Gascogne to Atlantic Ride

Introduction
Southwest France

If you would love to explore the beautifully forested French landscape at a lively pace, savor some of the finest wines in the world, journey on horseback to the most beautiful chateaux in the Southwest of France with a breath-taking canter into the waves of the Atlantic Ocean and onto the largest sand dune in  all of Europe - this is the riding tour for you this year!
GASCOGNE: A forest of pine and oak with sandy soils. The smell of heather and resin surrounded by a rich fauna of ferns. The impressive Chateau d Roquetaillade.
SAUTERNES: 40-square kilometers of vineyards. A relatively small area for a wine of such exception! Revel in the nectar of soft white wines with the wine tastings.
ATLANTIC OCEAN: From Sanguinet to Arcachon, we pass the inland lakes of Cazaux and Biscarrosse. Immense fine, sandy beaches along the coast of Landaise, we will reach the Dune du Pilat and The Arcachon oceanic basin.  And oh the delicious platters of seafood! 

Accomodation

Accommodations are in private chateaux and charming hotels, gourmet lunches with regional wine included, prepared by the personal chef. Evening dinners in tasteful regional restaurants to savor traditional French cuisine, wine with dinner not included.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding
We use trekking saddlery and our horses are predominantly French and Arabian Crosses.
The rider should be of a strong intermediate riding level and be comfortable at all three gaits while out on the trail.  Long days in the saddle, with approximately 5 - 7 hours a day.

Itinerary

Day 1: Your host picks you up at the Bordeaux-Merignac Airport and bring you to the lovely village of Casteljaloux (about 1 hour drive). Dinner and overnight at the hotel ** Les Cordeliers.

Day 2: Breakfast at 8 a.m. and transfer to Tourette. We talk about the ride ahead then match you to your horsey companion for the week. On the peaceful national forest trails of the Landes, the largest forest in Europe, you ride through the region of Gascogne, to the lake of Clarens for lunch. In the afternoon, you ride to the Chapelle de St. Clair de Gouts, an old fortified church from the 13^th and 14^th centuries, located in the middle of the wood. Transport (15 min.) to the beautiful Domaine de la Haute Lande for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Breakfast and a short transfer back to the horses. You ride through the Landes Forest along the meanders of the Ciron River. Enjoy your lunch under the oak trees near the river. In the afternoon your ride takes you on through pine and oak forests on sandy trails until you arrive at Dousud, a typical restored Landaise farm for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: After breakfast you ride to the vineyards of Sauternes. Lunch at the majestic Chateau de Roquetaillade which you get to visit later. The ride takes you on through the vineyards to Budos. There you visit the Chateau Premier Cru Classe Sauternes-Barsac and enjoy a wine tasting. Transfer (10 min.) to the Hotel de Charme in La Cremalliere for the dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Breakfast and transport back to the horses. You leave the vineyards for the forest to the lake of Bousquet where you have lunch. In the afternoon, through the forest, you arrive at the equestrian center of Le Volcelest. Overnight in Chambers d’Hotes and gascon dinner (typical meals of Gascogne) at the Volcelest club house.

Day 6: Breakfast and transfer to the stable where the horses are (15 min.). You ride through the forest and along the Etang de Sanguinet, a lake that is 20 km long. Partly along the forest, partly along the water we ride to Navarosse Beach for lunch. Sand dunes and forest alternate in the afternoon until we reach the ocean again. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel *** La Cremalliere.

Day 7: Breakfast and departure depending on the tide. We ride the last 20 km along the waves to the Dune du Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe, near the Bassin d’Arcachon. Transfer to Arcachon (10 min.). Here you can taste various seafood and later you have dinner and stay overnight at the Hotel *** Roc Hotel Modern.

Day 8: Breakfast and transfer to the airport (1 hour). 
subject to change

Rates and Dates for Gascogne to Atlantic Ride

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Marmande train station or Bordeaux airport
Airport: Bordeaux
Transfer: Bordeaux (Merignac Airport) at 4:00 PM or included from Marmande train station

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.

The general atmosphere is nice & relaxed during your ride. Luggage is transported each day by a complimentary support vehicle. We provide rain gear for riding (rain ponchos) or bring your own rain gear.