Hiking with a donkey in the Cévennes, following in Stevenson's footsteps
A donkey, a path, Stevenson's Cévennes: walking differently from Aumessas.
Duration
5 days
From
€660/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Style
Itinerant travel
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
An unforgettable adventure, away from the overcrowded GR Stevenson, explore the wild trails of the Cévennes with a donkey and camp under the stars, in the International Dark Sky Reserve. For 5 days and 4 nights, Captain Okwari will introduce you to the magic of hiking with a donkey.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome and transfer to Aumessas
If you arrive by train + bus (Nîmes town centre and bus), we will welcome you in the small town of Vigan (30) for a short transfer to the charming village of Aumessas.
Why not start this trip by relaxing with the locals over a game of petanque? Welcome to the South!
After visiting the village and its small, atypical streets, we enjoy a good local pizza on the suspended terrace. We spend our first night in an unusual accommodation, under a yurt or Berber tent. Tomorrow is the big departure!
Welcome to Cévennes National Park
After a good breakfast, Captain Okwari guides us towards the donkeys, who are eager to take to the trails! We start our first hike towards la Condamine.
Entering the heart of the beautiful Parc National des Cévennes is an opportunity to discover the beauty of nature and learn about different workshops: tasting edible wild plants, observing fauna and flora with binoculars, hydrology, landscape reading…
At the end of the day, we set up our bivouac in front of a fascinating panorama. Join a very beautiful swimming spot with natural bathtubs. After the meal, and weather permitting, Okwari will offer you a time of observation looking up towards the International Dark Sky Reserve. Night under the stars or in a tent, depending on your preferences.
Activities: 3 to 4 hours of hiking, 8 km, 800 m elevation gain +
Vallon de Montlouvier and its Druidic Forest
After breakfast, we resume the hiking trails, at the pace of the animals in the Montlouvier valley. We cross a forest with druidic charm: large mossy granite boulders, beech and oak trees…
We reach the Lingas massif and the area of the Pises lake, a little gem set in its green surroundings which houses an astronomical observatory. The alpine pastures appear, open high-altitude environments listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
At the end of the day, we reach our lodge to enjoy a good hearty meal before falling into the arms of Morpheus. Night in a dormitory, cozy mountain hut atmosphere!
Activities: 5 hours of hiking, 12 km, -300 + 300 m elevation gain
Between forests and pastures
This day allows you to fully enjoy the variety of landscapes of the Cévennes and its exceptional panoramas. We hike between forests and pastures before tackling the Col de l'Homme mort (which is only worrying in name, don't worry!)
The panorama opens up and you may have the chance to spot the sea. Okwari guides you in reading the landscape to help you get your bearings.
Descent towards the Baraque des chasseurs for a cheerful bivouac setup around 4pm. Relax, unwind, play, read or follow Okwari to spend time near the animals. Oh yes, a swimming spot will of course be available to complete the picture.
Activities: 10 km, -300 -150 m elevation gain
Last day with the donkeys
By a winding path, we gradually leave the forests for the broom heaths facing the superb view over the valleys.
Descent to the village of Aumessas with a beautiful stop at the St Peyre rock, to reach the village of Vernes et Aumessas, for the end of this wonderful adventure, around 5 p.m.
Return transfer to Vigan for those returning by bus+train.
Activities: 7 km, -750 m elevation loss
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Transport to the meeting place
- Personal extras
- Everything that is not explicitly mentioned as included
Included
- The service and guidance provided by the guide
- Unusual accommodation and guesthouse lodging
- Full board from dinner on day 1 to afternoon tea on the last day.
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Our adventures take place in France: a valid national identity card (or passport) is all you need. No visa or entry formalities required, and no mandatory vaccinations.
Keep an identity document with you during your stay. Travelers coming from abroad should check their entry requirements for France with the authorities of their country of residence.
Our micro-adventures take place in France. Liability insurance and mountain rescue and assistance coverage are highly recommended — they are often already included with a bank card, a FFME / FFCAM membership, or your home insurance.
For fixed-date group departures, consider cancellation insurance. If in doubt, your Captain will guide you toward the coverage best suited to your activity (hiking, bivouacking, climbing, ski touring, etc.).
Required Level
- Physical Effort: moderate
- Technical Prerequisites: None
- Accessibility: From 16 years old if accompanied by an adult
Accommodation
Bivouac:
- in guesthouse
- under tent
Personal Equipment to Bring
● A suitcase or bag of 35/40 liters max and without wheels (for the sides of our donkey friends) ● A small soft bag, backpack type, that you will wear during the days and which will serve as your carry-on luggage. > Once your bags are packed, they should not exceed 15 kg combined. ● Sleeping bag (comfort 5 to 0 degrees approximately) ● Hiking poles if needed ● Sunglasses ● Earplugs ● Towel (medium size) ● Small tube of sunscreen with SPF 50 protection ● High-cut hiking shoes well broken in (very important) ● Relaxation shoes for end of day or pair of sneakers ● Shower gel or biodegradable soap ● Toilet paper ● Water bottle of 1.5 liters minimum ● A large plastic bag and small ones to wrap your belongings in case of bad weather ● Headlamp ● Knife ● Personal medications / light personal first aid kit ● T-shirts/polo shirts ● Pants (canvas type) ● Bermuda shorts, shorts or capris ● Light long-sleeved clothing ● Hat with brim or cap ● Cotton socks and pairs of socks dedicated to hiking ● Fleece or sweaters for evenings and something to cover yourself ● Waterproof type windbreaker ● Swimsuit for the beautiful rivers of the Cévennes
Departure confirmation: at the latest 7 days before the trip date
Confirmed departure: from 6 registrations onwards
Sales closure: up to 3 days before departure, subject to availability
Meeting at 17:00
Le Vigan (30) for those coming by train (Nîmes center) + bus. Welcome in the village of Aumessas (30) for those coming by car.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
France is part of the Schengen area. French nationals have no procedures to complete, of course. If you invite foreign relatives to join you, the conditions vary depending on their nationality: check with the French embassy in their country of residence before purchasing any tickets.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality custom trip, budget between €200 and €400 per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and activities. Paris is noticeably more expensive than the provinces. Our detailed quote allows you to adjust each item according to your preferences and comfort level.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We design itineraries at your pace, with stops tailored to children: Loire Valley châteaux, natural parks, Provençal villages, Breton and Basque beaches. We select family-friendly accommodations and activities that blend discovery and enjoyment for the youngest travelers.
It's simple: chat with our team to define your wishes, dates and budget. You'll receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours, which you can adjust freely. Once confirmed, your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your stay to answer any questions.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Nomadays is a network registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee, which protects all your funds in case of default. Secure payment, English-speaking assistance during your trip and support from A to Z: your peace of mind is our priority.
Let's talk about your adventure — Cévennes Massif Central
A Nomadays advisor will get back to you to refine this project — itinerary, dates, budget, wishes — and propose a tailor-made version suited to your trip.
