The Odyssey Walk

Before you leave, take advantage ofcomplete training with a donkey trekking professional. You will learn how to take care of this gentle and patient animal – brushing, cleaning the feet, putting on the pack saddle – and will receive all the necessary explanations to guide your donkey with ease. With your new walking companion, you can set off with peace of mind to explore the Brionnais.

Given the maximum weight a donkey can carry (30 to 35 kilos maximum per donkey), we recommend taking one donkey for 3 to 4 people maximum. This rule varies depending on the age of the children and their ability to walk the entire hike or not: we therefore advise you to carefully assess the weight that the donkey will have to carry during the hike and possibly take an additional donkey as an option if necessary.

What you need for your donkey trek:

• Your clothes (don't forget practical, lightweight rain gear and caps).
  A good pair of hiking shoes and possibly a second pair to rest your feet in the evening BUT LIGHT (sandal type).
• Shower gel and shampoo not provided in guest rooms.
• One water bottle per person of at least 1,5 liters which will be filled every morning before your departure.
• A small emergency pharmacy (antiseptic, bandages, aspirin, mosquito and tick repellent, tick remover, sunscreen).
• A mountain bike helmet for children riding the donkey (MANDATORY, not provided).
• A water spray bottle (usually used for plants), very useful for cooling you down during hot weather.

What you don't need for your donkey trek:

• You don't need towels, sheets or sleeping bags.
• You don't need any picnic equipment, everything will be provided.
• Games for children (there is everything you need in the accommodation).
• Extra food (including for the donkey), meals, breakfasts and picnics are very plentiful, don't worry!

In the month before your departure, you will receive:

• The list of accommodations.
• The hiking log and all useful information (variants, distances, walking times, etc.).
• Hiking maps in pdf (but no need to print them, they will be provided to you in laminated A4 format on your arrival).
• The route in .gpx format for GPS (sent on simple request via the internet).

It is recommended to have a minimum knowledge of reading IGN maps. All details in the *FAQ*.

Walking times are given as an indication, without break times and depend on your walking level.
NB: D+: elevation gain, D-: elevation gain downhill.

The Federation has designed a practical tool to estimate the difficulty of a hike with a donkey.
A simple tool that we used to give you an idea of ​​the level required for this hike.
The FFRandonnée rating is intended to be a faithful reflection of the difficulty of a hike expressed according to 3 criteria: EFFORT, TECHNICITY and RISK

General level of the hike: NOT HARD

• EFFORT: LEVEL 3/5: NOT HARD

Hiking requires a certain physical commitment, but it remains measured. This level corresponds to moderate hiking.

• TECHNICALITY: Level 2/5: QUITE EASY

Route or portion of a route with obstacles less than or equal to ankle height. The foot is placed by looking for "flat" or "comfortable" areas of the support, which are fairly easy to identify.

• RISK: Level 2/5: QUITE LOW

Fairly low level of accident risk. Exposure to danger remains limited. Injuries are possible but minor (examples: path with fairly steep relief with possible embankments, possible dislocations and sprains in the event of a fall, etc.).

De 380 to 400 € per adult in double room with full board
De 290 to 310 € per child from 12 years old full board
De €230 to €250 per child under 12 years old full board
De €115 to €135 per child under 3 years old full board
€50 per child sleeping in a cot

€325 per rented donkey (one donkey for 3 to 4 people)

These rates are for a minimum of 2 adults or 1 adult and 1 child aged 12 and over participating and staying in the same room. For families of more than 5 people, for people wanting separate rooms, a supplement will be indicated in the quote. For single-parent families with children under 12, a supplement will be indicated in the quote.

These rates are given for information purposes only. Depending on your requests, a customized quote will be established before booking. Do not hesitate to let us know any useful information for organizing your stay.

The donkey trek program is given for information purposes only, it may be modified depending on weather conditions, the level of the group and/or the availability of accommodation.

These prices include:

• Your donkey's hiking equipment (pack saddle and saddlebags) and its food.
• The complete organization of your hike.
• Accommodation during the hike includes full board from picnic lunch on day 1 to picnic lunch on day 5.
• The departure briefing: advice on leading a donkey, itinerary.
• The routes on the IGN map for each day of hiking, as well as a detailed route map.
• GPX tracks for each day of hiking can be downloaded before your arrival.

These prices do not include:

• Drinks and personal expenses.
• Accommodation the day before and the last day of hiking.
  • From €71 per adult in a double room with full board.
  • From €48 per child aged 12 and over, full board.
  • From €32 per child under 12 years old with full board.
  • From €20 per child under 4 years old with full board.
  • free baby bed
• Transportation to the starting point of the hike and back.
• The repatriation of the donkey and hikers to the starting point in the event of abandonment on your part.
• Multi-risk epidemic insurance.
• Transporting luggage by vehicle.

Available options:

• An additional night in half-board the day before the hike
• An additional night in half board on the last day of the hike
• An extra donkey
• Taxi transfer from the train station to Melay
• Multi-risk epidemic insurance