Donkey walking in Provence
May 11, 2011
Provence is not just about wine appreciation, beautiful architecture, and gourmet food (although of course it is about all of that too!). Oh no, it also offers the kid-pleasing possibilities of donkey walking.Eric, genial owner of Le Petite Ferme, near Villes Sur Auzon, north of Avignon, may only speak halting English but he knew exactly how to win the hearts of my two, Scarlett & Fin. They were both knee-deep in baby goats, bunnies, pot-bellied piglets and assorted chicks within seconds of arrival.
But Junior, Eric’s amiable donkey, was our favourite. Saddled up to carry our bags and coats, he let my 4-year-old son and 7-yr-old daughter take turns leading him along the sun-dappled, butterfly-filled, sweet-smelling hill pathways around the farm for an hour, chomping occasionally on the baguette them offered him. He doubly endeared himself by nudging their mum into ditch at one point as he gently but firmly headed off-piste for a particularly tasty bunch of fresh grass.
If you’re really keen on the whole donkey-walking experience, Eric can organise a 10km expedition over three days, staying in auberges en route. For more info contact La Belle Combe, Chemin Fond, 84570, Villes Sur Auzon, 00 33 6 77
56 63 49, www.lapetite-ferme.fr.
Baby-friendly Boltholes nearby:
Le Platane, Isle sur la Sorgue,Avignon
http://www.babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk/le_platane-child-friendly-accommodation-18957.htm
