7 independent reviews for Mercantour family hiking vacation, France
Reviews for Mercantour family hiking vacation, France
Janne Thomsen review 3 Sep 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Sarah Dorkenwald review 22 Aug 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
To reach the mountain top the last day if the 7 hiking days2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
To keep the smartphone at home3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, very much4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I did the hike together with my daughter who is ten years and I think from this travel she could more benefit for her life than from any other materialised consumerism such as buying stuff ...Lucy Chadwick review 3 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The walking is fantastic and the donkey became a firm companion. We hardly met anyone on the trails. So different to walking in England.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take lots of layers. There was still snow at the top in June (though this was unseasonable).3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes very much4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was fantastic. We loved it (even when it rained).John Tyler review 2 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Traveling with a Donkey as companion - a delightful character. We were early in the season so it was very quiet . . . . and the Alpine Flowers were wonderful. Though it can vary from year to year, this meant the weather was variable (fine in the mornings, cloud gathered at lunchtime, thunderstorms by mid- afternoon). The mountain scenery was incredible. Very well-appointed accommodation and excellent French cuisine in the evenings. Everyone we met (hosts, locals, one or two other visitors) was absolutely delightful. But Donkey was highlight of the whole experience . . .2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't underestimate level of fitness required. My wife and I are in early 70s, used to walking/running and managed quite well, but it was NOT a doddle. Steep ascents and descents and really good trekking boots ESSENTIAL. Going might be easier in High Summer when paths really dry. Be careful to follow directions carefully ; we got lost once, and I'm sure we are not the first. Be prepared to ford small mountain streams (Donkey didn't seem to mind). Some experience with dealing with animals (and a supply of carrots as judicious rewards) is a great help. A good poncho excellent for wet weather !3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
This was an environmentally very low-impact vacation. the Family-run organisation was efficient from the word Go (quick response to email queries, etc.), very well organised on site (with welfare of donkeys given a very high priority). An excellent way to see some of the least-known alpine scenery of Europe and wonderful flowers at your own pace. Provided employment for local population, and allowed us to submerge ourselves in a fascinating area, enjoy glorious peace as well as athletic challenges - and practise our rather rusty French.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely brilliant.. It really provided us with a week to remember always. We thoroughly recommend it - but see tips above. Vacation is advertised as suitable for children 5 years +. personally I would think twice before taking pre-teen children. Happy to answer any further queries.Rob Booth review 17 Sep 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Our children would say Kaia, our donkey who they bonded with. For me, the emptiness and the views. Possibly my favourite spot of all was the Chappelle St- Barnabe near Val Pelens where we whiled away a couple of hours in glorious sunshine with spectacular views.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't expect luxury. But do expect some spectacular scenery in a surprisingly untouched area. There are no shops along the way (with the exception of one bakery and a few cafes) so bring what you need. The pack lunches are generous and include a treat - but bring some other snacks if you have children who need encouragement.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The area isn't at all developed and lacks infrastructure. The donkey treks are a creative way to bring people to the area with minimal impact on the environment but lots of benefit to locals.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We loved it. We want to visit the area again - and preferably with a donkey.Tony Johnson review 21 Aug 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The stunning scenery of the mountains. If you love being outdoors and don't mind being away from creature comforts you'll love this vacation.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Some breakfasts (not all) can be really basic, just bread and jam. We had nut and protein bars to fill us up before a day's walking. Take plenty of snacks we stopped every hour for snack breaks which the kids looked forward too. Don't underestimate your kids ours (6 and 8 years) loved it and had no problems walking. They always had plenty of energy left at the end of the day. A couple of places were in dormitory style shared accommodation (but never any problem) so if you feel you need privacy let them know when you book.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We stayed in some really nice local places where others were in bigger hotels. We had better food and better views.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Awesome, it has raised the bar for next year!Alison Godfrey review 26 Aug 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole thing! Our 6 year old and 4 year old leading "Leonidas" our donkey through the French Alps, sleeping in a beautiful yurt in an Alpine meadow, and feeling like we'd done something completely different to the typical "bucket and spade" type of vacation.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We expected our young children to grumble about the hiking but in fact they exceeded all expectations and walked 5 steep miles per day for 3 days in a row. It's easy to under-estimate what your kids (and you) can do.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Mercantour NP is a protected national park. It is very beautiful and the trip felt like it had low impact on the environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. Some aspects could be improved (we were given little for breakfast - some stale bread and butter, but the jam, tea and coffee had all run out). But as long as you are easy going about such things (we'd brought our own supplies, just in case!), you will have a great adventure in beautiful surroundings.Holiday Reviews
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