Step by step with a donkey
3 days/2 nights
See on map
Hautes-Combes is a lively, self-confident, middle-altitude rural area far from cities and major roadways, separated from nearby Switzerland by the Jura Range. The clever, ingenious people 'up there' have always done whatever it takes to 'stay put'. They are farmers, wood-turners, lumberjacks, stonecutters and shepherds. They will always be glad to share a few friendly moments with you on your hike.
This walk at a steady pace takes you through the lively areas of Hautes-Combes: quaint villages, herds of semi-wild horses and bisons, scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, spruce forests and shady trails.
ACCESS :
A40 and A404 to Oyonnax or TGV high-speed train to Bellegarde
ACCOMMODATION :
Stage lodging
MEALS :
Half board
PROGRAMME :
Day 1
LA PESSE – BELLECOMBE. Welcome: 9:30 a.m. at Berbois farm.
Introduction to the donkey: grooming, care, saddle-packing.
If weather permits and you feel like it, you can hike up to the Truchet viewpoint, which overlooks the Valserine Valley.
Distance: 7km – Time: 2 to 3 hours.
Day 2
BELLECOMBE – LE COINCHET. Across Bellecombe Forest to the wooden chapel at Cariche, through the village of Les Moussières with optional tour of the Maison des Fromages (Cheese House), arrival at the refuge, where your hosts and their sled dogs will welcome you.
Distance: 14km – Time: 5 hours.
Day 3
LES MOUSSIERES – LA PESSE
The way back to Berbois farm features typical Haute- Jura scenery: a spruce forest, mountain lake, pastures, sheep and cows.
Hike to Combe aux bisons (meal possible) and on the Nerbief Ridge. Distance: 10km – Time: 4 hours.
PRICES : From 15 may to 15 september 2011
| Price per person | Everyday from june to october 2010 | |
| halfboard/person | halfboard/kind (3-11 years old) | |
| 3 days/2 nights | 265 € | 175 € |
| Additional night | 39 € | 33 € |
Reduction of 10 pourcent starting from 4 people
Based on the participation of:2 persons
Level: easy – accessible to all, including children over 3 years old.
Start: La Pesse 9:30 a.m.
Finish: La Pesse
Starting point: Berbois farm (4km from La Pesse)
Arrival point:Berbois farm (4km from La Pesse)
THE PRICE INCLUDES :
Equipped donkey and its food, start-up on the first morning with a guide/donkey-driver, 1:25,000 IGN map with the route marked on it, description of the daily itinerary, accommodation with half-board.
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE :
Beverages during and outside meals, lunch (picnic possible, ask when arriving at the accommodation). Transport to the departure point. Processing fees (€6.50).
the bedlinen and bathroom linen.
OPTIONAL :
Cancellation insurance: 2.5 % of the price.
Additional donkey : for 1 donkey : 116 € ; meal with bison in the menu (lunch day 3.).
Do you need information, a brochure or a booking?
Contact us by phone from Mondays to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. :
> In France (or 03 81 250 800) > From overseas (+33 3 81 250 800)
or by e-mail : info@franche-comte.org (+ list of countries)