This horseback riding trip from the Luberon to the Haute Provence will make you live an exceptional week. Ride from the Luberon Regional Natural Park to the Mont Ventoux Regional Natural Park under the Provence sun. |
Day 1 - Sunday
Riders are welcomed from 6 pm, with a welcome drink. Presentation of the other participants and the week's programme, followed by dinner at the table d'hôtes. Night in guest rooms.
Day 2 - Monday
Following the foothills of the southern side of the Luberon mountain range, you will reach Lourmarin, a famous village where the famous British novelis Peter Mayle used to leave. Picnic near the village, before mounting the crests of the Luberon to discover a wonderful view: the peaks of the Alps to the north and the Mediterranean sea to the south when the weather is clear ! Night in a stone auberge, lost in the heart of the Luberon with a swimming pool. On certain dates, in case of unavailability of the hostel, the riders can be transferred to Lauris, the horses and the guide stay at the hostel.
Day 3 - Tuesday
Through the prehistoric sites of the “Gorges de l’Aigebrun”. Pass through a very pretty provincial village to offer the horses a drink at the fountain. Picnic under the oaks, then follow bridleways though the perfumed garrigues to reach Cereste. Night in an inn in the heart of the village
Day 4 - Wednesday
After a pause to discover the priory of Carluc dating from the 11th century, you will ride towards Oppedette. Cross the superb village, typical to Haute-Provence, perched on the cliff. Opportunities for some great gallops on the way to Simiane. Night in a “chambre d’hotes” (bed and breakfast)
Day 5 - Thursday
After breakfast, chance to have walking tour in Simiane before leaving with your horse. Picnic under the chestnut trees, their leaves used to wrap the delicious goats cheese a speciality from Banon, which you shall taste accompanied with a “Cote de Luberon” wine. Ride through fields of lavender and sage, before arriving at the guesthouse
Day 6 - Friday
Departure on horseback through moors and forests. Picnic near Sault. In the afternoon, we set off on horseback towards Aurel, a charming medieval village at the foot of the Mont Ventoux. This afternoon, the colors of the lavender (cutted in July), fields of cereals and the shadows of the foothills of Mont Ventoux will perhaps make you want to imitate the many painters who have fallen in love with this region. Arrival at the end of the afternoon in Montbrun-les-Bains, facing the Mont Ventoux, surrounded by green hills and dominating a pretty little plain planted with fragrant lavender: one of the most beautiful villages in France. Transfer of riders by minibus, horses by truck, to return to Lauris and spend the last evening.
Day 7 - Saturday
Breakfast and departure possible from 9am.
Important: This
itinerary is given on an indicative basis. Depending on the seasons and the meteorological conditions during the tour, the guide may modify the tour.
Best of Provence Horse Ride - 2025 | ||
May 19 to 24 | 1800 € | available |
August 04 to 09 | 1800 € |
|
August 11 to 16 | 1800 € |
available |
August 18 to 23 | 1800 € |
available |
August 25 to 30 | 1800 € |
available |
In 2025, arrival on Monday morning for an immediate departure on horseback (6 days/5 nights/5 days on horseback).
Supplement - 2024 (to be paid on the spot) | |
Single Room Supplement Compulsory for every person travelling alone. It will be refund if you accept to share your bedroom and we find someone to do so. |
360 € |
- Trail ride as described on full board basis, lunch from the first day to breakfast the last day
- Drinks during the meals
- Transfers from and to Marseille Airport and from and to Aix en Provence Train stations
- Total and unlimited financial guarantee (APS) of all payments made to us (see "why ride with us ?")
- Protection of the French Law for travel consumers who book through French travel agencies (see "why ride with us ?")
- Transports to get to the meeting point
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Drinks outside of meals
- Single supplement
- Booking fees 15€/person
- Any other service or optional visit entries, personal expenses
- Tips
- Optional insurances
Horses
Spanish or barb crossbreds, adapted to trail riding. Well balanced and willing, they live in a herd, outdoors, and are only used for trail riding. They are our guarantee for a relaxing and safe ride.
Tack
Our saddles are designed for trail riding and allow a laid back style of riding.
You will ride an average of five hours everyday. The pace will vary according to the terrain, you will need to be at ease with walk, trot and canter, but this is not a fast ride. You will also have to take care of your horse (groom, saddle and unsaddle).
Maximum weight : 95kg
Children are accepted from 12 years old if they have the required riding level.
The equestrian center can lend you helmets but we advise you to bring yours for more comfort.
Guides are certified, and are friends who made a job of their passion. They will share with you this passion and the pleasure of trail riding. They speak French and English and try not to be the leader in the riding tour.
A logistics vehicle carries the luggage from one accomodation to another.
Accommodation
Rates are based on guesthouse rooms (2 or 3 beds) or single room with supplement (to be paid on the spot). They are all clean and have clean bathrooms.
Meals
At lunch, our assistant will prepare a substantial buffet. A “pastis” (a typical regional aniseed aperitif), a glass of red wine a barbecue by a mountain stream, a refreshing salad, a nap before leaving again: these small pleasures will add to the friendliness of our rides. In the evening everyone meets around a nice table, to discover the local food. We will have dinner in small hotels and guesthouses.
Languages spoken by the guide: English / French speaking guide.
Group size:
Arrival airport / train station:
Meeting on Mondays at 11:30am at the riding centre.
Transfers from Aix en Provence central station and TGV station and Marseille airport included at fixed times:
Arrival Monday morning: Aix en Provence Central station: 11:15 Aix en Provence TGV: 11:00 Marseille airport: 10:30 |
Departure Saturday morning: Aix en Provence Central station: 10:00 Aix en Provence TGV: 10:30 Marseille airport: 11:00 |
A colorful ride that recalls the American Far-west with the well-known warm and friendly Provencal welcome. |
"This horse-riding trail was really nice, even if the organisation wasn't always on point. The landscapes were incredible, the horses extraordinary with a sure footing and boundless generosity." - Federica C. (2015)
"Beautiful lanscapes and really sweet mare for totally safe trail." - Sophie C. (2013)
"Beautiful trail to recommend even to the less experienced riders, because it is an easy ride." - Mélanie S. (2013)
7 days / 6 nights / 5 days on horseback