Peaks, rivers and lakes of the Ardèche mountains

Opening : From 01/04 to 31/10/2026 daily.

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Specialising in guided hikes, whether self-guided or accompanied by a donkey, Massif Central Randonnées+ offers you a unique holiday exploring the rivers, lakes and dams of the region where the Loire has its source.

A beautiful hiking route that takes you along the crystal-clear rivers of the Ardèche mountains. You’ll also discover Lake Issarlès, an ancient maar-type volcanic crater considered one of the deepest lakes in France. Two lovely swimming areas have been created there. You’ll cross the Loire and other streams, and you’ll be able to climb two volcanic peaks.

A 2- or 3-day option is available with shorter stages; please contact us.

Every day, you’ll hike alongside rivers, cross streams, and camp near the lakes and volcanoes of the Ardèche.

4-day hiking donkey hire
4-day donkey hire – Camping tour
4 days / 3 nights / 4 days of hiking with a donkey, easy to moderate difficulty.

A beautiful hiking route that takes you along the crystal-clear rivers of the Ardèche mountains. You will also discover Lake Issarlès, an ancient maar-type volcanic crater considered one of the deepest lakes in France. Two lovely swimming areas have been created there. You will cross the Loire and other streams and have the chance to climb two volcanic peaks.

A 2- or 3-day option is available with shorter stages; please contact us for details.

Minimum 2 people.

Ages 8–10 and above.

Times and meeting point

Meeting point: 9am at the donkey hire centre ‘Les ânes de Farfara’*,

Ferme de Pré Lafont at the Col de la Barricaude.
888 Route de la Brousse, 07450 Burzet.
The farm is located outside the village of Burzet (14 km from the village centre) and is closer to the villages of Sagnes and Goudoulet (4 km).

GPS coordinates: UTM - WGS84: 31T 0595613 4957826
Accommodation

Overnight stay at a campsite.

Please bring your own camping equipment: tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, camping stove, cooking pots and pans, torch, etc. See the ‘Equipment’ section.

For the donkeys, a portable fence (to be set up at each stop) with an electric fence unit will be provided. All this is included in the donkey hire price.

Don’t forget to let the campsite managers know that you’ll be arriving with a donkey.

Matériel à prévoir

Cap
- Sunglasses
- Rainwear
- Warm clothing (a small hat and a pair of gloves). Remember, we’re in the mountains, so mornings and evenings can be chilly.
- Binoculars, if you have them
For camping:

- Tent
- Sleeping mat
- Sleeping bag
- Camping stove and cookware
- Cutlery, plates, etc.
- Head torch
For luggage on the donkeys:

- A soft, waterproof bag to put in the leather saddlebags.
- An additional waterproof tube-style bag or rucksack to carry extra items.
And a few carrots as treats for the donkeys. Avoid bread.

+ 4 LR6-AA batteries for the portable radio

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