Morvan Ride

Introduction
Burgundy France

Adventure, relaxation, strong emotions, sensations and gastronomy will make this week an unforgettable trip. This is a very fast-paced ride, quite different from the other riding tours in France.
The "Morvan" - an island in the heart of Burgundy - became a natural reserve thanks to the efforts of the community.
The Morvan is a green area in the center of the Burgundy region that will astonish you due to the diversity of landscapes and the uncountable miles of unpaved country roads, perfectly suited for a riding tour.
Known for its rolling hills, large forests, rivers, lakes and characteristic villages. Uncountable trails lead through this lovely landscape, revealing new views after every turn. The warm-hearted inhabitants of the villages, whose hospitality is almost indescribable, make the Morvan a unique place to rest body and soul.
Daily 30 to 40 mile journeys with long and frequent canters, abrupt down hill passages and lakes will be the joy of sporty outdoors riders. 
Lovers of history will not be disappointed either.  This region is a green desert, far away from busy highways and, a long time ago, crossed by migrating helvets. Julius Cesar and Vercingétorix fought their war in this region. Bibracte witnessed the times of the Celt civilization in Europe. Bernard de Clervaux preached at Vézelay during his second crusade.  We honor the memory of Vauban when we cross his tomb and we will remember the times when wood used to float down the rivers Cure and Yonne towards Paris.

Accomodation

Lodging:You will sleep at typical regional small hotels where we will find a comfortable bed and a warm shower to rest after our active daily journey.

Food: Evening meals will be taken at the hotel.  Lunch will be generous, inspired by traditional country cooking, warm or cold according to the weather.  At noon, it is always a pleasure to see from far away a well-dressed table, in the middle of a field, waiting for us.

Riding

We know that the key to a horse trip is the horses.  That is why we have chosen and breed our own. They are all born in the Morvan region and they have lived all their life in the same region.  They are calm, well in their heads but, when need be or when requested, they are fast and generous.  They are capable of anything, they will surprise you and they will allow you to experience a unique riding trip and to discover a new form of riding. Daily 30 to 40 mile journeys with long and frequent canters, abrupt down hill passages and lakes will be the joy of sporty outdoors riders. 

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at the train station in Autun in the afternoon and transfer to Sommant. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 2: We ride in the direction of "Lac des Settons" passing the picturesque village of Vignerux and through the woods of Anost - a very famous area of the finest hams. We stop deep inside the forest for a romantic picnic and then continue our ride until we reach the lakeshore of Planchez. We follow the lake until we reach our lodging for tonight. Dinner and overnight at a interesting hotel overlooking the lake.
Day 3: Today our horses turn into Fish .... while we will cross numerous creeks and rivers. Then they transform into mountain goats while we climb the mountain of  Pérouse - only to be welcomed with a spectacular view form the top. In the middle of a thick forest we reach the Waterfall of Gouloux and then follow mountain creeks and wild streams to reach Dun les Places. Dinner and overnight at a cozy Auberge (guesthouse).
Day 4: Today we face the longest day in the saddle - almost 40 miles are to be covered. Of course by now you are comfortable and have bonded with your horse and we will all enjoy fast to very fast canters and gallops along the Cure River, the wildest and most important river in the region. We reach the northern border of the nature park where the scenery opens up considerably with meadows and fields. The goal for to today is Vézelay, which is located alonf the Jacob's Pilgrim Trail to Santiago the Compostella. It was here that the "Holy Bernard of Clairvaux " challenged his followers to the second crusade in the 12th century. Dinner and overnight at the "Relais du Morvan" in the town center.
Day 5: In the morning we visit Vézelay and then continue our ride to Pierre Perthuis with its world famous two stone bridges, where we enjoy our picnic. Today's shorter ride of 25 miles will be covered on a quick and fast 3 hour ride until we reack the Castle of Lantilly. Dinner and overnight at the Castle of Lantilly with possible free time to visit Vauban's Castle Bazoches.
Day 6: This morning we follow the Yvonne River in the direction of  Château Chinon. Around lunch time we reach the lake where riders and horses can go for a swim. Finally we reach Château Chinon, a medieval small town. The town is worth an evening stroll before or after dinner. Dinner and overnight at a hotel.
Day 7: We ride in direction of Bibracte following ancient forest trails that have not changed for centuries. Then we ascend to to highest point of the riding your - the 800 meter Beuray Mountain. Here we rendezvous with the "Galls" looking at one of the most important archaeological diggs in France regarding the Galls and Romans occupations. After lunch we reach our destination of the day - Saint Léger sous Beuvray. Dinner and overnight at a hotel.
Day 8: You’ll come back into the higher mountains of the beginning of the trip. Past castles, through creeks and rivers - the horses know that it’s going homeward so the day will finish fast paced. Farewell dinner and overnight like first day.
Day 9: After breakfast departure.
   
      Subject to change

Rates and Dates for Morvan Ride

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Chiddes
Airport: Dijon
Transfer: Luzy (Nièvre) train station

Climate:

Burgundy Weather

Burgundy is situated in the heart of France and usually has warm or hot summers with that continental feel to them. Generally the summer months are warm and dry, with rainfall averaging 6 cm per month in July and August. The climate in the Spring and Autumn is similar to that of South-eastern England, a mixture of sun and scattered showers with temperatures in the mid 20's.
Wear layers of clothing so that you are ready for cooler mornings and hotter afternoons. Waterproof outer layers are wise on longer day trips if the weather forecast is changeable.