In the heart of the Ariège Pyrenees, in the green valleys of Massat, we offer organised walks with donkeys on waymarked trails.From one to eight days you can discover the beauty of the mountains with our friendly donkeys, who carry your luggage and your children for a carefree, easy holiday.
Located at 1000 m elevation, Balad’âne is in the middle of the mountains, between the peak called Les Trois Seigneurs and the high altitude lake the Etang de Lers.
With family or friends, you’ll have an unforgettable experience with this gentle, brave companion.
Depending on your physical abilities and your aptitude for walking, you have the choice of different circuits (see details of our multi-day circuits).
We also offer:
- Day walks to the hamlet at the Goutets “estive” (mountain grazing pastures)
- Equestrian relay – horseriders on a trek can spend a night in tents or a tipi on the farm, with meals and paddock available
Donkey buggy rides
On Thursday and Sunday mornings in the summer we offer donkey-drawn buggy rides through the market in Massat.
You can also hire the buggy for special events like weddings or parties.
To contact us : contact@baladane.com
For more information visit our site www.baladane.com
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Balad'âne offers you overnight accommodations in the dormitory of the farmhouse (when available), in big tents and a teepee. |
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THE WALKS
We can accommodate you the night before your departure,
to explain the circuit to you and have you get to know the donkeys
The Green Valleys of Massat
circuit with accommodations
3 days / 5 nights to 5 days / 6 nights
Easy family walk of 3-5 hours
altitude 600-1100m CARTE IGN 2047 ET
Circuit with accommodations at inhabitants' homes – large tents, tipi, under a marquee, bed & breakfast rooms, chalets with half or full board.
At a donkey's pace, you'll follow along the valleys of Massat, pass through typical hamlets and from the ridges you'll admire the magnificent view of the Pyreneen chain.
Tour around Massat
4 days / 5 nights to 8 days / 9 nights
bivouac in autumn and B&B with half-board
medium difficulty, for good walkers
altitude 600 - 1600 m, IGN MAPS 2047 ET and 2048 OT
In Ariège-Pyrénées, Massat is situated between the massif of Les Trois Seigneurs and the Arize river. On this large circuit, you can admire the canton of Massat from the pastures of the Etang de Lers to the Col de Saraillé, la Souleillo of Boussenac, the picturesque valley of Liers and finally to the estives of the Trois Seigneurs. From the valleys to the crests you'll benefit from the most beautiful views of the Pyreneen chain.
The legend of the Etang de Lherz and the Site of Lamarda***
Autonomous walks
3 days/4 nights to 5 days/6 nights
[The Etang de Lherz is a mountain lake]
*bivouac in autumn in your tents
*easy to medium, 3-4 hours of walking per day
*altitude 800 – 1600 m, IGN MAP 2047 ET
Participate in an international work site the month of July !!
Site de Lamarda – A former village on the estives (high summer pastures) is in the process of being restored (thatched roofs, dry stone walls) in partnership with the association Citrus ("chantiers internationaux") and the Syndicat de l'Etang de Lherz, on the "butter route" - a educational trail being created that will link up several former shepherds' hamlets.
You can sleep in the stone cabin or camp next to it.
Etang de Lherz - explore the different aspects of the site:
- Lherzolith – a rock endemic to the Pyrenees
- Pass de Bispou with its exceptional wildlife and plantlife
- An education project for the canton's pupils - Pastoralism of yesterday and today
Bivouac around the lake or in the cabin at Courtal de Lherz
Tour of the Pic de Bernes
Circuit in semi-autonomy
3 days/4 nights
* accommodation in a mountain refuge, shepherd's hut, tent and in private home with half-board
* medium difficulty, 3–5 hours of walking per day
* altitude 800 - 1530 m, IGN MAP 2047 ET
You'll go all around Balad'âne's mountain via the Goulur estive and the valleys of Liers and Le Port. Enjoy the beautiful views over Massast and the mountain of Les Trois Seigneurs.
Estives Walk
Circuit in autonomy
2 days/3 nights or 3 days/4 nights
* bivouac, tent, refuge, mountain cabin, shepherd's hut
* East to medium family walk, 3-5 hours walking per day altitude 800-1600m IGN MAP 2047 ET
On the 3 estives of our little mountain community, GOUTETS, GOULUR and the ETANG de LHERZ, you'll discover the pastoralism of yesterday and today, exceptional dry stone architecture, an unspoiled landscape and unforgettable panoramic views.
Estives circuits
Circuits in automony, accommodations
1 to 3 days / 4 nights
Rando facile à moyenne de 3-5 hours de marche
altitude 800-1600m CARTE IGN 2047 ET
"Estives" is the word for the mountain grazing pastures where the cows, sheep and horses spend the summer months. On the three estives of our little mountain community, Goutets, Goulur and the Etang de Lers, you can discover the pastoral life of yesterday and today, the exceptional dry stone architecture, a wild, unspoiled landscape and unforgettable panoramas.