Horseback Riding Tours in France

Europe

The Soul of Provence Ride:

Provence is renowned for its natural beauty and the happy way its architecture blends with nature. It is an area which Van Gogh and Cezanne loved to paint. The landscape is full of flowers in the spring and golden fields of grain in the fall. You will ride through olive and almond groves, wild flowers, lavender and thyme. Ancient walled villages perch on hilltops. Historical remains date back to times long before the Romans.

This ride is totally in beautiful country and very little time was spent on paved roads. The gallops and long canters were exciting and something that I personally don't have the opportunity to do at home in San Francisco.
— Dennis Fluet

2002 Itinerary, Pricing and Dates

SOUL OF PROVENCE RIDE
Day 1: You will be met at Avignon railway station or airport and transferred to Apt for dinner and overnight, or if driving, meet at the lodging in the late afternoon.
Day 2: A short transfer to the stable, then get to know your horse while riding through the Calavon valley, discovering medieval hilltop villages. In the afternoon ride on to the ancient village of Viens for dinner and overnight nearby.
Day 3: Crossing the hills known as "Colorado Provencal", named for the unusual ochre colored rock formations, climb to about 3,300 feet where you will have wonderful views of the Apt valley. After long canters through lavender fields in the Sault valley you will reach St. Trinit for dinner and overnight in a local farmhouse.
Day 4: Today ride along the sides of "Giant de Provence", le Mont Ventoux, with amazing rocky landscapes of the Dròme and long canters in the forests, returning in the afternoon to the farmhouse in St. Trinit.
Day 5: Ride across the crests of the Montagne de Lure at about 3,500 feet, where in good weather there are wonderful views of the Alps snowy peaks to the north, and the Mediterranean to the south. Overnight in a Dròme farmhouse with a superb panoramic view.
Day 6: Meander over hills and valleys along shepherds' paths and traces of old Roman roads to the dramatic Montagne de Lure, the Giono heartland. The hills offer riders their upland pastures for good canters. Overnight in Banon.
Day 7: Leaving the haute Provence, ride this final day to the Calavon 'gorges', returning again to the welcoming Lubéron mountains for one last, long canter, then crossing the river to the end of your journey. Overnight and a final dinner at the auberge in Apt.
Day 8: Departure after breakfast to Avignon railway station or airport. Departure time depends on train or flight schedules.

**ITINERARY MAY VARY DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORSEEABLE CIRCUMSTANCES**

Meeting Point	Avignon
Riding Ability Level	B
Trip Length	8 days - 7 nights - 6 days riding
Departure Dates	April 6-13, April 20-27, May 4-11, May 25-June 1, June 8-15, June 22-29, July 6-13, Sept 7-14, Sept 21-28, Oct 5-12, Oct 19-26
Price	$1,320
Single Supplement	$120 per person
Riders	Minimum 2, Maximum 6
Riding Per Day	5-6 hours
Pace	Moderate / Fast
Tack	English
Horses	Spanish, Arab and Barb
Weight Limit	190 lbs

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HOW TO EVALUATE YOUR RIDING ABILITY

This is a critically important first step in choosing a riding holiday. For most of the trips you must have a good knowledge of the basics and some experience in riding cross-country. Some important factors to take into consideration are:

Do you ride in English or Western tack?
How much riding can you realistically do to prepare for the ride?
Will it be in the controlled conditions of an arena, or on trails with varied terrain?
What is your level of physical strength and stamina?

We have rated the rides according to the level of equitation skill and physical fitness required to participate, as well as the pace. There are always variables involved, so when in doubt about how your riding ability measures up to the rigors of a ride, call or send us an e-mail. One of our ride consultants will gladly discuss it with you. It is generally best to estimate on the conservative side, especially if you haven't ridden with us in the past. The trek guide has full authority to exclude a rider from a trip for inability to ride or behavior which endangers the other riders or the horses. No refunds will be made under these circumstances.
Almost anyone can learn to ride well enough, but one must be prepared to make the effort. If you have a particular ride in mind, but do not meet the riding criteria, consider joining an instructional program where you can gain the necessary skills and confidence.
Unless otherwise stated, a weight limit of 200 pounds (90 kg) applies. English-style saddles are used on the majority of the overseas rides. However, there are numerous exceptions to these generalities.

E	Beginner: A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter.
D	Novice: A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting trots, and short canters.
C	Intermediate: A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces (including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly.
B	Strong Intermediate: An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day.
A	Advanced: All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handling a spirited horse in open country.