Andy Goldsworthy’s art refuges with our donkeys

Welcome at Mandala from 5pm, in Prads Haute Bléone (www.camping-mandala.fr ).

For this first night, you'll be staying in genuine Mongolian yurts in a magnificent mountain setting. After settling in, we meet up for a presentation of the trip and our donkey friends. An initial explanation of donkey care and pack assembly is given. We prepare our first meal together in the campsite's communal kitchen. Overnight in a 4-person yurt

After breakfast, we set off with our donkeys and equip them for the small village of La Javie. After a picnic in the donkeys' meadow, we visit the village's ecomuseum, featuring ancient life, before returning to the campsite for a second night here.

Free meal on the campsite with access to the communal kitchen Ascent + 0; - 218; 11 km

We meet the donkeys at their pasture after a car transfer. The donkeys are battened and ready to go.

We climb up to the Col de la Cèpe before heading for our first refuge, created by Andy Goldsworthy in 2003: the Refuge d'art de la ferme Belon. This former farmhouse tells the story of human occupation of the most remote areas, and more recently served as a refuge for the Resistance during the Second World War. Discovery of Andy's work and presentation of his work on the Refuges d'art around Digne les Bains. Overnight in tents near the Ferme de Belon refuge or inside the refuge (Alt. 1,020 m.) Ascent +250 m ; - 70 ; 13 km

We take advantage of the peacefulness of this place to start the morning before getting our donkeys ready and putting away our equipment. With the donkeys packed, we begin our walk up the ridge for an hour or so, where we join the track that we follow until it forks and leads down to the village of Le Brusquet.

We pass the village before starting the climb up the other side from the Mousteiret bridge. A final climb before discovering the Refuge de l'Escuichière just before the pass where we'll set up camp. Total ascent + 827 m; - 552 m; 14 km

One morning we enjoy another exceptional view from our camp at the pass. We have a magnificent panorama in front of us. After breakfast and preparation of the donkeys, we begin our hike with a descent. Today's walk is not long, and we can even enjoy a nice break on the banks of the river Le Bès, where we can swim and picnic below the village of Esclangon.

The afternoon is spent climbing back up to the Refuge du Vieil Esclangon, where we have plenty of time to appreciate this exceptional site in the old village. We can even discover the panorama for which our region is famous: the Vélodrome and the Facibelle blade. It's a day of recuperation after the long day the day before, and there's plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, the river and, above all, the Refuge itself. Ascent + 305 m; - 500 m; 7 km.

We return down the previous day's track to cross the Bès and climb up to the hamlet of Tanaron. This small village has recently been repopulated and the stone houses have been rebuilt. We cross a long forest before reaching the village of Lambert and climbing up to the Col de St Antoine, where we spend the night in a bivouac. It's a magnificent natural spot with no shortage of water sources.

Ascent + 915 m; - 540 m; 14.5 km

We leave this place of peace to descend to the village of Authon, which we reach for a picnic. We rejoin the road and walk to our bivouac via the small road to St Geniez and the "Mauvais Pas".

Ascent + 210 m; - 500 m; 13.5 km

We visit the chapel of Dromont, a very old chapel dating back to the first centuries of Christianity, which shares part of its history with the 4th-century Roman city of Theopolis.

The tour explains very well both the historical content of this place and its cultic and sacred aspect. It's a short day that takes us to the superb La Forest art refuge, where we spend the night. Ascent + 300 m; - 470 m; 8 km

From the Refuge, we head back down to the track that leads up to the Col de Mounis. Here we join the Duyes valley, one of the many tributaries of the Bléone. From here we climb up the gentle ridge to reach our bivouac site at its summit at 1375 m. We set up camp overlooking the valleys on either side, with a breathtaking view of the immensity of this territory.

Ascent + 715 m; - 315 m; 10.5 km

Descent to the village of Thoard, one of the prettiest in our mountains. We then climb back up to the Refuge d'art de la chapelle Sainte-Madeleine, where we take a break in this refuge which is a response to the work of La Forest. We then climb back up the Siron ridge to our bivouac spot, where nature is still generous. We overlook a new valley, the Robine.

Ascent + 681 m; - 674 m; 13 km

*We may have to modify the itinerary indicated, either for organizational reasons (overcrowding of accommodation, changes in terrain conditions, landslides, damaged trails, etc.), or at the guide's discretion (weather, group level, etc.). These modifications are always made in your interest, for your safety and comfort.

Autonomous hiking covers a whole range of practices, including radically reducing the weight of your backpack. It's also a state of mind that refuses to depend exclusively on modern infrastructures (tarmac roads, automobile transport, etc.). This can be achieved by choosing lightweight equipment - which is not necessarily expensive - and keeping only the bare essentials.

For years, we've been choosing this way of traveling out of a sense of consistency. Firstly, because we love the freedom it brings. Secondly, out of respect for nature, we believe it's preferable to keep luggage transport by vehicle to a minimum. Lastly, our taste takes us to isolated, beautiful and peaceful places, far from road networks and difficult to access. In addition, we feel that this is a good way to discover the work of Andy Goldsworthy and other artists who have spread throughout our mountains. Donkeys: A friendly presence, they open up the potential for hiking and self-sufficiency, without hindering our progress. Offering their carrying capacity, they enrich the joy of sharing through their presence. They carry our tents, kitchen equipment, luggage and food supplies. But they also require daily care and attention, which we'll share with you. Supervision: Yvan accompanies you on this route, where art has been established over the last 20 years and geology is omnipresent. He has lived in the area for over 20 years. (If he is unable to be present for health or other reasons, a fellow mountain leader accredited by the museum will accompany you.) Difficulty: Although level 5/5 due to its length, this route presents no particular hiking difficulties. We'll always be on trails, forest tracks and sometimes roads. Good hiking boots are essential for this itinerary. We walk at the pace of the donkeys, which is neither regular nor fast. (Some passages with the donkeys require a demanding physical presence).

Nights 1 and 2 in a yurt at the Mandala campsite Nights 3 to 10 in a tent (provided) or possible in an art hut for nights 3, 5 and 8

The donkeys carry your belongings. Maximum weight per person for personal items: 5 kg. A precise list and practical information will be sent to you after your registration.

Don't neglect your equipment to lighten your rucksack. We insist on sun protection (hat, sun cream); a light sleeping bag, effective against the cold (at night, the temperature can drop to +5°); a comfortable mattress (no beds in the art refuges, we'll be sleeping directly on wooden benches); comfortable mountain boots, with good soles, stiffeners and good waterproofing; a mini first-aid kit with a second skin (Compeed type), bandages and painkillers, and any personal medicines you may need. The guide will carry a basic first-aid kit. In spring and autumn, weather conditions are ideal: not too hot during the day, not too cool at night. A sweater is often sufficient for the evening, but you'll need a good sleeping bag. The weather is generally dry, but a shower or thunderstorm can never be ruled out, even in midsummer, when temperatures drop sharply. That's why you'll need to have something with you to protect you from the rain and cold. If you need advice on choosing the right equipment, don't hesitate to call or write to us.