A family getaway to the Berbois mountain refuge, accompanied by a donkey

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In the heart of the Haut Jura Regional Nature Park, you’ll follow specially designed routes and pass through stunning landscapes.
This donkey trekking route allows you to set off as a family with young children, to discover donkeys
and experience a two-day walking tour. It’s a great way to go hiking with your young children without having to carry them, but be warned: once you set off with a donkey, you run the risk… of never being able to do without one!

Details

n°4134176
Creation:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 12.03 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2 days 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,732 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,742 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 4,495 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 3,862 ft

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

  1. S

    Ferme de Vu d’En Haut - Refuge du Berbois

    ↔4.15 mi ↗630 ft ↘459 ft
    Partez à la découverte les paysages préservés des Montagnes du Jura avec un âne, c'est le meilleur moyen pour en voir toute leur beauté ! Vous pourrez prendre le temps d'y observer la faune et la flore du territoire et d'y ressentir cette diversité qui se dévoilera au fil des sentiers. Prenez le temps de respirer, d'observer et d'être à l'écoute pour découvrir l'identité profonde du parc Naturel du Haut Jura.
    View the route
  2. E

    Refuge du Berbois - Ferme de Vu D’en Haut

    ↔7.87 mi ↗1,073 ft ↘1,250 ft
    Le périple se poursuit par la traversée d'un territoire à part et hors du temps ! Les hauts plateaux d’altitude offrent bien plus que leurs paysages magiques. Entre respect des traditions et culture de l’insolite, les Hautes-Combes n’ont pas fini de vous surprendre. Ces grands espaces à perte de vue, rythmés par les combes et les forêts d’épicéas, sont propices aux loisirs nordiques l’hiver et à la randonnée l’été.
    View the route

Notes

What’s a hike with a donkey like?

First and foremost: it’s all about the fun. Before being a pack animal, the donkey is a travelling and hiking companion.
Throughout your journey, it will particularly enjoy cuddles and affection, and will show you its own affection in return.

You’ll soon realise that a bond forms between you and your donkey. As for the children, they’re won over from the very first moment. What’s more, with its naturally mischievous and theatrical nature, the donkey will entertain you with its comedic talents. It breaks the ice and opens doors for you. In short, it brings your hike to life.

Secondly: the pace. A donkey walks at a steady pace of between 2.5 and 4 km/h. The appeal of trekking with a donkey lies precisely in this pace: it’s slow and steady. It will allow you to enjoy the trek, the scenery, the wildlife and the flora… It’s a chance to take a breather and take your time. And above all, it’s the perfect pace for children!

Carrying equipment and your luggage:

Each donkey is fitted with a pack saddle consisting of two large pockets with a total capacity of 120 to 130 litres (equivalent to two rucksacks). In addition, bulky items such as clothing and sleeping bags can be placed on top of these two pockets…
To do this, please bring some thin straps or bungee cords. The donkey can therefore carry a weight of 35 to 40 kg. Any excess weight will need to be carried by you.
To make the best use of the large pockets, we strongly recommend using large plastic bags (such as bin bags) or small, flexible canvas bags. Bear in mind that it is always better to have four, five or six small containers rather than two large bags, which are impractical for the large pockets. Any excess luggage can, in any case, always be left at your starting accommodation.

Even though the donkey is there to carry your luggage, do still make sure you have one or two small rucksacks to carry your water bottle, your wallet and any fragile items, such as a camera.

Information to help you prepare for your trek:
==> Book a donkey: http://www.anes-jura.com/tarifs-location...
==> Book your accommodation: http://www.leberbois.com/
==> Book an all-inclusive holiday: https://www.jura-rando.com/a-pied-avec-u...
Remember to book in advance!

This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:

Worth a visit

In the village of La Pesse: ‘La Fruitière’ is a charming shop where you can find and take home some lovely local produce: cheese, wine, cured meats, honey, local jams, craft beers, gifts and more.

La Borne au Lion is 10 minutes from your accommodation. From the Berbois refuge, follow the tarmac road leading to the Borne aux Lions site (information boards).

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

Other walks in the area

Walking Lac d’Embouteilleux and Crêt du Nerbier

Visorando Member
Le Lac d'Embouteilleux et le Crêt du Nerbier
↔7.82 mi ↗+981 ft ↘-981 ft ◔4h 25 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from La Pesse (Jura)
A varied route through pastures (don’t forget to close the gates!), woodland and an ascent to the Crêt du Nerbier.

Walking The Borne au Lion and the Crêt du Nerbier from the Anquerne

Visorando Member
La Borne au Lion et le Crêt du Nerbier au départ de l'Anquerne
↔6.86 mi ↗+971 ft ↘-942 ft ◔4h 00 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from La Pesse (Jura)
Head for the Borne au Lion via paths that are less frequented than those starting from La Pesse. The route takes you through forests and rolling pastures typical of this region. This hike can be done on foot or with snowshoes, and the landscapes are beautiful in both summer and winter. The route is easy, with regular signposting.

Walking Borne au Lion - Crêt de Chalam

Visorando Member
Borne au Lion - Crêt de Chalam
↔3.28 mi ↗+846 ft ↘-846 ft ◔2h 15 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from La Pesse (Jura)
A breathtaking view. This hike is a round trip to Crêt de Chalam where, on a clear day, you will have a 360° panorama of the Jura and the Alps. At the summit, there are two orientation tables.

Walking The Crêt de Chalam

Visorando Member
Le crêt de Chalam
↔2.78 mi ↗+942 ft ↘-948 ft ◔2h 05 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from La Pesse (Jura)
Short hike with magnificent views of Reculet, Crêt de la Neige and Mont Blanc (in clear weather). Moderator's addition on 07/08/2021: Since this hike was created, the trail for the return seems to have deteriorated and some hikers have preferred to do the round trip. See reviews

Walking La Borne au Lion - Refuge de la Loge

Tourist office
↔6.86 mi ↗+2,060 ft ↘-1,617 ft ◔4h 55 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from La Pesse (Jura)
Open from 1 April to 30 November (subject to there being no snow) First stage of the Grande Traversée du Jura walking route: from La Borne au Lion to Culoz, in 6 days. The GTJ links Mandeure (Doubs) to Culoz (Ain) in 15 to 20 days, crossing the Jura Mountains and the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park. The route proposed here corresponds to the second half of the itinerary. The route winds through the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve: a protected area to be explored with respect. Part of the route passes through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. Dogs and tent camping are prohibited. Please respect these rules to help preserve this exceptional environment.

Walking Grande Traversée du Jura: from La Borne au Lion to Culoz

Tourist office
↔62.98 mi ↗+11,985 ft ↘-15,436 ft ◔6 days ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from La Pesse (Jura)
The GTJ runs through the Jura Mountains from Mandeure (Doubs) to Culoz (Ain), crossing the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and offering a detour into Switzerland. The route suggested here covers the second half of the itinerary. Opened in 2004, the GTJ follows the GR®5, GR®9 and GR® de Pays trails for 400 km. Winding along ridges, skirting lakes and emerging from forests, this is a route accessible to most people, with no particular difficulty. It can be tackled as a 2–3-day trip for families, or as the full 15–20-day route. The route winds through the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve: a protected area to be explored with respect.

Walking The Couloirs circuit starting from Les Bouchoux

Association / Club / Walk leader
Le circuit des couloirs au départ des Bouchoux
↔4.75 mi ↗+1,486 ft ↘-1,506 ft ◔3h 30 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Les Bouchoux (Jura)
A short hike from the village of Les Bouchoux, which allows you to gain some height to see the surrounding area and take a short detour to a superb waterfall.

Walking Crêt de Chalam and La Borne au Lion via the Combe d'Évuaz

Visorando Member
Le Crêt de Chalam et la Borne au Lion par la Combe d'Évuaz
↔11.15 mi ↗+2,362 ft ↘-2,333 ft ◔7h 10 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from La Pesse (Jura)
An original route to reach Crêt de Chalam and La Borne au Lion. Passing through the Combe d’Évuaz, which is not without charm, a little way from La Pesse. A forest route offering, of course, the truly remarkable panorama from Crêt de Chalam. Descend then via Col de l’Encoche (difficult and very difficult if you’re not very agile, but a possible alternative) to reach Borne au Lion. Please note: between (3) and (4) there is no path and brambles are present. A map or GPS is essential. Route and description amended following feedback from hikers.

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