Horseback Riding in France
LORDS OF THE VINEYARD TOUR |
Unlike some other wine regions in France, the Cahors region is primarily located along the Lot River and valley. You will be riding in this famous wine region which boasts over 200 vineyards, and is redolent with history and scenery. The Bishops of Cahor called Chateau Mercues home for decades, and sent the Cahors wine to Rome where the Pope used it as the pontifical wine as he had been born in the Cahors area.
The route winds through vineyards, forests and farmland, past medieval villages, chateaux and Gallic fortifications, stopping each night at three and four-star accommodations. Each day’s itinerary includes 4 – 6 hours of riding, and a visit to a vineyard for wine tasting. A tour of the cellar is also included at some of the chateaux. Even if you are not a wine lover, this ride has been designed to please just about anyone. The accommodations and food are superb, the trails and scenery unforgettable, and the opportunity to do it all on horseback makes this truly unique experience.
We cannot say enough about Michel, his assistant, and the horses. The horses were incredibly kind, sturdy, gentle and easy to ride whether in fields, forests, villages or farms.....The lodging and food were all top drawer. You should emphasize this more in your website description - this trip is luxurious.....The wineries were fascinating, especially since we were there at harvest time, and the countryside is beautiful.
- Stacy Frank
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | Arrive in Agen and transfer to your hotel. (about a45 minute drive). |
| Day 2: | After allocation of horses, ride to the fortified town of Tournon d’Agenais, perched at the top of a hill with a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. After a picnic lunch below the village ramparts, continue on to Loges de Carlat set high on the hillsides of south Quercy near the old Quercynois village of Floressas. Loges de Carlat is a very charming bed and breakfast where you will spend your first night on the trail. You will have the opportunity to taste some of the local wines during the evening meal. |
| Day 3: | In the morning ride to nearby Chateau de Chambert for visit of the award winning vineyard that has been producing Cahors wine since the XII century. After the visit and tasting, head off through the forests and hillsides, stopping for lunch in the village of Belaye.
This small medieval village is perched above the Lot River with a spectacular panoramic view of the valley. After lunch the ride continues down into the valley, with a chance to photograph the XIII century Chateau Grezels and its spectacular views of the valley. Continue on, crossing the Lot River. Once on the other side of the valley you will spend the evening at a very quiet, secluded chateau where you have the opportunity to enjoy the chateau’s wine at a private dinner with the head winemaker. |
| Day 4: | Today you will have a break from riding and head off for some sightseeing and shopping in the town of Cahors, which was founded in 1st century B.C. Your first stop will be in the beautiful and historic town center market. You can wander through the market and shops at your leisure. After lunch in a typical French café, visit the Pont Valentré bridge, which is the only fortified bridge with three towers in the world. It is classified as a Major Site by the UNESCO World Heritage list. After sightseeing, return to the chateau for dinner and overnight.
An additional day of riding can be arranged for anyone who does not want to take a break from riding. The supplemental cost of about 40 euros can be paid directly to your guide.
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| Day 5: | Ride in the wooded hills north of the Lot valley, stopping off at the Domaine du Theron for lunch and a private wine tasting. This charming vineyard was given a new lease on life when it was taken over by an entrepreneur and lover of French wines. The most modern vineyard in the Lot region, Domaine du Theron offers outstanding wines and superb views from the doors of the winery. Continue into the valley before ending the day beside another beautiful chateau. After a visit and tasting here, transfer to a local bed and breakfast. This small hotel boasts one of the Lot Valley’s best restaurants. |
| Day 6: | Ride along the river and in the valley, passing through the beautiful village of Albas. After crossing the river, you will have an opportunity for a long canter before stopping at another lovely bastide, Castlefranc, for a picnic lunch. In the afternoon ride back up onto the plateau and enjoy spectacular views of the valley and vineyards below. End up at Chateau LaGrezette, where you will have the chance to taste what is considered the best, of the best Cahors wines. You will then be transferred to the Chateau de Mercues for a special farewell dinner. This XIII century castle perched on a promontory overlooking the Lot River and vineyards below, was once the favorite residence of the Bishops of Cahors. |
| Day 7: | After breakfast 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 | Agen |
| 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 trekking, McClellan |
| Horses | Hardy local breeds |
| Weight Limit | 210 lbs |
| 2009 Dates | May 10-16, June 14-20, July 19-25, Oct 11-17 |
| 2009 Price | $2,960 |
| Single Supplement | $540 |
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