Avon'Ânes, stroll and stroke donkeys just a stone's throw from Fontainebleau station

Since its establishment in 2017, the Avon'Ânes association has settled into the Bel Ebat park in Avon, in the Seine-et-Marne department, and, above all, just a stone’s throw from Fontainebleau-Avon station (served by Transilien line R from Gare de Lyon). Founded by Laurent Wiart, it is run entirely by volunteers and today counts four residents with big ears: Kakou (the elder, at 28), Myrtille, Melba (both around 13 years old) and Lasco, the youngest, born within the association and now just 5 years old.

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"The association’s mission is to save more donkeys: victims of mistreatment by private individuals, abandoned in fields..." explains Guillaume, a volunteer. Their goal is to give them a better life, an idyllic living environment within Bel Ébat Park, and "to debunk the prejudice about donkeys", often deemed stubborn or dumb: that’s the raison d’être of the organization. To that end, the program centers on several offerings, including hikes. You can choose those where young children (roughly 15–20 kg) ride donkeys, or others where the donkeys are walked on a lead. In one hour, you’ll learn all about these thoughtful, highly intelligent, and especially cuddly animals.

Prices: €26 for a donkey ride, €38 for two donkeys for a one-hour outing. The association also offers donkey-themed birthday parties in the paddock, for groups of up to 9–10 children, as well as animal-assisted mediation for all audiences. All proceeds from the rides and other donkey-related services fund their care, food, and equipment... The association is non-profit (remember, it is run entirely by volunteers!).

Every Wednesday and Thursday, the donkeys also graze in the Bel Ébat park: it’s an opportunity for the public to observe, get close to, and even stroke these animals, in the company of Avon'Ânes volunteers. The pasture outing is planned between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM (approximately) each Wednesday, and between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM (approximately) on Thursdays. A wonderful outing to enjoy in Avon!

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