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 through the countryside, and at times 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 continues 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 through the farmlands and forests of the area, before arriving at your accommodations. Before dinner, enjoy and optional visit of the nearby village of Cadouin. With its 12th century Romanesque church and Gothic cloister, the abbey of Cadouin is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| 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, you will 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: | Ride south now, through the chestnut woods of the Dordogne stopping for lunch at a lovely family run duck farm for a special tasting of the farm’s products, including “foie gras” and local sweet white wine from Monbazillac. In the afternoon, enjoy a ride through the forest before arriving at the medieval village of Villefranche du Périgord, a 13th century bastide built by Alphonse de Poitiers, brother of king St Louis. Enjoy a short visit of the village followed by transfer back to your hotel from the evening before. Your evening meal will again include some of the area’s specialties for you to try.
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| 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. Dating back to the Hundred Years War, Chateau Bonaguil was classified as a Historical Monument in the 19th century, and is remarkable to explore. 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 at a charming country hotel. Your farewell dinner in this lovely place is a wonderful end to a great week of riding. |
| Day 7: | 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 | 7 days, 6 nights and 4 1/2 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-2 Maximum-6 |
| Riding Per Day | 4-6 hours |
| Pace | moderate |
| Tack | Western, English trekking, McClellan |
| Horses | Hardy local breeds |
| Weight Limit | 210 lbs |
| 2010 Dates | April 10-16, May 15-21, June 19-25, July 24-30, Sept 4-10, Oct 16-22 |
| 2010 Price | $2,715
NEW DISCOUNTED PRICE: $2,400 |
| Single Supplement | $430 NEW PRICE: $380 |
| Transfers | Included from Agen at specific time |
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