escapanes

Escap'Ânes,
a family excursion at donkey pace

Profile picture for user Nathalie Diot

Nathalie Diot

Member for 5 years 4 months

Alone or with my family

Simplicity is the key

The freedom of a fantasy world for children

 

Escap'Ânes, for the whole family

At donkey pace with Mother Nature

5 mins OF ESCAPE

 

BOOK YOUR DONKEY RIDE

What an adventure this donkey excursion is for children! We didn't all share the same enthusiasm to start with. Samuel, who's 4 years old, had been asking for weeks to "ride an animal bigger than a pony!" while Gabriel, aged 7, is a little nervous of anything with fur. But we parents were looking forward to hiking for at least an hour in peace, thanks to an original concept catering for the youngest member of the family.

Growing up made simple


The smile on the face of Samuel, aged 4, and 7-year-old Gabriel's newfound confidence are probably what we appreciated most of all on this wonderful morning with Escap’âne. But also the feeling of togetherness, as well as the know-how and attentiveness of our hosts: Didi (Marie's nickname), who created the donkey farm in 2014, and her husband, Alain Dantinne, who's a hiking guide and mountain leader. We were due to meet them for our donkey excursion at 9.30 am at no. 14, Route de Waillet in Marche-en-Famenne. When we arrived, we had to choose between two options: a ride of at least 2 1/2 hours to discover the Calestienne region's Fond des Vaulx valley, a site that was awarded Unesco Geopark status in 2018, or a shorter ride in search of beavers in the woods. We opted for the latter.


4-year Samuel brushes his own donkey


Stage one, a gentle introduction to the donkeys who are still in their enclosure. At the first caress, we're instantly charmed by their soft muzzles and big eyes. The stables smell pleasantly of fresh straw. Didi and Alain show us the bridles, packsaddles, ropes and other equipment as well as the basic techniques. The animals get impatient on the other side of the fence, trying to put their heads over the door. "They're eager to see who's going out." Jeannot will carry Samuel and Charlie is chosen for Gabriel, who's still light enough to ride them. "We don't let the donkeys carry more than 30 kg, bags included," explains Didi. But Gabriel still looks a little worried. Unlike Samuel who, brush in hand, grooms an appreciative Jeannot. The rest of us join in until, finally, Alain can tack up the donkeys. Samuel and Jeannot follow Didi, while Gabriel chooses to leave his space to the saddle bag.

We fill our lungs with fresh air and enjoy the riches of nature

escapanes

Learning to "think donkey"

The ride begins in town. What a funny combination! The rustic donkey and the modern automobile. Delighted drivers stop to give way to the happy party. "At first they were frightened of the pedestrian crossings," Alain remembers. "They used to cross 5 metres away. We try to get them used to going everywhere we go, in town, in the countryside, through the woods... We need to gain their trust." So donkeys aren't so stubborn after all? "They can be awkward if they're not properly educated," explains Didi, passing the rope to Samuel's dad who now has to guide the donkey. "You can't force them, you have to persuade them. A donkey is like a dog, only bigger." Jeannot grabs the opportunity to eat some more grass, but continues walking.


Letting the charm operate...

The road has become a track across the fields. We quickly approach the woods. We're not walking the donkeys, they're the ones setting the pace, which seems fast. Only 3 km an hour, really? But our eldest son has no trouble keeping up. We're thrilled to be able to walk at our adult pace, even though we have to go round in circles sometimes to point the donkey back in the right direction. For once, our youngest child is actually the fastest. Gabriel watches his little brother, totally at ease riding Jeannot. Didi notices and, in a warm and friendly manner, manages to persuade Gabriel to sit on Charlie's back.

 

Enjoying a peace haven


After a few minutes we enter the woods. Surrounded by trees, the walking is different. The donkeys are in their element, negotiating obstacles without difficulty. As for us, we have to mind our step and sometimes even our heads. The noises of the town have disappeared, replaced by the singing of birds. The trees are full of colour at the end of the summer and we fill our lungs with fresh air and enjoy the riches of nature. We make a quick stop near an observatory and admire the views. Gabriel gathers leaves and hazelnuts, enjoying the freedom of this fantasy world for children.

The unexpected beaver display


The landscape changes again, brightening ahead of us. A dragonfly brushes past, as duckweed, reeds and strange trees carved into pencil shapes announce we're close to our goal: the ponds... and the beavers! What an amazing construction! "That's their nest!" says Alain. This incredible jumble of branches hides an underground path that leads to the pond. What better place to unleash the imagination and recharge our batteries...? Our hosts have thought of everything and serve us a delicious snack. Is it the effect of their homemade Maïtrank drink? Time is whizzing by, as do the final kilometres... We can already see the first houses and, soon, the donkey farm. Feeling reborn after our warm encounter with Didi and Alain, and delighted by this wonderful experience with the family, following the donkeys on a nature trail, we leave with a desire to pursue the relationship and try the other trail next time. After all, these aren't just any donkeys! Every year, they can be seen at Marche-en-Famenne with Father Christmas!

 

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Escap'ânes
Route de Waillet 14, 6900 Marche-en-Famenne, Belgium
+32 84 31 66 11
http://www.escapanesfamenneardenne.be/

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