Horseback Riding in France
VINEYARDS AND BEACHES OF BORDEAUX |
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The Gironde region, and its major port – Bordeaux, have a rich and varied cultural heritage, most famously known for its prestigious wine-producing chateaux and some of the world’s best Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Begin riding from the 12th century medieval village of St-Emilion, with an architectural legacy almost without equal, crossing the Gironde estuary by boat, and continuing on through the Médoc vineyards and its most famous chateaux; Latour, Lafite Rothschild and Mouton-Rothschild among others. Canter through miles of pine forests before ending on the sandy beaches of the Atlantic. Join us for a week of riding, wine tasting and gastronomic meals at three and four star chateaux and hotels.
The route selected was wonderful with plenty of variety ~ vineyards, small towns, chateaux visits, fortress stop and lunch, river crossing by ferry (the nautical term 'poop deck' was taken literally by every single horse, but our guide was prepared with broom and shovel), meadows, sandy lanes and the Atlantic Ocean. Time on paved roads was minimal. There was a nice balance between riding time in the morning and afternoon and the gourmet lunch breaks that gave participants ample time to relax and to enjoy themselves. Very nice pace throughout the trip. The chateaux visits and wine tasting sessions were excellent, with a good balance between well known houses and small chateaux that produce delicious local wines. In summary, an extraordinary and professionally managed ride that was well designed and flawlessy executed. Highly recommended.
- Robert Savarese - Sept 2011
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | You will be met at 2:00 pm at the Bordeaux train station or airport and taken to your hotel in St. Emilion for the afternoon/evening. The medieval town of St. Emilion has one of the most important architectural heritages in Europe and it is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Standing proudly on the top of a hill overlooking the Dordogne valley, the village, with its sun baked, Roman tiled roofs, was built in the shape of an amphitheater. You will have the opportunity to visit a very unique monolithic (underground) church from the 11th century, and a monolithic cellar in the village, before enjoying your first wine tasting - a Grand Cru, before dinner at your hotel. |
| Day 2: | After breakfast, transfer to the horses in the nearby village of Bourg, where you begin the week’s ride. After allocation of the horses you head north along the river to the Citadelle de Blaye, built by Vauban (military engineer to Louis XIV) in 1689 and set with star-shaped bastions. Ride along the river where you can often see the local fisherman at work, before reaching the Citadelle de Blaye, where you enjoy lunch within its walls. In the afternoon you will take the horses on a boat to cross the Gironde estuary (approx 30 minutes). Arriving at Port Lamarque, you set off to the day’s destination, a charming chateau/hotel in the village of Moulis en Médoc. Enjoy the chateau’s wine with dinner in their private dining room. |
| Day 3: | Continue through the Médoc region, riding past many of the most prestigious and beautiful chateaux of the area; Chateau Lanessan, Beaucaillou, Pichon-Longueville, Latour and Lafitte Rothschild, to name a few. Stopping at Chateau Lanessan for a picnic lunch on the grounds, you will have the opportunity to taste the chateau’s wine during your meal. After lunch, take moment to visit their horse museum before riding off again to visit the famous Chateau Pichon-Longueville (Grand Cru Pauillac).
After a visit and wine tasting you will be transferred to your nearby hotel, Chateau Pomys, which is also classified Cru Bourgeois appellation St. Estèphe. Enjoy their wines during dinner at their restaurant.
It is possible to arrange a massage here with a two week advance booking. Please advise Equitours if you wish to have a booking made.
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| Day 4: | In the morning ride to Chateau Loudenne, a charming pink manor house from the 17th century with its 18th century Victorian cellar and a remarkable view upon the Gironde estuary. Enjoy a picnic in the garden. In the afternoon you have a choice between a short ride along the estuary or take the afternoon off and relax at the Chateau (massage optional again). |
| Day 5: | Today will be the longest day in the saddle. You leave behind the last of the vineyards on your way to the ocean, riding across miles of marshland used primarily as pasture for horses and cattle. Stop at Chateau Laujac for another wonderful lunch, where they not only produce a fine Cru Bourgeois, but also raise Limousin cattle and French Selle Francais horses. In the afternoon enjoy some nice canters through the forest before arriving at a local riding center. Transfer for your four star hotel for the next two nights. Enjoy the evening’s meal, where you will again have the opportunity to try some of the area’s specialties and wines. |
| Day 6: | Today you ride mostly through the sandy pine forests of the region, with opportunities again for some nice canters before arriving at the sandy beaches and dunes along this portion of the Atlantic Ocean. Before stopping for a last delicious lunch, you will let your horses relax their legs in the water, and then enjoy a long canter along the beach. After lunch you have a short ride returning back through the forest to the riding center where the horses will have a well-deserved rest. Say good-bye to them, and return to the charming hotel of the previous evening for your farewell dinner with wines of the region, and final night of the ride. |
| Day 7: | After breakfast transfer to Bordeaux railway station or airport. |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Bordeaux |
| Length of Ride | 7 days, 6 nights and 4 1/2 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-2 Maximum-7 |
| Riding Per Day | 4 - 6 hours |
| Pace | Moderate with canters |
| Tack | Western, English, McClellan |
| Horses | Hardy mixed breeds |
| Weight Limit | 190 lbs |
| 2012 Dates | June 3-9, June 10-16, Sept 9-15, Sept 16-22
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| 2012 Price | Was $3,510, now reduced to $3,225
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| Single Supplement | $495 |
| Transfers | Included from Bordeaux at specific times |
| Additional Information | Ride price is set, guaranteed and final at the time deposit is paid. |
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