Andy Goldsworthy’s art refuges with our donkeys

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Duration

11 Days

Group Size

6 to 7 people

Tour Type

Itinerant Stay

Language

French, English

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What to expect

"I see the landscape as a succession of layers in which I am the last stratum" (Andy Goldsworthy) This stay with our donkeys offers a taste of adventure on a land art itinerary. It's exciting to find ourselves walking with the slow steps of donkeys carrying our bivouac gear along ancient paths that have been embellished over the last twenty years with numerous works of art in the heart of nature. We're following Andy Goldsworthy's Refuge d'Art itinerary, which crosses our territory from north to south. And because we've opted for complete autonomy during our itinerary, we'll be walking a loop with our 3 donkeys, who'll be carrying everything we need. The artist presents his work, insisting on the importance of discovering it on foot, by walking. Walking is seen as a preparation for discovering the work, and is itself an integral part of the work. Walking with donkeys offers the incredible sensation of rediscovering the timeless rhythm of the nomads within us. We rediscover the simplicity of camping, the conviviality of cooking together around the fire and sleeping close to nature. It awakens a real sense of total freedom. Two or three times we'll be able to sleep "in the sculptures" of the refuges. This is how Andy Goldsworthy presents his ideal, and indeed, bas-flancs offer simple sleeping arrangements inside the refuge where he has created his work. Chosen from the 10 days of itinerary and 150 km of paths and trails that make up the Refuge d'art project, this stay invites us to melt into the heart of the massif's most majestic folds, discovering in turn the Refuges d'art at La Ferme de Belon, Escuichière and Vieil Esclangon, as well as the more distant chapels of Sainte-Madeleine and La Forest. The telluric power of the land, its secret folds that have also inspired herman de vries, Paul-Armand Gette and Foncuberta, immerses us in the history of the land and opens us up to their multiple perspectives... From September 14 to 24, 2025 Price €985 / person, excluding insurance*. Operated by Mandala Voyages under its own registration.

Include/Exclude

  • Yurt or chalet for two at Camping Mandala for the first two nights
  • Tents for 2 people during the itinerary
  • Mountain Leader
  • Donkeys and their transport of personal luggage (max. 5 kg/person) and collective equipment
  • All meals except those taken at Mandala (dinners, picnics and breakfasts)
  • Programmed internal transfers
  • Personal expenses
  • Meals at Mandala campsite (breakfast available for 8€/pers.)
  • The drinks
  • Travel to and from the group
  • Transport before the meeting on the first day (in Digne-les-Bains) and after the end of the stay (in Digne-les-Bains)
  • Transportation during your stay for personal reasons
  • Cancellation insurance
  • Any overnight stays before and after the trip.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Mandala
Day 2 Prads - La Javie
Day 3 Refuge de la Ferme de Belon
Day 4 Ferme de Belon- Refuge de L'Escuichière - Bléone Valley
Day 5 Escuichière - Refuge du Vieil Esclangon
Day 6 Refuge du Vieil Esclangon - Col St Antoine
Day 7 Col St Antoine - Chapelle de Dromont - St Geniez
Day 8 Chapelle de Dromont - Refuge de La Forest
Day 9 Refuge de La Forest - Col de Vaumuse (or Mélan)
Day 10 col de Vaumuse - The Bois de Siron trails
Day 11 Les pistes du bois de Siron - The Ammonite slab at Digne
Carnet de voyage The shared spirit of self-guided hiking
Carnet de voyage Accommodation
Carnet de voyage Recommended equipment

Book This Tour

Contact Information / Booking Yvan THEAUDIN