Wine & Castles Trails

Introduction
Bordeaux France
Imagine discovering the great wines of Bordeaux, some of the world’s most famous vineyards, from the very best vantage point in the gorgeous French countryside - the back of a horse!

Exceptional horseback riding with the discovery of the great wines of Bordeaux, the world’s most famous Vineyard. You will ride through prestigious Vineyards that will not leave you indifferent. These are Médoc, Côtes de Blaye, Côtes de Bourg, Fronsac, Lalande de Pomerol, St Emilion, l’Entre deux mers, Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, Graves and Sauternes. All the human heritage such as the Citadelle de Blaye, built by Vauban at the 18th century, the medieval city of Saint Emilion, the chateau de Rauzan and the English bastide of Cadillac (13th century) is also waiting for you.

The alternate Medoc Beach & Wine Ride . This trip is by the ocean side, mythical wine châteaux, vast forests, a place redolent of history and famous food. On one side the Atlantic Ocean. On the other, the Gironde estuary and the immense Landes Forest, the Médoc is about a third of the Gironde Department (its North-West). It is first of all world renowned for its vineyards, however its landscapes have a lot of variety, from the marsh areas of Lower Médoc to the large straight beaches of the Atlantic with the ocean breakers. Going by the Graves headlands where the waters of the Gironde and those of the Atlantic Ocean merge, the Landes forest and its mind boggling pine woods stretch as far as the eye can see, a succession of lakes (Hourtin, Carcans, Lacanau) from North to South.

Accomodation


Accommodation
This is a progressive ride so you will be staying in different locations each night.

Description
Accommodation is in B&B or hotels. Bring your swimsuit because some hotels during the ride may have swimming pools! 

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability

Bordeaux Wine and Castles Trail
Day 1 & 2:  Chambres en vigne B&B in Ruch
Day 3 : Hotel in Saint Emilion
Day 4:  La Tour Hotel in Libourne
Day 5:  B&B in Civrac de Blaye
Day 6:  Hotel in Blaye
Day 7:  B&B in Moulis en Medoc

Chambres en vigne B&B in Ruch
Set in a recently renovated country house, this B&B features the typical architecture of the region  mixing stone and wood. Each room is unique but all feature a comfortable bed and a private bathroom.
There is free Wi-Fi and a small outdoor pool.

La Tour Hotel in Libourne
This small hotel provides visitors with 15 air-conditioned rooms (simple, double and triple) all equipped with free WiFi, satellite TV, and private bathrooms with a hair dryer. Some rooms feature views over the Dordogne River.


Medoc Beaches and Wine Trail
Day 1   Domaine de Quittignan Brillette in Moulis
Day 2:  Hotel de France et d'Angleterre in Pauillac
Day 3:  Hotel les Vieux Acacias in Queyrac
Day 4:  Hotel des Pins in Soulac sur Mer
Day 5:  Hotel le Marin in Montalivet
Day 6:  Hotel Les Pins in Hourtin
Day 7:  Domaine de Quittignan Brillette in Moulis


Hotel de France et d'Angleterre in Pauillac
This hotel is located next to Paulliac’s Marina, and even has a small garden at the back. The rooms are simply decorated and come equipped with heating/AC, satellite TV, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.

Hotel les Vieux Acacias in Queyrac
The hotel offers bedrooms with a modern décor and private bathrooms. All rooms feature a satellite TV, free Wi-Fi access and a view over the small garden. There is also a small outdoor swimming pool.

Hotel des Pins in Soulac sur Mer
This hotel offers 29 rooms (all with private bathroom) with refined interior design and free Wi-Fi access. The property also has a patio and an extensive garden with a hot tub and spa (extra charges may apply).

Hotel le Marin in Montalivet
A few steps away from the Atlantic Ocean, this hotel benefits from a privileged situation. The hotel has 13 modern and functional en-suite rooms that come with air-conditioning, a TV and free Wi-Fi.

Hotel Les Pins in Hourtin
This hotel is located on the outskirts of Hourtin and provides guests with 18 comfortable bedrooms, all arranged around the outdoor swimming pool. All rooms are equipped with a TV, free Wi-Fi and private bathroom.

Room Occupancy
Double or Twin room, possibility of single but with supplement. We try our best to match you with a roommate, but if this is not possible you may be placed in single room with a supplement to be paid.



Meals
All meals are included.

Continental breakfasts served at your accommodation.
The lunches are buffets with a wide choice (adapted to particular diets) & wine.
Dinners are taken at the bed and breakfast, restaurant or hotel (wine not included for dinner).

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding Ability
This ride is for the experienced rider who has mastered all 4 paces (walk, rising trot, canter/gallop in a forward seat) on a varied terrain, in open spaces. The experienced rider rides regularly, has good physical fitness, has good soft hands, a good attitude, and self-confidence. You should be able to control the speed and direction of the horse in all circumstances and be able to ride long distances including gallops of several minutes in open terrain.
There are certain sections of the trail where we might need to lead the horses. It is recommended that you be in good physical condition in order to participate.
Previous experience of trail rides over a number of days would be beneficial but is not required.
Riders who, on their own initiative, ask not to ride during the stay will be charged 300 euros for the transport of the horse.

Pace
The pace is varied depending on the terrain, with long periods of walk and plenty of opportunities to canter and gallop. We ride around 5-6 hours riding each day

Horses
Most of our horses were born on the farm. They live in herds in a 70 acre field and this is what makes them strong. This social lifestyle is very close to their ideal living conditions, which is a natural environment.
Every horse has its own character, but all are gentle, balanced, and multi-talented.
The horses are a mixture of purebred Arabian and Paint horses as well as Arabian/Paint crossbreds and Thoroughbreds.
The relationship with the riders and our horses is crucial. Above all, we place attention on the welfare and education of our horses.

Tack & Equipment
Our saddles are a French trail saddle (JMS brands), which blend the best of English and western styles to make the perfect trail saddle. Horses will work in bridles with Myler bits.
Saddlebags, poncho, and water are provided. Helmets are not mandatory but are strongly recommended.

Logistics
There is a support van for the transport of luggage and riders. It is possible for a rider or a non-riding companion to follow along the horse riders in the van.
We ask the riders to have only one suitcase (size 69x47x27) and one handbag.

Group Size & Staff
Riding groups have a minimum of 5 and maximum of 10 riders, plus the Guide and the Translator.
David (GTE/ BPJEPS TE) is a certified Equestrian Tour Guide. He creates the routes and leads all the riding tours. He is also a trainer of apprentice instructors in Equestrian Tourism.
Britta is your riding companion and translator (English, Dutch, German, and Spanish). She is always available to facilitate any language concerns.

Facilities
The Farm covers 30 hectares (75 acres) of woods and meadows and facilities include a covered riding arena, rolling pastures, a round pen, cross country terrain, as well as a multitude of riding and hiking trails.

Itinerary


Please note that these programs may change due to weather, security, technical criteria and other unforeseen situations.

Sample Itinerary: Bordeaux Wine & Castles Trail - subject to changes

Important note: The specific level required is the "confirmed rider level".
As a qualified professional of equestrian tourism in France, it is important for the safety of the groups of riders we receive that everyone has the required riding level (see description below).
A person, who doesn't have the required level, causes difficulties for the staff and other participants, with consequences on the good progress of the stay for everyone.
Therefore, we will test riders on horseback on the 1st day before departure on the trail.
If from the first day we judge that a rider doesn't have the required level for horseback riding, he/she will not continue on horseback. They will continue their stay with the logistics team. They will be able to make all the scheduled visits, and eat with the riders for lunch and dinner.
This decision will be made without any refund on the stay.
If, due to poor physical condition, riders ask to stop riding, they are still liable for the 300 euros we charge for transporting the horse.

Our rides are for the experienced rider who has mastered all 4 paces (walk, rising trot, canter/gallop in a forward seat) on varied terrains and in open spaces. The experienced rider rides regularly, has good physical fitness, has good soft hands, a good attitude, and self-confidence. He controls the speed and direction of the horse in all circumstances. He can ride long distances including gallops of several minutes in open terrain.
Participants need to have experience riding on English-style saddles.  They need to know how to ride in balance: two point position.


Please, note that this program can run in reverse. In 2024, this program will run in reverse (Sauternes to Moulis) on the following departures: May 11th, September 28th and October 19th. 

Day 1: Arrival
We welcome the riders either at the Bordeaux airport at 6:00pm (Meeting is in Hall B at the "Brioche Doree" snack bar.). Transfer to the bed and breakfast.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at a B&B in Ruch

Day 2: Entre-deux-mers
Today's ride will take us through the Entre-deux-mers region, with its varied, hilly, wooded landscapes and beautiful vineyards.
We pass by the 13th-century Château de Rauzan before arriving at our picnic area. In the afternoon, we continue through the Bordeaux vineyards, returning to Château du Courros (Bordeaux Supérieur) for a tasting. Built on the grounds of a pre-6th-century religious community dedicated to Saint Vincent (said to be the patron saint of winegrowers), Château du Courros lies a few kilometers south of St. Emilion.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a B&B in Ruch

Day 3: Saint Emilion
This morning, we move along the Dordogne to Merlande. Through the vineyards, we head for Saint Emilion, where we have lunch. Along the way, we see Château de Pavie. Picnic at Château Franc-Mayne in Saint Emilion. Backing onto the slope of Franc, from which it takes its name, the château boasts 7 hectares of vines. The ancient Gallo-Roman road runs alongside the vineyard. An old coaching inn bears witness to the passage of pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Tasting and discovery of the 2-hectare underground cellars.
In the afternoon, we take in the famous estates of Château Pétrus, Cheval Blanc and Château Figeac before arriving in the Pomerol appellation, where we leave the horses behind.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Saint Emilion

Day 4: Ride to Libourne
The morning is free to relax. You can visit Saint Emilion. This unusual medieval town opens its doors all year round to adventurers, wine lovers and the simply curious. A city steeped in history, perched on a rocky promontory, Saint-Émilion and its vineyards draw their originality from the limestone that has shaped their identity. This is evidenced by the 200 km of underground galleries that provided the limestone needed for the construction of many of the region's buildings, including Bordeaux.
We picnic where we left the horses the day before on the Château Le Gay property. In the afternoon, we ride through vineyards interspersed with small woods to Château Mayne-Veil (Fronsac), where we leave the horses.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at La Tour Hotel in Libourne

Day 5: Ride to Mouillac
On this day, we head for Mouillac through varied landscapes of vineyards, meadows and forests. Picnic at Mouillac's little Romanesque church, where you'll have time to find the 9 canonic dials. The day continues on to Cubnezais. The landscape here is divided between the vineyards of the "Blaye - Côtes de Bordeaux" appellation and the forest of pines and hardwoods. At the end of the day, we leave the horses at Domaine de la Gravette.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a B&B in Civrac de Blaye

Day 6: Blaye Citadelle
This morning, we ride through the rolling hills of the Côtes de Bourg. Picnic and tasting at Château Lamothe (Côte de Bourg). Then, departure around 3pm for the Citadelle de Blaye. We enter the 18th-century Vauban citadel on horseback. With its 1.5 km of ramparts, gates and underground passageways, the citadel has preserved intact the defensive system designed by Vauban, as well as the buildings necessary for the proper functioning of a garrison: former convent, prison, barracks and powder magazine.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Blaye

Day 7: Médoc
After breakfast, we cross the Gironde with our mounts on the ferry to Lamarque and the Médoc (duration 40 mins.). We ride through the Médoc vineyards to our picnic location at Moulis en Médoc. Afternoon at leisure, tasting at Château Maslescasse (Haut-Médoc). Located in Lamarque, between Margaux and Saint-Julien, Château Malescasse was built in 1824 in the purest neo-classical style.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at B&B in Moulis en Médoc

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast and according to the riders’ train or plane schedules, transfer of the riders. There will be a single transfer to Bordeaux airport.
Meals included: Breakfast



Sample-Itinerary: Medoc Beach and Wine Trail - subject to changes

This program will not be available in 2024.

Day 1: Arrival
We welcome the riders at the Bordeaux airport at 6:00-6:30pm (hall B at the "Brioche Doree" snack bar). Transfer to Moulis en Médoc.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Domaine de Quittignan Brillette in Moulis

Day 2: Ride to Pauillac
Departure from Moulis through the vineyards of the Listrac and Moulis Appellations. Picnic and wine tasting Château Lannessan. End of the afternoon at Pauillac.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel de France et d'Angleterre in Pauillac

Day 3: Pauillac to Begadan
Through the Pauillac Appellation vineyard, we pass not far from Lafite Rothschild (first Grand Cru Classé Pauillac) whose vineyard dates from the XVII century, or Cos d’Estournel (Saint Estephe appellation) dating from 1811. Then, we’ll head for a visit and picnic at the archaeological dig site of Brion. There used to be a Gallo-Roman villa there. Afternoon ride through vineyards. We’ll then reach Begadan (Bordeaux, Bordeaux superior appellation).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel les Vieux Acacias in Queyrac

Day 4: Begadan to Soulac sur Mer
We’ll head northward on the "Palus" (land ridges between marshes and streams of water) to get to the banks of the estuary. We’ll head for the picturesque seaport of Goulée. Picnic and visit of the Richard lighthouse. From its top (18 m high) we’ll have a beautiful view on the river.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel des Pins in Soulac sur Mer

Day 5: Soulac sur Mer to Montalivet
Today we will ride westward, in the direction of Soulac. The landscape looks like Camargue; vast expanses of meadows with lakes and horses on the range. Visit of the church of Our Lady of Land’s end. Then the beach: a very large one to L’Amélie for picnic. Same route in the afternoon, long canters on the beach to Montalivet.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel le Marin in Montalivet

Day 6: Montalivet to Hourtin
Southward, beach or forest depending on the tide, picnic at the Pin Sec. In the afternoon on the Gironde moors we’ll make it a day at Hourtin, a small yachting harbour.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Les Pins in Hourtin

Day 7: Ride back to Moulis
We head East and the forest promises many long canters on sandy lanes where we may spot deer or stags. The fragrance of the pine trees is inebriating, the forest is engulfing us. Picnic in the hamlet of Bernos. In the afternoon we’ll go southwards to get back to where we started.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Domaine de Quittignan Brillette in Moulis

Day 8:
End of the trip. Transfer to the Bordeaux airport after breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast


Non Riders
Non-riding companions are welcome to join this trip. It is best to have a car in order to do some sightseeing while the rest of the group explores on horseback.


Map: 

Black lines = Wine & Castles Trail    Blue lines= Medoc Beach & Wine Trail

Rates and Dates for Wine & Castles Trails

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Moulis en Medoc
Airport: Bordeaux Mérignac airport
Transfer: Bordeaux Mérignac airport

Climate:
                                                Bordeaux area