Provence Explorer

Introduction
Provence France

We are happy to offer several new itineraries in Provence this year. Ride along ancient Roman roads, into villages where the horses drink from the fountain and chat with the locals. Then cantered through fields of lavender and gaze at the snow-topped Alps and the ink-blue Mediterranean at the same time. With the horses tethered nearby, we picnic on french bread, cheese and local wines - these are our rides in Provence. The rides begin at Mas de Recaute, located in the heart of Provence, in the Regional Natural Park of the Luberon, at the foot of the south side of the massif. From here we will take you through Luberon into the Upper Provence.
From the Luberon to Upper Provence: In the heart of Haute-Provence - from Luberon Nature Park to the foot of Mount Ventoux, discover the heart of Provence. A trail ride filled with light and scents half-way between the Alps and the Mediterranean. Along the way, you will travel through ancient villages and along fields of lavender. This ride deserves a special mention for the quality of the cuisine and lodging.

Accomodation

Accommodations during the trail will be in guesthouses and country inns. They are basic, but clean.  We select our accommodation according to its beautiful setting and friendly atmosphere, for riders to enjoy a pleasant stay.

At lunch, our assistant will prepare a substantial buffet. A “pastis”, a glass of red wine, a barbecue by a mountain stream, a refreshing salad, a nap before leaving again : many small pleasures which will add to the enjoyment of our rides.

In the evening everyone meets around the table, to discover local food - or should we say "cuisine" - don't count on losing any weight.

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

Riding

You will ride an average of five hours everyday. The pace will vary according to the terrain. During the ride, we advise you to take care of your horse, in order to get to know him better, and to create a  special relationship with him. At lunch, our assistant will prepare a substantial buffet. A “pastis”, a glass of red wine (don’t abuse it !), a barbecue by a mountain stream, a refreshing salad, a nap before leaving again : as many small pleasures which will add to the friendliness of our rides.

In order to make the most of the ride, we require riders to be at ease with walk, trot and canter, in outdoor riding. Groups are made out of 5 to 12 riders. This limited amount of riders – often rich of several nationalities – allows each person to make the most of the trip.

Guides are certified, and are friends who made a job of their passion. They apply themselves to share this passion and the pleasure of trail riding. Whether on the Alpes or on the beaches of Camargue, amongst odorant thym, rosmary and lavander, our guides insure riders safety in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. All the guides speak English.

Itinerary

Day 1  Sunday: Meeting from 6.00 pm onwards at the “Mas de Recaute” in Lauris. Dinner and overnight at the Mas. (“Mas” means farmhouse in the local traditional dialect)

Day 2 Monday: Lauris - Sivergues.
Following the foothills of the southern side of the Luberon mountain range, you will reach Lourmarin, a famous village where Albert Camus the French novelist once lived and where his body now lies. Picnic near to 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. Night in a stone farmhouse dating from the XII century, lost in the heart of the Luberon.

Day 3 Tuesday: Sivergues – Cereste.
Ride through the prehistoric sites of the “Gorges de l’Aigebrun”. Pass through a very pretty provencal village to offer the horses a drink at the fountain. Picnic under the oaks, then follow bridleways though the perfumed garrigues to reach Cereste. Overnight at an inn in the heart of the village.

Day 4 Wednesday: Cereste – Simiane.
After a pause to discover the priory of Carluc dating from the XI century, you will ride towards Oppedette. Cross the superb village, typical of Haute-Provence, perched on the cliff. Opportunities for some great gallops on the way to Simiane. Overnight in a “chambre d’hotes” (bed and breakfast).

Day 5 Thursday: Simiane – Saint-Trinit.
Picnic under the chestnut trees, their leaves used to wrap the delicious goat cheese, a specialty from Banon, which you shall taste accompanied with a “Cote de Luberon” wine. Ride through fields of lavender and sage, before arriving at the “gîte”.

Day 6  Friday: Saint-Trinit – Le Contadour - Lauris.
The Lure Mountain. The morning ride is your introduction to the Alpine views of Haute-Provence. The change in the landscape is subtle and refreshing. From your horse, enjoy the sumptuous views over the Luberon Mountain Range and the Southern Alps, an area covered with Chestnut trees often used in local goat cheese recipes. Riders will appreciate their horses’ stamina and surefootedness as the horses climb to the Pas de Redortiers (alt. 3,800 feet). From there, appreciate a great view of the pre-Alps. The weather is cooler, the view outstanding and there is grass for your horse. You will ride along the ridges of the Lure Moutain and discover the “Jas” and “bories”, dry-stone constructions used by shepherds and travelers. You will end up the ride on the hillside of the Moutain, in Le Contadour where Jean Giono famous Provence writer used to live. Transfer to Mas de Recaute with minibus. Dinner and night at the Mas de Recaute.

Day 7 Saturday: Departure. Transfer to the airport and train station.

**subject to change

Rates and Dates for Provence Explorer

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Mas de Recaute
Airport: Marseille
Transfer: Marseille Airport or Aix-en-Provence Train Station

Climate:

A Mediterranean climate is witnessed in the Rhône valley south of Valence and the coastal areas of Languedoc and Provence at the foot of the southern Alps.

The glamour, class and fame of this region is accompanied by a glorious typical Mediterranean climate of warm summers and mild winters. The hot summer days are broken up by the evening sea breezes which waft over the city and provide a cooling breaking from heat and create an ideal atmosphere to enjoy what this alluring picturesque area has to offer.

Along the coast, summers are hot, with scarce rain for a 3 month period in the midst of summer. However, when it rains – it pours and often associated with thunder. Sunshine is plentiful- up to eleven to twelve hours a day in summer and around five in midwinter.

Winters in the region are generally mild and sunny but this pleasant weather is often interrupted by very unsettled cold and squally weather brought in by the famous northerly ‘mistral’ wind. The mistral blows with particular strength through around Marseille and through the Rhône Valley.