

Romeo, Romeo, everyone's talking about Romeo. It's true that he carries his own bag, he eats more or less everything she gives him, and what's more, sometimes he carries her on his back. Perhaps I should tell you that Romeo is a charming young fellow six years old, a Provence donkey, one of the children's favourites, our off-road donkeys with their big ears!! A carefree outing without anything to carry, and divided up into daily stages thought out with the youngest kiddies in mind, to make the most of your children's company in grandiose scenery. We go along paths that are thousands of years old and were formerly used by travellers. Here are some examples of family outings: Mountain pastures in the Aravis; Mont Blanc Tour, Short Tour of Paradis, the Stevenson GR70 Trail (Cevennes-Le Puy en Velay-Chasseradès), Queyras Tour etc.

Donkeys are ideal companions for your family outings and they interest young and old alike.

Visit the Upper Giffre valley accompanied by our donkeys... Located midway between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, our valley has a very long past. We have been organising hiking trips with pack donkeys since 1995. You have a choice between two solutions:
- Outings with guides: you will be hiking with Stéphane, a qualified guide, who will share with you his hiking experience with donkeys and his knowledge of the area. This is a totally carefree way of exploring the trails in the Sixt Fer à Cheval Nature Reserve. The trips range from one-day outings to treks lasting 2 to 6 days, with overnight stays in huts or under canvas.
- Outings on your own: if you feel ready to go on a hike without a guide, we can suggest a route and book your stays at the mountain huts accordlingly. We will teach you to lead your donkey before you set out. The routes take you into the heart of the Sixt Fer à Cheval Nature Reserve and are perfect for those who prefer to go at their own pace. The trips range from one-day outings to treks lasting 2 to 6 days, with overnight stays in mountain huts.