| Duration | Start | Level | Ideal season |
| 1 day | Castellar | Accessible | Between June and October |
Adventure 3Small hikes & big ears
Why do we love it?
A hike like no other, in contact with donkeys
A natural and ecological way to discover the mountains
Discover Europe’s highest coastal village
Discover the mountains from the sea
Stage 1
Drive to the village of Castellar. On the road to Les Granges de Saint-Paul, Marius, Nautilus and Romeo, hiking companions like no others, await you with firm hooves. On this lovely family estate, donkeys are king and the terraces dotted with olive trees offer a breathtaking view of the sea.
Good to know
Donkeys can carry up to 50 kilos of luggage. There is usually one donkey for every 2 or 3 hikers.
Stage 2
A quick briefing from the donkey driver and off we go for the ride. Freed from the weight of their bags, the children walk freely alongside the donkeys and are carried along at the slightest sign of fatigue. Between the sea and the mountains, on little forest paths at altitude, the view of the coast is exceptional. Olive trees, arbutus, cypresses, Aleppo pines, then broom, ash, Scots pine… the vegetation, initially Mediterranean, gradually becomes Alpine. After a short break, the donkeys take you back down to the village.
Stage 3
Take the car back to Europe’s highest coastal village: Sainte-Agnès, one of France’s most beautiful villages. A belvedere overlooking the Mediterranean, it offers incredible panoramic views of the Grande Bleue. Lose yourself in its medieval streets, push open the doors of artists’ studios and craftsmen’s workshops, taste artisanal jams at the Cavette d’Agnès, step back in time in the medieval garden – in short, enjoy the moment.
Good to know
The donkey moves at a speed of about 4 km/h, the speed of a loaded man!
Good to know
At Sainte-Agnès, the castle ruins culminate at the highest point, almost 800 meters above sea level. A small medieval garden shelters behind the ramparts, but the castle itself is currently being restored. Here you can enjoy a 360° view.
Stage 4
And to finish on a high note, plan to have lunch between sea views and the snow-capped peaks of the Mercantour, to enjoy local cuisine.
Small gestures and good reflexes
My child wears a helmet and I stay beside him when he’s on the donkey.
If the donkey gets scared and runs away from me, I don’t chase it.
With a donkey, the first 10 minutes count. From the very first steps, be gentle but firm, and don’t let him nibble every blade of grass.
I take a 20-30 minute break every 2 or 3 hours of walking.
I remember to take off my saddlebags during the break!
Not to be missed!
The fort of Sainte-Agnès is a true underground city, dug into the depths of the rock. It is still fully equipped and can be visited. A well-documented museography and a guided tour allow visitors to discover the military installations of the Second World War.
Our good addresses
Restaurant le Saint Yves
76 Rue des Sarrasins,
06500 Sainte-Agnès
04 93 35 91 45
Restaurant le Righi
1 Place du Fort,
06500 Sainte-Agnès
04 92 10 90 88
Access
From the Menton interchange, take the route de Sospel, pass Monti and shortly after turn right towards Castellar. After the Saint-Sébastien chapel, turn left onto the Granges Saint-Paul road, pass the St Roch chapel and stop at 1164. From Menton, join Castellar via route départementale 24 or route des Ciappes (towards camping St Michel).
All set? Lace up your shoes, grab your bag and set off to discover our corners of paradise.
