A leisurely walk with a donkey in the Écrins, with alpine scenery and unspoilt nature.
1 / 0
A peaceful hike with a donkey in the Écrins, with breathtaking alpine scenery.
1 / 0
Two laden donkeys are walking along a gravel path, surrounded by majestic Alpine scenery.
1 / 0
A silhouette of a donkey and a hiker at sunset, with canvas tents in the background.
1 / 0
A child with a donkey watches a paraglider soaring above the Écrins mountains.
1 / 0
A picturesque hike with a donkey in the sun-drenched Écrins mountains. An adventure in nature and tranquillity.
1 / 0
Two donkeys laden with sacks, set against the lush green landscapes of the Écrins, with sheep in the background.
1 / 0
A group of walkers resting on some rocks, with mountains and a sunset in the background.
1 / 0
A mountain hike with a donkey, breathtaking alpine scenery under a blue sky.
1 / 0
An alpine landscape at dusk with tents – perfect for an adventure in the great outdoors.
1 / 0
A charming stone house, with blooming flowers and an alpine atmosphere, ideal for a nature adventure.
1 / 0
A donkey is walking along an alpine path, with majestic mountains in the background.
1 / 0
A hike in the Écrins: two hikers admire a pack donkey against a backdrop of majestic mountains.
1 / 0
Hikers accompanied by donkeys, walking through a magnificent alpine landscape under a blue sky.
1 / 0
Smiling children with donkeys, set against a backdrop of lush Alpine landscapes. An adventure in the great outdoors!
1 / 0
A group enjoying themselves around a table, preparing a meal in the heart of the countryside, under the Écrins sun.
1 / 0
Hikers are resting under the blue sky, admiring the Écrins mountains.
1 / 0
Two people in a shallow river, surrounded by pebbles and alpine greenery.
1 / 0
A majestic alpine landscape, with snow-capped mountains and animals grazing in a lush green meadow.
1 / 0
A colourful tent in a field of golden grass, with a peaceful donkey and majestic mountains in the background.
1 / 0
A hiker preparing a meal in the great outdoors, surrounded by donkeys and alpine scenery.
1 / 0
A hiker peacefully taking in the alpine landscape of the Écrins, surrounded by nature and beauty.
1 / 0
A marmot in the golden mountain pastures of the Écrins: an invitation to an adventure in the heart of nature.
1 / 0
A cosy holiday cottage surrounded by nature, ideal for recharging your batteries after a hike in the Alps.
1 / 0
A charming wooden chalet in the heart of the Écrins, surrounded by alpine scenery and flowers.
1 / 0
A cosy space with a sofa, a wooden table and a stove, ideal for relaxing after a hike.
1 / 0
An alpine landscape with picturesque chalets, lush green valleys and majestic mountains.
1 / 0
A peaceful hike with donkeys, taking in the alpine landscapes of the Écrins under a sunny sky.
1 / 0
A leisurely walk with a donkey in the Écrins, with alpine scenery and unspoilt nature.
A peaceful hike with a donkey in the Écrins, with breathtaking alpine scenery.
Two laden donkeys are walking along a gravel path, surrounded by majestic Alpine scenery.
A silhouette of a donkey and a hiker at sunset, with canvas tents in the background.
A child with a donkey watches a paraglider soaring above the Écrins mountains.
A picturesque hike with a donkey in the sun-drenched Écrins mountains. An adventure in nature and tranquillity.
Two donkeys laden with sacks, set against the lush green landscapes of the Écrins, with sheep in the background.
A group of walkers resting on some rocks, with mountains and a sunset in the background.
A mountain hike with a donkey, breathtaking alpine scenery under a blue sky.
An alpine landscape at dusk with tents – perfect for an adventure in the great outdoors.
A charming stone house, with blooming flowers and an alpine atmosphere, ideal for a nature adventure.
A donkey is walking along an alpine path, with majestic mountains in the background.
A hike in the Écrins: two hikers admire a pack donkey against a backdrop of majestic mountains.
Hikers accompanied by donkeys, walking through a magnificent alpine landscape under a blue sky.
Smiling children with donkeys, set against a backdrop of lush Alpine landscapes. An adventure in the great outdoors!
A group enjoying themselves around a table, preparing a meal in the heart of the countryside, under the Écrins sun.
Hikers are resting under the blue sky, admiring the Écrins mountains.
Two people in a shallow river, surrounded by pebbles and alpine greenery.
A majestic alpine landscape, with snow-capped mountains and animals grazing in a lush green meadow.
A colourful tent in a field of golden grass, with a peaceful donkey and majestic mountains in the background.
A hiker preparing a meal in the great outdoors, surrounded by donkeys and alpine scenery.
A hiker peacefully taking in the alpine landscape of the Écrins, surrounded by nature and beauty.
A marmot in the golden mountain pastures of the Écrins: an invitation to an adventure in the heart of nature.
A cosy holiday cottage surrounded by nature, ideal for recharging your batteries after a hike in the Alps.
A charming wooden chalet in the heart of the Écrins, surrounded by alpine scenery and flowers.
A cosy space with a sofa, a wooden table and a stove, ideal for relaxing after a hike.
An alpine landscape with picturesque chalets, lush green valleys and majestic mountains.
A peaceful hike with donkeys, taking in the alpine landscapes of the Écrins under a sunny sky.
Hiking

Hike the Ecrins with a Donkey by your side

June to September
6 days| 5 nights
Level 1
Eco-score 4/5

What you will experience

Set off on an adventure with your big-eared friend: learn how to prepare the donkeys and experience a unique itinerary in their company.
Walk at the pace of donkeys for 5 days, between larch forests, traditional hamlets and crystal-clear rivers.
Evenings of bivouacs under the stars and mountain gîtes, from wood fires to shared meals in the gîtes, to vary the atmosphere and the encounters.
Walk beneath the majestic walls of the Palastre, watching for eagles and lammergeiers flying over the valley.

Itinerary

  1. DAY1/ 6
    • Accommodation - GîteAccommodation·Gîte

    We’ll meet at 5 pm at the farmhouse gîte in Orcières. Once there, you’ll discover your cosy accommodation for the night and get to know the key companions for your stay: the donkeys who’ll be with you throughout the adventure.


    After a quick introduction to preparing the pack saddles and saddlebags, it’s time for a tour of the farm: milking the goats, discovering local produce… you’ll be immediately immersed in the authentic atmosphere of the Écrins.


    The evening ends with a meal prepared on the farm, made with local produce.

The rest is for members

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The guides who will lead your adventure

Guide Marc - Mountain leader (AMM)

Marc

Mountain leader (AMM)
FrenchFrench
EnglishEnglish

Hello, I'm Marc: mountain leader, nature guide and wildlife enthusiast. I've been running a donkey farm for the last 5 years, and have been leading groups for a few years now with my long-eared companions, whether for families, associations or groups of friends.

What's included in the price

Included

Supervision: Throughout your stay, you'll be accompanied by Marc, a certified mountain leader, naturalist guide and wildlife enthusiast.
Accommodation: You will spend two nights in a gîte (D1 and D3) and three nights (D2, D4, D5) in a bivouac under a starry sky.
Meals: All meals are included, from the first evening meal to the last picnic.
Bivouac equipment: Tents and cooking equipment for overnight bivouacs are provided.
The donkeys: Throughout your stay, you will be accompanied by 2 donkeys who will carry your luggage and logistical items. From 5 participants, a third donkey joins the group.

Not included

Transport to the meeting point
Your sleeping bag and mattress for bivouac nights
Any personal consumption

What level should you expect

Level 1
You should be at least 8 years old to participate
WHO IS IT FOR?
You want to go on an adventure with family or friends and discover mountain hiking with donkeys, with no technical difficulty.

You’re at the right level if:
  • You can walk for 3 to 5 hours a day
  • You do some exercise twice a week
  • You can manage an ascent of between 400 and 600 metres
  • You’re comfortable walking on forest tracks or GR trails
  • You’re comfortable spending 3 nights camping in the heart of the countryside, where everyone helps to set up and take down camp and prepare meals together

Getting there

Start · 17h00

Orcières

End · 16h00

Orcières

Transport

By train

By train

Want to skip the traffic and travel stress-free? The train is your ally. You can reach Orcières by train:

  • Departure station > Valence station
  • Valence station > Gap
  • Gap > Orcières

From there, we'll pick you up and take you to your destination.

By car

By car

Fancy the freedom of a road trip?

Free parking is available at the meeting point in Orcières where you can leave your car for the whole trip.

Do consider carpooling: a WhatsApp group will be set up 10 days before departure so you can organise this with the other participants.

How to register

1

Step 1

Choose your departure date and number of participants

2

Step 2

Book online by paying a deposit or the full amount directly. It is also possible to book by telephone by calling +32 460 25 61 85 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).
  • If the minimum number of participants is reached, departure is confirmed!
  • If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we will give you a full refund.
Departure is confirmed 15 days in advance for adventures lasting more than 4 days. Departure is confirmed 7 days prior for adventures lasting less than 4 days.
3

Step 3

In the case of a deposit, the remaining amount will be debited from your account before departure.

Your reviews

The opinions of our participants who have placed their trust in us

5.0/ 5 · based on 4 reviews
Nous avons participé cet été à cette randonnée itinérante de 5 jours avec des ânes en famille, avec nos deux enfants de 8 et 11 ans, et nous en gardons un très beau souvenir. Un grand merci à notre accompagnateur, Romain, qui a parfaitement géré le séjour du début à la fin, y compris lors des moments plus compliqués. Il est très présent et prend en charge une grande partie des aspects pratiques, ce qui est particulièrement appréciable. Il faut cependant garder à l'esprit qu'il reste tout de même un certain nombre de choses à gérer en tant que participant, notamment lorsqu'on voyage avec des enfants. Le matériel fourni pour les ânes était parfaitement adapté et nous a permis de profiter pleinement de l'expérience. Quant au parcours, il était tout simplement magnifique, avec des paysages variés et superbes. Nous avons particulièrement apprécié le premier bivouac, qui se trouvait dans un cadre splendide, ainsi que la nuit en auberge dont le confort a été très apprécié après deux étapes fatigantes. Concernant les points plus mitigés, nous avons trouvé que le début du parcours était sensiblement plus difficile et technique que ce à quoi nous nous attendions au regard du niveau annoncé pour le séjour. La conduite des ânes demande un temps d'adaptation, et la combinaison de cette découverte avec des étapes de randonnée déjà exigeantes a rendu les deux premiers jours assez sportifs. Heureusement, Romain a su s'adapter à la situation en modifiant intelligemment l'itinéraire afin d'alléger la troisième journée. Cette adaptation nous a permis de récupérer et de profiter pleinement de la suite du séjour. Malgré cette réserve sur le niveau de difficulté du début du parcours, nous recommandons cette expérience pour la qualité de l'encadrement, la beauté des paysages et l'originalité de l'aventure avec les ânes.
La rando itinérante dans les Vosges a été source de belles découvertes et de déconnexion. Un grand merci pour cette organisation impeccable et mention spéciale à François, notre excellent guide, qui a fait de ce séjour une réussite.
Cette première expérience de randonnée dans les vosges etait juste magique, autant sur le plan humain que sportif, cela se doit à la super organisation et à notre guide qui etait excellent, il a rendu notre séjour riche en découverte, je ne garderai que de merveilleux souvenirs. A refaire 🤩
Première expérience avec Wildhartt et première randonnée, dans les Vosges. En un mot : wouahhhh !!!Organisation, conseil. Déconnexion totale ... Bref, à jamais gravé ! :D
Guide très agréable, à l écoute des désirs et des aptitudes des participants. Refuge, accueil très sympathique, repas de qualité et très savoureux. Belle experience. Merci

Frequently asked questions

How many donkeys will be with us throughout the holiday?

Throughout your stay, you'll be accompanied by donkeys who will share the adventure with you. Gentle and sturdy, they will carry the logistics (tents, collective equipment) as well as your luggage, allowing you to trek lighter and enjoy the experience to the full. For groups of 5 or more, a third donkey joins the team to share the load and, if necessary, provide extra support for carrying luggage or children.

From what age are children admitted?

Children ages 8 and older are welcome, as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

Do donkeys carry our stuff?

Yes, but we make it a point of honour to respect the well-being of our travelling companions. The donkey can carry a load of up to 35kg maximum. During the daily treks, you should only carry your day bag with the strict minimum (water bottle, picnic, sun cream, etc.).

How comfortable are the gîtes we'll be staying in?

You will sleep 2 nights in a gîte and 3 nights in a bivouac. The gîtes are comfortable (rooms with pillows and blankets provided, toilets and showers available). You will sleep in a single bed in a shared room.

Are instalment payment options available?

Yes, that's right! At checkout, you can choose the Alma option to pay for your booking in 2x, 3x or 4x. All you have to do is select Alma at checkout and follow the instructions. It's simple, fast and secure.

Can I privatise this expedition for my group?

Yes, all our expeditions can be privatised for a group already formed, on the dates of your choice.

To make your request, go to the expedition that interests you and click on "Privatise the expedition". We'll take care of the rest!

What kind of people usually join Wildhartt expeditions ?

You don’t need to be a top athlete or adventure expert to feel at home. Most Wildhartt participants are between 25 and 60 years old, with a balanced mix of women and men.


Many join solo or in small groups of two or three. They often live in cities and are looking for a meaningful brea some time to reconnect with nature, slow down, and enjoy something real.


They usually have a regular movement practice (hiking, running, yoga...), but not with a competitive mindset. They’re in good shape, but don’t necessarily have technical skills. What brings them together is a shared desire to disconnect, observe, learn, and experience nature in a more grounded, accessible way.


If that speaks to you, you'll feel right at home. The group spirit is kind and open, and the pace adapts to everyone.

What happens if the weather is bad?

At Wildhartt, nature is our playground, rain or shine. Rain, snow or wind: our guides adapt the itinerary, activities and accommodation to guarantee you the best possible experience.
Unless safety is at stake (storm, avalanche, flood...).


In this exceptional case, we can cancel an expedition, at least one week before departure.
If this happens:
→ You can postpone your adventure at no cost,
→ Or receive a full refund.


What does the price of a Wildhartt adventure include?

At Wildhartt, transparency is essential. The price of your expedition reflects a clear breakdown of costs:

  • 30% for our guides, the mainstays of every adventure.
  • 35% for accommodation and meals, essential for your comfort.
  • 10% for equipment and transport, to guarantee safety and fluidity.
  • 25% for organisation and logistics, from first contact to the end of the expedition.
  • 1% for the rewilding of Europe, a concrete commitment to give back to nature what it gives us.

Our priority: to offer you a quality experience, with complete clarity.

Do you have any questions? Contact us.



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From
895
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Pay over time · no feesHow does it work?

Want to choose your own date with your own group?

Hassle-free from start to finish.

Full refund if departure is not confirmed
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure
Instalment facility available