6 WEEKEND INSPIRATIONS ON THE FARM WITH ANIMALS: A NATURAL PARENTHESIS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Chaupous Shepherds
This is the farm activity to do with the children for a completely natural vacation!
Equestrian center
For your children, opt for an equestrian activity during the holidays.
The Bosc Farm
Nature day and night! Find this cottage with animals for a successful family vacation!
Animal park
With your children, take a different look at animals thanks to this family park.
HOLIDAY RETURNS
1. Family visit to the farm “Les Bergers de Chaupous” in the shoes of Pascal and Josiane, grandparents of Sébastien and Hector
Exploring nature in a campervan and experiencing unforgettable moments with your family is a precious experience. From Normandy, Pascal and Josiane, grandparents overflowing with joy, recently took their grandchildren, Sébastien and Hector, to the farm "Les Bergers de Chaupous" for a memorable getaway. In this article, they tell us about their adventure and discoveries: how this farm nestled in the heart of Ardèche filled their vacation with warm moments and exciting activities.
Located in a picturesque corner of Ardèche, the farm " Chaupous shepherds" offers a unique experience centered on sheepdog demonstrations, orchestrated by Nicolas Fournier, the distinguished shepherd and French champion in the field. As soon as they arrived, Pascal and Josiane were welcomed by the passionate shepherd, ready to share his know-how and offer them a memorable show.
The visit began with a meeting with the stars of the show: the flocks of sheep and geese. Nicolas Fournier, with his exceptional shepherd dogs, demonstrated an unfailing complicity with his animals. The children, Sébastien and Hector, were fascinated by the impressive coordination between the dogs and the herds, creating an educational and entertaining experience.
“It’s a welcoming and educational farm with amazing animals.”
Pascal, Josiane, Sébastien, and Hector spent the night in Lamastre. The farm “ Chaupous shepherds” located a few minutes away offers a welcoming and educational setting. Nicolas and Caroline took the time to explain how his breeding works, sharing his expertise on raising sheep and geese, as well as the exceptional training of their sheepdogs.
After the show, the family shared a friendly tasting with Nicolas, his family and the other participants in the activity. While tasting dishes from their own production, we planned our delicious evening meal to last the pleasure until nightfall! The authentic flavors of Ardèche added a gourmet touch to this memorable day, creating taste memories for grandparents and grandchildren alike.
The discovery of the farm “Chaupous shepherds” by Pascal and Josiane, loving grandparents, and their grandchildren, Sébastien and Hector, was an exciting adventure. The experience was rich in lessons, warm moments and wonder and the children dreamed of it all night. The “ Chaupous shepherds” farm offers an educational and entertaining getaway, a living testimony to the exceptional art of shepherd dogs, making this day (and even until nightfall!) an enchanted parenthesis in the heart of Ardèche.
🚨Visits are by reservation only🚨
Some practical advice before taking your children into this activity:
👉 Children and parents wear sneakers
👉 We wear a hat or an umbrella in case of a capricious nature
👉 We take a well-filled water bottle for the children
👉 We'll have room in the fridge before leaving 🧀🍦Meal idea guaranteed!
👉 You don't have time for the visit but an Ardèche meal tempts you? Our shepherds do the
shopping !
⭐ Customer reviews on the farm : Chaupous shepherds
👍 “What a great discovery, a pleasure to have come with your family yesterday to listen to you tell us your story, your working days with so much passion and the love of your job with your animals. »
👍 “Magnificent moment of sharing a passion and a way of life. Delicious products. Everything is well organized and ideal for a family outing. Thank you for this moment. »
2. Escape to The Bosc Farm with the Martin Family, in the heart of Labatie d’Andaure
Exploring nature and creating unforgettable memories with your family remains an incomparable experience. The Martin family recently chose Ferme du Bosc in Labatie d'Andaure as a destination for a getaway rich in warm moments and exciting activities. In this part of our article, let's discover how this Ardèche farm, nestled in an enchanting setting, filled their vacations with simple and authentic pleasures.
The Bosc Farm, established in Labatie d'Andaure, offers rustic and comfortable accommodation with its rural gîtes on the farm. The Martin family was immediately won over by the peaceful atmosphere that reigns on this estate. Their stay was marked by the authentic charm of the place, where modern comfort blends harmoniously with the traditional architecture of the region.
In addition to accommodation, Ferme du Bosc is also an Ardèche berry farm. The owners, passionate about their profession, shared their know-how in growing these delicious fruits with the Martin family. The children of the family, Émilie and Théo, enthusiastically participated in picking the fruits which will be used to make homemade jams. Some fruits were preserved raw for the evening meal. Our host is a true gourmet! She had made delicious little chestnut flour cakes. A unique taste experience, where the family was able to taste the authentic flavors of Ardèche.
On the Bosc Farm estate, the Martin family also met adorable donkeys and goats. The children enjoyed cuddling these animals which added a fun and educational dimension to their stay. The owners, passionate about preserving life on the farm, have taken care to create an environment where young and old can discover complicity with the animals.
Just a few steps from the farm, the Martin family discovered the Calabert idyllic water body, providing a refreshing option on hot summer days. Swimming outdoors, in the heart of nature, added a note of freshness to their stay, providing a welcome break between activities on the farm.
The farm also offers daily but fun activities to entertain the whole family. Between outdoor games, hikes, and exploring the surrounding area by bike, each day was an enchanted break where family bonds were strengthened through contact with nature thanks to fun activities.
The Martin family's stay at the Bosc Farm in Labatie d'Andaure was a real escape in the heart of Ardèche. Between rural accommodation, fruity delights, encounters with animals, and moments of relaxation at the lake, this experience left lasting imprints in the hearts of Émilie, Théo, and their parents. For an authentic family break, the Ferme du Bosc proves to be a haven of peace where simplicity rhymes with happiness.
Some practical advice before taking your children on this farm stay:
👉 Children and parents plan for nature friendly shoes.
👉 We preserve nature, animals and the farm in general throughout the stay.
👉 You haven't booked this accommodation but want to discover their exceptional jams? Our hosts are doing the shopping !
3. Traveling stay with llamas
Setting off to explore nature while roaming, guided by helpful llamas, and experiencing moments of sharing with family: such is the unforgettable adventure experienced by the Dubois family. Originally from Normandy, they chose Dolce Via as the backdrop for a unique getaway, highlighting the harmony between nature, family, and animals, in the spirit of their previous experiences.
The Dubois family embraced roaming along the Dolce Via, a picturesque greenway in Ardèche ideal for gentle, contemplative strolls. What makes their journey exceptional is the presence of very special companions: llamas. These gentle animals served as guides for the Dubois, carrying part of the luggage and creating a calming atmosphere throughout their journey and particularly at night.
The lamas, named Quechua and Aymara, quickly became full members of the Dubois family. In addition to facilitating the transport of belongings during the stay, these sociable animals brought a comforting dimension to homelessness. The children of the family, Léa and Hugo, have created special bonds with Quechua and Aymara, sharing moments of complicity along the winding paths of the Dolce Via.
“We realized that step by step, the magic happens.”
The Dubois family's itinerant journey was punctuated by stages of authentic charm. At each stop, they discovered new landscapes, shared meals prepared with local products, and enjoyed the tranquility of the place. Lamas, not only traveling companions, also became ambassadors of conviviality, attracting the kind attention of local inhabitants.
Between the lush greenery of the Dolce Via, the laughter of the children, and the caring presence of the llamas, the Dubois family lived an experience where nature blends closely with family life. The lamas, in addition to their role as guides, helped to create a serene and relaxed atmosphere, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the present moment. Nature, family and llamas: a harmonious trinity for a successful stay.
The journey was punctuated by nights under the stars, where the family set up camp in the wilderness. The lamas kept watch, creating a reassuring atmosphere. Mornings began gently, to the rhythm of birdsong and the leisurely footsteps of llamas, providing a smooth transition into a new day of adventure.
Roaming on the Dolce Via with the Quechua and Aymara llamas was an unforgettable experience for the Dubois family. Between the picturesque panoramas, the authentic encounters, and the moments of sharing with such endearing animals, this adventure transcended the simple trip to become an enchanted parenthesis. For those in search of deep connections with nature and an extraordinary traveling experience, the Dolce Via and its companion llamas are an invitation to wonder and serenity.
⭐ Customer reviews on the activity: the Llamas there
👍 “Superb afternoon out of the ordinary and out of time, in the Ardèche mountains. Aurélie is passionate and knows how to transmit her knowledge without imposing herself, while constantly ensuring the safety of humans and animals 😁 The choice of the route was perfect for my children and me, the adorable and soothing llamas, the magnificent views. It was great to see a relationship of trust being formed little by little with the llamas, a mutual taming. I highly recommend! »
👍“We had a very special afternoon. A beautiful walk in a magnificent region. The children want to start again straight away and are enthusiastic about the llamas (and the dog). We learned a lot about llamas and the region. Aurélie was very kind. »
👍“It was a beautiful hike with llamas in a magnificent landscape. Aurélie took the time to explain many things to us about animals. Great experience for kids who love animals. THANKS "
4. Family Equestrian Adventure with the Vergier Equestrian Center
⭐ Customer reviews on the equestrian center: Le Vergier
👍 “A peaceful place where serenity is essential. A jovial and dynamic team. Sylvie keeps an eye on things with kindness, rigor and professionalism: Everything is done with respect for the horse and the safety of the rider. For my part, I am happy to have found this place to live, my children too and my husband the same. »
👍“PERFECT equestrian center for all levels, warm welcome, horses in very good health, quality lessons, if you are looking for an equestrian center, look no further, you are already in paradise”
👍 “A beautiful, very pleasant walk, a top guide, attentive and who knew how to please us by making us practice the 3 paces while following her wise advice. The local walk is atypical, this allows you to discover local products at the end of the walk. This is a change from a traditional horseback ride where there is not necessarily a relationship between the owners of the equestrian center and the tourists. A very charming couple who expressed their love and passion for horses to us. I highly recommend!!! »
5. Our first activities as a blended family
A blended family, made up of loving parents and four lively children, decided to go on vacation for the first time together. This extraordinary escapade took them to the Lussas Animal Park and the Peaugres Safari ,
two destinations where each of the children experienced magical and unforgettable moments.
Bastien, aged 8, found what he was looking for on the ice floe at the Peaugres Safari. 🐧The penguins, with their comical movements and their dives into the water, delighted the young explorer. The transparent glass of the pool gave the children the unique opportunity to see the penguins swimming, adding a fun touch to this experience.
When the evening arrived, we did not opt for a traditional lodge but for a night in the heart of the safari. The evening spent in the Safari Lodge cabins was marked by moments of laughter and complicity between the brothers and sisters. The stars above them, the calming sounds of nature, and the proximity of the animals created a unique atmosphere where everyone could share their impressions of the day.
⏰Waking up, with the singing of birds and the soft light of the morning, the blended family enjoyed breakfast while admiring the landscape. These simple moments, shared in the heart of nature, sealed this family's extraordinary adventure, leaving everyone with unforgettable memories of this exceptional trip.
The blended family's vacation, between the Lussas Animal Park and the Peaugres Safari, was a symphony of laughter, discoveries and complicity❤️. Children's varied preferences, from 🐅tigers to penguins, were catered for, creating a mosaic of unforgettable experiences. The choice to spend the night in the Safari Lodge cabins added a touch of adventure, making this getaway an enchanted parenthesis in the heart of French nature.
🐅Your Safari tickets🐅 🦚Your Wildlife Park tickets🦚
⭐ Customer reviews on the activity: Lussas animal park
👍“Very nice place to visit if you are in the area, lots of animals, with the possibility of being as close as possible to them, because we can enter certain enclosures. The children were happy. Snack bar inside the site, shaded tables, games for children. Enough to spend a few hours there. Parking with quite a few spaces nearby. »
👍“We had a timeless moment! Perfect for children of all ages, shaded, bench and snack! Not to mention the different activities offered free of charge with the animals, the activity with the wigs particularly struck us. What wonderful memories. I recommend! »
👍“Small animal park run by a young team of enthusiasts, tenderly attached to their animals. I recommend the parakeet feeding activity, an unforgettable experience for young and old! »
👍“Great park! My children enjoyed it. Several enclosures where you can meet the animals. »
👍 “Super fun to do!” The park is vast, the animals seem to feel good there.
Quite fun for little ones. To do without hesitation »
👍 “A pretty, very pleasant little wooded park surrounded by nature. Well-cared-for animals in a suitable environment.
We feel the investment of the team that manages the place.
Lots of explanatory panels. Everything is clear and interesting. We appreciated having the names of the "residents" and their photos on the enclosures.
Everything in the park is done with sustainability in mind.
Practical and designed for families and young children. Games are available.
A welcoming and available team.
A treat! »
👍“Great park for young and old. The possibility of entering the enclosures and being as close as possible to the animals and giving them food is a real joy!
Lots of shaded areas when it's hot and a playground for children to play. And the little extra for an additional fee, possibility of taking a pony ride under the responsibility of the parents. In short, great time and it’s a great discovery! »
6. The holidays of Fanny and her family
Fanny is a mother who booked accommodation ⭐⭐ for 2 nights with her children. She wanted to ensure that the children could enjoy nature activities during their stay. Gérard, owner of accommodation (gîte and guest rooms), offers children the opportunity to discover farm animals with him and participate in the traditional goat milking activity!🐐
Fanny tells us:
Prepare for a rural adventure in the heart of Ardèche with our exceptional host, Gérard, farmer from father to son. Forget the hustle and bustle of city life, the stroller, glasses, and sneakers are ready to immerse yourself in a unique experience in the middle of green hills, where nature and animals become the protagonists of an unforgettable weekend.
It is in a steep meadow that Gérard and his flock of goats, each more flirtatious than the last, welcome us warmly. These adorable horned companions who have been disturbed during a meal form a joyful 🎶choir, adding a note of eccentricity that provokes spontaneous laughter from children. The magic happens from the first moment, transforming this getaway into a memorable adventure for the whole family.
Gérard's confident approach signals the time to leave the pasture for the farm. The goats, in a herd, stop their meal and take the winding roads of the Ardèche, leaving behind small black balls with the significant smell of their droppings, a natural fertilizer which testifies to the close link between nature and Gérard's respectful breeding.
🐐Once they return “home”, the goats delight visitors with their daily ritual: the “milking ballet”. This well-established show, with each member of the herd in their place, becomes a fascinating experience for young and old.
For an even more immersive stay, discover the warm guest rooms, ideally nestled in the heart of the mountain. The comfortable guest rooms, tasty meals based on local products, games and activities for children make this place a real cocoon for an unforgettable family vacation. Only a few hours from Paris, rather than opting for Normandy, opt for Ardèche where the farms become the ideal refuge for a natural break in the heart of France. Prepare to experience a weekend where every moment resonates with the authentic charm of the countryside.
You may also like : Weekend on the farm in Ardèche
FAQ
👉 Where can I find the list of accommodations to spend the night in Ardèche?
🏨 For your nights on vacation, there are several accommodation offers: lodges, guest rooms, hotels and campsites.
To find the entire accommodation offer 👉 click here
To find all guest rooms 👉 click here
To find all the lodges👉 click here
To find all hotels 👉 click here
To find all campsites 👉 click here
👉 What does an Ardèche meal consist of ?
🍽️A good Ardèche meal on vacation is: a cove, a caillette and tomme salad! Don't eat too heavy in the evening to avoid difficult nights at the lodge. Do not hesitate to consult this article for more information.
👉 Where are the children's play areas ?
Children's play areas are listed here.
👉 What are the special children's activities to complete my vacation?
Special activities for families and children are listed here.
👉 How to get from Normandy?
🚗 To reach Lamastre from Normandy by car take the A6. You will pass through Paris.
🚌 To reach Lamastre from Normandy by bus, first reach Paris then take the line Paris - Valence (France), Valence (France) – Tournon, then Tournon – Lamastre.
🚆From Normandy you won’t pass Paris. From Paris, take a TGV to Valence (France). You will need to take a bus Valence (France) – Tournon, then Tournon – Lamastre.