Horseback Riding in France
SECLUDED MANOR RIDE |
Located in the heart of the Dordogne, Perigord and Quercy regions, the secluded manor house / small chateau where you will spend the week is the perfect place to get away from it all. It’s setting in the wooded hills above the Lot River and valley offers a wide variety of trails with many sites to visit, including the caves of Cougnac. The manor house/chateau boasts modern accommodations in historical chateau surroundings with seven beautiful bedrooms, continental breakfast on the terrace or dining room, plus a lovely swimming pool.
You will be riding in a picturesque land of farms, vineyards, lovely wooded hillsides, gently winding rivers, and charming old villages. This area is known not only for its natural beauty, but also for fine cuisine, cheese, wine, and "fois gras". This surely is rural France at its best
I can't come up with enough superlatives to describe this trip. Michel & Colleen were the greatest. All of us on the trip have vowed to return. What greater compliment is there -
- Heidi Crane August 2009
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | You will be met at Cahors Railway station at 4:00 pm and transferred to the manor house/chateau for dinner and the evening (drive time - approx. 40 minutes). This lovely manor house / small chateau is where you will spend the week. |
| Day 2: | After breakfast and allocation of the horses, ride through the quiet woodlands and countryside north of the Lot valley and river, stopping in the small village of Frayssinet for a picnic lunch. There will be time to visit this lovely little French village nestled within the forest with its ancient convent, church and covered passageways before the afternoon ride. Tonight’s dinner will be at a nearby restaurant where you will have the opportunity to sample some of the regions wonderful cuisine. |
| Day 3: | Ride through the woods and farmland on the plateau before stopping for lunch and a private wine tasting at the Domaine du Theron. Enjoy outstanding wines and wonderful views from the doors of the winery. Following the afternoon ride there will time to relax around the pool before the evening meal at the chateau/manor house. |
| Day 4: | Today sightsee by vehicle starting with a visit to nearby Sarlat, an exceptionally preserved city with more than 1,000 years of architecture living in the lanes, walls and buildings of the old town. Growing up around a Benedictine Abbey, Sarlat has more medieval, renaissance and 18th century facades, carved doorways, fountains, turrets and gables than can be photographed in a week. The local shops offer good shopping opportunities, particularly the gastronomic products of the region. Lunch will be at one of the many typical cafes in town after a morning free to wander and explore the city and its market. After lunch, drive to the magical caves of Cougnac. Discovered just 50 years ago, the caves of Cougnac contain some of the oldest paintings yet dated in the world. There are over 300 paintings located within its deepest chamber, dating between 25,000 and 14,000 BC. At the end of the day, return to your accommodations for another wonderful dinner with your hosts. |
| Day 5: | Cross the Lot River, riding through the valley and many of the regions vineyards. The countryside is dotted with small medieval villages and farms to enjoy before stopping for lunch at Chateau Chambert. Sample wines of the chateau during lunch before a private visit of the cellar. After lunch, ride back into the valley towards the medieval village of Puy L'Eveque, considered one of the most picturesque locations in the Lot valley. Ride beneath its ancient houses of ochre-yellow stone, overlooked by its XIII century keep, and return to the manor house. |
| Day 6: | Ride into the woods north of the Lot valley, towards the Chateau de Bonaguil, a medieval fortress built on a rock face in the 15th century. Before visiting this remarkable chateau, enjoy a picnic lunch above the village and castle. Dating back to the Hundred Years War, Chateau de Bonaguil was classified as a historical monument in the 19th century. Ride back to the manor house/chateau for a relaxing evening and farewell dinner. |
| Day 7: | After breakfast, transfer to Cahors 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 | Cahors |
| Length of Ride | 7 days, 6 nights and 4 (optional 5th) days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-2 Maximum-7 |
| Riding Per Day | 4 - 6 hours |
| Pace | moderate |
| Tack | Western, English, McClellan |
| Horses | Local breeds |
| Weight Limit | 200 lbs |
| 2012 Dates | April 15-21, *July 1-7, *August 26-September 1 |
| 2012 Price | Was $3,050, now reduced to $2,805 or Was $2,600, now reduced to $2,390
*Either price can apply depending on whitch accommodation used these dates - either manor house or small chateau is possible.
Ride price is set, guaranteed and final at the time deposit is paid. |
| Single Supplement | $335 or $375 |
| Transfers | Included at specific times |
| Additional Information | This is an ideal ride for non-riding companions |
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