Day 1: climb Rochebaron castle and discover its eagles’ nest
After one 20 – 30 minute climb on the shaded path, the castle stands out through the surrounding vegetation and forest. The children leave storming the medieval fortress ! The ruins reveal a tower very clearly, which is accessed by a spiral staircase which gives access to a panoramic terrace! The site allows you to run at your ease and offers a superb view of the Loire Valley.
The highlight of the show will be the flight of birds and raptors in the afternoon. You will be transported by the beauty of the birds of prey in flight and by the comments of the falconer.
Visit Rochebaron Castle:
Day 2: discovery of nature and biodiversity
Put on your sneakers or get on your bike to cover the 10 km of the Bas-en-Basset pond circuit. The circuit is family friendly and presents no difficulty. Yellow markings.
Observe birds at the biodiversity park
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The biodiversity park constitutes one of the emblematic sites of the natural heritage of Haute-Loire. The site is located on old gravel pits, occupied by ponds along the river. It is the living and nesting place of many birds. The site is made up of 13 ponds and the Loire River. Area of 200 ha including 80 ha of pond and 10 ha of Loire.
350 plant species are listed including 22 remarkable species, 190 species of birds, 29 species of fish, 30 species of mammals, 7 species of amphibians and reptiles, 6 species of remarkable insects which constitute a rich and diversified fauna.
A 7 km path marked in yellow for hiking departing from the “La garenne” campsite as well as a mountain bike circuit allow you to pleasantly discover this area, circuits accessible to all.
Games, picnic tables, easy family hikes, mountain bike rides, observation.
The Tourist Office offers visits and workshops, schools, young people, groups, programs and registrations at the Bas en Basset Tourist Office on 04 71 66 95 44.
Free afternoon at the perched cabins of Boisset
You can run anywhere without danger and the site is completely free! Go ahead with your eyes closed 🙂
Ideal for children aged 2 to 10
Day 3: Picnic and tree climbing on the banks of the Semène
A superb treetop adventure park is accessible on the banks of the Semène river in Séauve-sur-Semène. Course from green to black, zip line course, the park is accessible to children from 3 years old.
After the park, you can picnic by the water and enjoy children's games. With your landing nets, feet in the water, we play catching American crayfish and stones!
Day 4: Aurec-sur-Loire and its many attractions
We're going to have fun at the water park! Small jets of water, wet slides and huge splashes will delight your tribe of young children (up to 11 years old maximum) who are a little excited about the outing.
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Sailing like a relaxed father on the Loire with an electric boat
Calmly equipped with your life jacket, discover the Wild Loire from the inside by sailing for 1 or 2 hours with the family. Come on, mom, push the button!
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Day 5: Living the castle life
Aurec Castle has benefited from a superb restoration and opened its doors to visitors in 2023. The park is pleasant and shaded and you can try the escape game in place using your smartphone.
The visit tells the history of the castle using digital and interactive tools. The little extra: costumes to try on at the end of the visit: princesses and gentlemen will be delighted!
Aurec Castle:
We tested “the secret of the gnomes” the escape game at Aurec Castle
Essalois, its interpretation center and its panoramic roof
Entrance to the castle is free. The highlight of the show is located directly on the roof terrace which offers a magnificent view of the lake and the island of Grangent, and the meanders of the Loire. Inside, discover an educational area on the Grangent hydroelectric dam and the heritage of the gorges.
Nearby, the bar-restaurant allows you to take a well-deserved refreshment break!
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Take a trip to the reserve house
The site is magnificent and also offers a superb view of the meanders of the Loire!
The Maison de la Réserve and its guides offer fun activities for young and old, accompanied hikes and even exhibitions.
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Day 6: pony ride and educational farm
The Herm farm offers both pony rides and a tour of the farm with tastings of artisanal ice creams made from milking milk. Hmm, a delight!
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Saint-Didier-en-Velay micro-farm
Gwendoline and Yann Lehmann open their doors to you to discover their micro-farm activities: animal breeding, cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants, permaculture market gardening.
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Day 7: Cycling on an old railway line
The old railway line “la Galoche” has been partly rehabilitated into a greenway (Via Fluvia – 65 km from Lavoûte-sur-Loire to Riotord). One section is designed for the rail bike and another is used for the “Velay Express” tourist train.
Choose from these 3 ideal activities to practice as a family with teenagers and/or young children!
Le Velay Express operates from May to September every Sunday and Tuesdays and Wednesdays in July-August. Boarding possible from Raucoules, Tence or Chambon-sur-Lignon.
Le Vélorail du Velay operates during school holidays (spring, summer, autumn) from Dunières. The ascent can be done by small train and the descent by rail bike. The activity is suitable for toddlers because the car seats can be strapped to the rail bike.
La greenway Via Fluvia is a pedestrian path reserved for walkers, cyclists, scooters, strollers and even wheelchairs.
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