The Donkeys of Carladès
Sarah and Gary launched Les Ânesses du Carladès in 2021, a family business located in Albinhac, near Mur-de-Barrez, in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional de l’Aubrac. They craft artisanal soaps, shampoos, and creams made from donkey milk, managing the entire process to ensure traceability and quality. Their products are available online, at local markets, and through selected retailers.
The site goes far beyond artisanal production: it allows visitors to explore an exceptional natural environment, spread over several hectares of preserved greenery. The farm offers a wide range of activities around the donkeys, combining fun and educational moments accessible to the whole family.
Visitors can join a guided tour of approximately 1h30 to discover the daily life of the farm: meeting the donkeys, observing milking, participating in feeding and grooming, and learning about artisanal craftsmanship before visiting the shop.
The farm also offers donkey rentals for walks. The animals can carry equipment or accompany visitors along the trails of the Carladez, providing an original way to explore this preserved natural area.
Les Ânesses du Carladès is thus an authentic place to discover the world of donkeys, their usefulness, their gentle nature, and the importance of their preservation, through activities that are accessible and enriching for both children and adults.
The donkeys of Carladez: Tradition and Tourism in the Cantal
The donkeys of the Carladez are a true emblem of this mountainous region of the Cantal, in the Massif Central. This rustic breed, perfectly adapted to the challenging conditions of the area, is an integral part of the local heritage and continues to play an important role in rural life today. Their strength, intelligence, and adaptation to the natural environment make them perfectly integrated into the culture of the Carladez.
Historically, donkeys were indispensable to the inhabitants of the region. Their robustness and ability to navigate steep terrain allowed farmers to transport heavy loads, reach difficult areas, and carry out numerous agricultural tasks. Used for traction, carrying loads, transporting materials, or even maintaining pastures, the Carladez donkeys were long essential helpers in daily life.
Today, this local breed continues to be highlighted through educational activities and responsible agricultural projects. Thanks to initiatives like those run by Les Ânesses du Carladès, the animals participate in outdoor discovery activities, learning workshops, and encounters that allow the public to explore their history, behavior, and role in the region. These activities, accessible to the whole family, take place in a preserved natural environment, making it an ideal setting to understand the importance of this living heritage and the richness of traditional rural practices.
A Traditional and Sustainable
Les Ânesses du Carladès are raised with full respect for traditional and ecological farming methods. The animals live in a natural environment, often roaming freely on the farm’s pastures, which allows them to develop under the best conditions. The breeding is carried out responsibly, preserving the environment and using sustainable practices.
This approach not only ensures the well-being of the donkeys but also contributes to the preservation of local biodiversity and the enhancement of the Carladez’s natural heritage. Visitors can observe the donkeys in their natural setting, participate in outdoor activities, and discover the daily life of a farm that respects nature. These moments allow visitors to recharge, enjoy the great outdoors, and experience unique encounters, accessible to the whole family and suitable for all ages.
The Farm and Its Outdoor Activities
The farm offers a wide range of activities for the whole family:
Walks and hikes with donkeys
Enjoy a hike with the Carladez donkeys, suitable for both children and adults. The donkeys carry your bags, making the walk easier and more fun.
Discover the landscapes of the Carladez, including pastures, forests, and trails of the Parc Naturel Régional de l’Aubrac.
Educational workshops and guided tours
Join guided tours of the farm to observe the feeding, grooming, and milking of the donkeys.
Learn about the history and traditions of Carladez donkey breeding.
Outdoor activities and workshops are designed for all ages, offering a unique, educational, and engaging experience.
A Breed Adapted to Its Territory
The Carladez donkey is a rustic breed, perfectly adapted to the challenging conditions of the region. It is known for being strong and resilient, which allows it to withstand harsh winters and the steep terrains of the Massif Central. Its thick coat, often gray in color, helps protect it from the cold.
This adaptation makes it an ideal companion for outdoor walks and educational activities offered at the farm. Visitors can discover this unique breed while exploring the natural beauty of the Carladez, enjoy unique experiences, and observe the lifestyle of these iconic animals in their natural environment. The Carladez donkey thus plays an important role in preserving local heritage, while allowing the whole family to recharge and enjoy educational and enriching activities in contact with nature.
The farm also promotes the local breed through its artisanal products:
- Donkey milk cosmetics: soaps, creams, and shampoos with hydrating and soothing properties.
- Direct sales at the farm, at markets, or online.
Discover traditional craftsmanship while supporting local agriculture and the preservation of the natural environment.
Why Visit Les Ânesses du Carladès?
- An authentic outdoor experience to recharge and enjoy nature.
- Unique and educational activities for the whole family, ideal for family time in the Cantal.
- Discover a rustic, iconic breed that is respectful of the environment.
- Local artisanal products to extend the experience at home.
To get to the donkeys farm of carlades from the Laussac Peninsula, here is the route :
By car:
Leave the Presqu'île de Laussac towards north following the D921.
Follow the D921 towards Saint-Flour for about 30 km.
In Saint-Flour, take the direction of Laguiole (D14).
Continue on the D14 and follow the signs for "Les Ânesses du Carladès". The farm is located in the heights of Carladès, so it is possible that you take more winding roads.
Camping Sunêlia La Source: Nature, Relaxation, and Activities for the Whole Family
Camping Sunêlia La Source welcomes you for unforgettable stays and weekend getaways in the heart of Aveyron, on the preserved shores of Lake Sarrans. Enjoy moments of relaxation and leisure in an exceptional natural setting, surrounded by rich wildlife, volcanoes, gorges, lakes, and picturesque villages to discover during your walks. The campsite offers a wide range of holiday rentals: mobile-homes, chalets, and spacious pitches for tents and caravans, providing comfort and ample space to feel free. Facilities include a heated swimming pool, a water park with slides, playgrounds, a kids’ club, and areas for a friendly picnic. Fans of petanque or mountain biking will also find plenty to enjoy. Activities are numerous and varied to satisfy the whole family, young and old: canoeing, water sports, aquatic activities, hiking, walks, and supervised sports activities. Visitors can explore castles, discover the surrounding beautiful villages, and enjoy the richness of local heritage. With the help of the tourist office, the campsite is an ideal base for exploring the region and enjoying successful holidays in France. At Camping Sunêlia La Source, everything is designed so families can have unforgettable holidays, combining relaxation, water activities, hikes, and fun moments for children. Whether for a weekend or longer stays, each visit promises memorable experiences for the whole family.