Horseback Riding in France
FORTRESSES AND FORESTS OF THE DORDOGNE |
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The Dordogne is a wonderful region in southwest France, known for its history, charming small villages, bastides, caves and regional foods. The beauty of its picturesque landscape of overhanging cliffs, cultivated plains and rivers, of the dense and mysterious forests, verdant farmland and pastures, make the area an unforgettable and little-known destination for travelers. You will ride good horses through this beautiful and varied region with the opportunity to see many of the sites while taking the path less traveled. Enjoy not only the history and people of the region, but its unique and beautiful accommodations, and in particular - the food. Magret, confit, cheese, warm fresh breads, wine, foie gras, fresh fruits and vegetables are just some of the areas specialties to savour and enjoy throughout the week.
This was just as described; everything about it was first rate. Each day was varied and pleasurable.
- Richard and Virginia Beards
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | You will be met upon arrival at Agen railway station and taken to your hotel in the valley of Gavaudun. With only five rooms, this converted water mill offers a private evening together over a wonderful local meal. |
| Day 2: | After breakfast and allocation of the horses, ride along the famous Saint-Jacques de Compestelle trail. Traveling through the forests and valleys of Gavaudun, you will pass the Chateaux de Gavaudun built on a rock face in the XI century, to the Chateau de Biron. Its architecture spans eight centuries and it is one of the best-preserved castles in Europe. Lunch will be a picnic just below the castle, with a visit after. Ride into the Dordogne in the afternoon to Monpazier, the bastide famous for its superb architecture, which was founded by Edward I, King of England in 1284. Visit Monpazier, swim in the hotels pool, or just relax before dinner and overnight at a hotel in the bastide, known for its historic atmosphere. |
| Day 3: | This morning ride further north to the beautiful bastide of Montferrand-du-Perigord. Located on the Couze river, the village is dominated by a half ruined chateau from the XII century. A listed site, it has conserved the authentic charm of its old houses, some of which are beautiful examples of Perigord homes with their Renaissance facades. The old homes, pigeonniers and Roman chapel all add to the charm of this picturesque village. Enjoy lunch in the village under the 16th century covered market before taking a few minutes to explore this lovely village. The afternoons ride takes you further north along the Compostelle trail, through the farmlands and forests of the area, before arriving in Cadouin. With its 12th century Romanesque church and Gothic cloister, the abbey of Cadouin is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a visit of this beautiful abbey before riding on to your nearby hotel for the evening. |
| Day 4: | Today’s ride continues through the Bessède forest before arriving just outside of another beautiful and unique bastide - Belvès. Classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, you will be spending the evening within the walls of this 11th century fortified village. In the afternoon, guests have the opportunity to drive to the Gouffre de Proumeyssac - baptized the Cristal Cathedral. The largest developed abyss in the Perigord, the Cavern of Proumeyssac is a beautiful underground vault decorated with a multitude of crystallization. The visit is available in English and includes a beautiful light show at the beginning of the tour. After returning to Belvès, you can either relax at the hotel or take a tour of the village before dinner. |
| Day 5: | The days ride takes you south now, through the chestnut woods of the Dordogne, to the Auberge La Cle des Champs. Before arriving at the auberge, you will stop within the forest to have another lovely picnic lunch under the trees. The Auberge itself is located on three hundred acres of land and is a very special place. Within the grounds you can see ostrich, emu, wild boar, sheep, goats, deer, ponies and horses. Afterwards enjoy a swim in the hotels pool, or just relaxing. The evening’s meal will offer the opportunity to try some of the areas specialties. |
| Day 6: | This morning ride to the Chateau de Bonaguil, a fortress built on a rock face in the XV century. The picnic lunch is followed by a tour of this amazing castle. After lunch ride on through woods, passing pristine villages, fields of wheat, corn and sunflowers, cross the Lot River and traverse numerous orchards and vineyards. The ride ends on a plateau of a local vineyard where you will have a visit and tasting with the chateau owners. Transfer to your hotel in the countryside just minutes from the vineyard, for dinner and the night. |
| Day 7: | Your last day of riding is to the fortified town of Tournon d'Agenais, perched atop a hill with a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. After a picnic lunch and tour of the village, ride on to a traditional and very comfortable country hotel with a swimming pool and beautiful grounds. In the evening, enjoy your farewell dinner with excellent local wines. |
| Day 8: | After breakfast transfer to Agen railway station. |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Agen |
| Length of Ride | 8 days, 7 nights and 5 full and 1 half days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-2 Maximum-7 |
| Riding Per Day | 4-6 hours |
| Pace | moderate |
| Tack | Western, English trekking, McClellan |
| Horses | Hardy local breeds |
| Weight Limit | 210 lbs |
| 2009 Dates | **April 4-11, May 2-9, June 6-13 (full), Aug 8-15, Sept 12-19, **Oct 3-10
**Faster paced, mostly 2 star hotels |
| 2009 Price | $3,000
**$2,535 April/October only |
| Single Supplement | $465 **$335 April/October only |
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