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The ride takes place in the magnificent region of
Albret near Bordeaux, once dominated by King Henri IV of France. We
traverse the beautiful forest of the “Landes”, planted 250 years ago by
Napoleon III and canter across gentle rolling hills of sunflowers,
vineyards, medieval châteaux and fortified villages from the 13th
century; lasting reminders of the 100 years War with the English.
Throughout the course of the tour, we cross various regions; the
Landaise forest (the largest area of forest in France which stretches
from the Atlantic Ocean to the mountains of the Pyrenees); across sandy
soil overflowing with Maritime Pine, Oak and wild game, followed by the
vineyards of Armagnac which produces and “eau de vie” of superior
quality and the vineyards of Buzet, known for its wine of unique
character; through gently valleys sprinkled with forestall groves and
breathtaking views of valleys rich with tapestries of corn, wheat and
sunflower fields; and finally, passing through many quaint and beautiful
bastide villages and medieval châteaux that adorn this welcoming and
peaceful region. Lunches are prepared by our personal chef who
accompanies us on each leg of the journey with our luggage. Evening
meals are eaten in regional restaurants in these medieval villages in
order to savor the traditional gastronomy.
 IT-FRARM01
Rates include accommodation in small hotels, all meals with evening
dinners in regional restaurants, 6 riding days
8 days/ 7 nights $ 1,775 Single: +
$ 260
-- based on € 1250 / € 180
2008 Dates:
04/19-04/26 04/26-05/03
05/31-06/07
06/28-07/05 09/13-09/20
availability
& reservation
Meeting : Agen
Airport: Bordeaux
Transfer: $45
(€30) rt per person from Bordeaux (Merignac
Airport) at 4 PM or free from Agen train station
Level:
Intermediate
- comfortable in walk, trot (posting trot) and canter
Pace: Moderate, nice canters
Tack:
French Trekking
Horses:
Selle
Francais / Arab Cross
Min/Max: 2-12 riders
Weight limit: 240 lbs
Itinerary
Day 1 Pick you up from the Bordeaux, Merignac
Airport and transport to Nerac (about 1 hour’s drive) - or meeting at
the Agen train station. Dinner along a small boating canal in Nerac.
Day 2 On the peaceful national forest trails of the Landes forest,
the largest forest in France, you ride through the region of “Albret”.
You descend towards the medieval fortress village of Mézin, typical
with its narrow, cobblestone alleys and half-timbered houses dating back
to the 13th and 14th centuries. Stop midday for lunch in the woods
along the river Gélise. Dinner and overnight at the Hôtel de Gascogne.
Day 3 The trail leads us through pine forests, to a pretty village
and Château of Poudenas, descending through the Gélise valley towards
the beautiful bastide of Fources at midday for lunch, the only existing
round fortified village, famous for its unique architecture. We cross
fields and forests to the bastide village of Montréal. Dinner and
overnight at the Hôtel les Ramiers.
Day 4 The day begins riding along the famous route of pilgrimage,
“Saint Jacques de Compostelle” towards the fortified Château,
Larressingle for lunch at midday. In the afternoon, we traverse the
vineyards of Armagnac and orchards of Kiwi fruit towards Moncrabeau, the
“Village of Liars”, situated on a hilltop which dominates the Baïse
River. Dinner and over night at the Hôtel le Phare.
Day 5 Riding across rolling hills and fields of wheat, poppies and
sunflowers, we pass by the Château Cazal du Bos. We arrive near the
small village of Calignac, where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon,
we descend the valley of the Auvignon River to the ancient Berguefave
Mill. Dinner at the restaurant Les Délices du Roy” and overnight in Nérac.
Day 6 We begin the day by ascending towards the Gueyze vineyards,
passing the Château de Mazelieres en route. At midday, we picnic near
these peaceful vineyards. In the afternoon, we take time to enjoy a
wine-tasting at the Château de Salles of the fine wines of Buzet. We
then descend towards the lovely and well preserved bastide of Vianne,
along the Baïse River. Dinner at the restaurant Les Allées d’Albret
and overnight in Nérac.
Day 7 We ride through the fortified bastide village of Vianne and
then continue towards the surrounding hills which dominate the Garonne
Valley. After passing the Château d’Ambrus, we picnic on the grounds of
the charming little 13th century church, L’Église de Nôtre Dame d’Ambrus.
Crossing the forest, we ride toward the Lagüe lake to bath the horses
before returning to Tourette. Dinner at the restaurant Le Moulin des
Tours, located in Barbaste, home of the oldest fortified mill in Europe.
Overnight back in romantic Nérac.
Day 8 Transfer to Bordeaux and departure.
Subject to change |
see
Canal in Nerac - first and last
night
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