Hiking with a donkey in the Cévennes, cévenol landscape

Hiking with a donkey along the cévenol trails of the Vallée Française

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Like Robert Louis Stevenson with his donkey Modestine, come and experience an unusual and delightful adventure, hiking with a pack donkey through the Cévenol countryside.

Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes, R. L. Stevenson, 1879

© Pierre Bellanger - filmed in September 2025

Fully organised hikes, reins in hand

From choosing the right donkey to planning the perfect route through our cévenol trails, arranging peaceful overnight stays in charming gîtes, and cooking meals with love - we take care of everything to offer you the stay that suits your wishes, whether you're coming as a family or as seasoned hikers.

Herd of donkeys on the cévenol trails of the Vallée Française - Ferme de la Frégère Basse

Come and meet our 22 long-eared companions and discover our life in the heart of the Cévennes.

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Are you looking for an unusual, all-inclusive holiday for a complete digital detox in nature and a reconnection with your loved ones?

You're in the right place.

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Children with donkeys at the Frégère Basse farm, Vallée Française, Cévennes

Donkeys and the Frégère Basse farm

Discover the Frégère Basse gîte
Are you hiking on the GR70, GR67 or Chemin Urbain V ?
The Gîte du Pont de Burgen welcomes you.
Bookings with Thi My: 06 17 80 07 28, pontdeburgen@gmail.com, www.pontdeburgen.fr
Guide leading a donkey trekking trip on the trails of the Cévennes

Let us guide you

Discover our offers, contact us and get a personalised quote

contact@gites-randos-cevennes.com
06 50 58 08 43
Gîte du Pont de Burgen with a donkey, a stopover on the GR70 Stevenson trail in the Cévennes

Our rates for hiking with a donkey

Day rental from €70/donkey.
All-inclusive weekend from €265/adult.
Tailor-made stays to suit your wishes.
See all rates

Find us

Ferme de la Frégère Basse
2 Chemin de la Frégère Basse
48330 Saint-Etienne-Vallée-Française
+33 6 50 58 08 43 contact@gites-randos-cevennes.com

People are talking about us...

In the media

Midi Libre

Article in Midi Libre

Our new team was interviewed in summer 2025. Read the article by clicking on the logo.
Thank you Noélie Lemaire
Facebook article

Facebook Midi Libre Mende

The Gîte du Pont de Burgen, a labelled stopover on the GR70 Stevenson trail
Petit Futé

Le Petit Futé guide

Experts visited and gave their verdict. We are now recommended by the Petit Futé travel guide.
Google

Read and leave your review on Google

★★★★★ 5 / 5

★★★★★

"Ce gîte mérite vraiment le détour. La famille prend grand soin des randonneurs. Dîner copieux et petit-déjeuner, fait avec des produits locaux. Cette famille est vraiment passionnée par ses services et généreuse en explications sur la vie rurale dans les Cévennes."

Translation: "This gîte is truly worth the detour. The family takes great care of hikers. A hearty dinner and breakfast made with local produce. This family is genuinely passionate about what they do and generous in sharing their knowledge of rural life in the Cévennes."

Christophe de G.

★★★★★

"5 jours passés avec mon mari, mes deux filles (7 et 9 ans) et deux ânes adorables que nous avions du mal à quitter ! 5 jours de dépaysement total, de belles rencontres, une vraie coupure du quotidien. Alain et Dominique sont deux hôtes adorables qui ont concocté ce séjour parfait, adapté à l'âge de nos filles."

Translation: "5 days with my husband, my two daughters (aged 7 and 9) and two adorable donkeys we had a hard time leaving! 5 days of total change of scenery, wonderful encounters, a true break from everyday life. Alain and Dominique are wonderful hosts who put together this perfect stay, perfectly suited to our daughters' ages."

Kathleen J.

★★★★★

"Nous avons bénéficié en 2018 et 2020 des conseils et de la préparation d'Alain pour notre randonnée. Nous avons loué un âne pour randonner 6 jours (ma fille de 9 ans et moi), en itinérance de gîte en gîte. Une très belle balade, loin du GR Stevenson trop fréquenté, un âne qui s'est bien entendu avec nous, des paysages à couper le souffle. À refaire !"

Translation: "In 2018 and 2020, we benefited from Alain's advice and preparation for our hike. We rented a donkey for a 6-day trek (my 9-year-old daughter and I), travelling from gîte to gîte. A wonderful walk, far from the overcrowded Stevenson trail, a donkey that got on brilliantly with us, breathtaking scenery. Would do it again!"

Arnaud D.
See all Google reviews

We look forward to welcoming you...

and sharing a wonderful time with you in our peaceful haven, over a good meal after a beautiful hike in good company.

Our 40+ years of experience will help you plan an unusual stay rooted in gentle, sustainable tourism.

The PIGACHE family looks forward to seeing you!

We are all fluent in English, so see you soon!!

Deutsch Willkommen

Donkeys & Gîtes in Vallée Française

2 chemin de la Frégère Basse
48330 Saint-Etienne-Vallée-Française
+33 6 50 58 08 43