Villages of Armagnac

Introduction
Southwest France

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 soils overflowing with Maritime Pine, Oak and wild game; followed by the vineyards of Armagnac which produce “eau de vie” of superior quality and the vineyards of Buzet, known for its wine of unique character; through gentle valleys sprinkled with forestall groves and breath-taking 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! Delicious!

Accomodation

Accommodation: In quality small hotels along the route.  Some private bathrooms, some shared bathrooms.

Meals: All meals are provided in quality regional restaurants. Refreshments are included during the riding portion - other beverages are not included. 

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

On this trip we use French Trekking saddlery and the horses are predominantly Selle Francais / Arab Crosses.  The pace is moderate, with opportunities for both trotting and cantering.  We spend approximately 5 - 6 hours in the saddle per day.  This trip is best suited to riders of an intermediate riding level, who are comfortable at all gaits on the trail.

Itinerary

Day 1   Pick you up from the Bordeaux-Merignac Airport and transport to Nerac (about 1 hour’s drive) or meet 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 de 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 into 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

Rates and Dates for Villages of Armagnac

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Agen
Airport: Bordeaux
Transfer: Bordeaux Merignac Airport 4 PM or included from Agen train station late afternoon

Climate:

Bordeaux, within Frances’s famed Aquitaine wine region, is located on the bend of the Garonna River in the south west of France. It enjoys a mild climate which is ideal for wine growing, making the region one of the worlds top wine producing areas. 
 
The months from March through until May bring a maximum average temperature range of 15 to 20 degrees. Average rainfall is at its lowest in April, sitting at 48mm average precipitation. It is not unusual for weather conditions to relapse back to winter and as a result there are occasional cold snaps interspersed with drizzles of rain.

The conditions are much the same in Autumn (minus the blossoming flowers!) however the majority of the wineries close their doors in October whilst grape harvest takes place, so if you want to take in what Bordeaux’s wine region has to offer its not recommended to visit during Autumn.

Due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the area- tourists and grapes included, is protected from temperature extremes. Summer in Bordeaux is glorious, clear blue skies and sunny days are made all the more enjoyable when taking the atmosphere with a glass of the regions finest red wine. The average temperature range in the area sits at around 13 to 25 degrees, with July being the hottest month. The evenings are cooled by a pleasing Atlantic wind which leaves the area enjoying delightful cool summer nights- ideal for wine growing.

Winters in Bordeaux are short and not too cold but have a tendency to feel quite ‘damp.’ November through to January is when the region receives its greatest rainfall, December being particularly wet. The average minimum for December is 2 degrees moving up to an average maximum of 9 degrees. January is generally the coldest month, with an average minimum of 2 degrees however the coldest temperature ever recorded in Bordeaux was recorded in February when the mercury plunged to -15 degrees.