Brittany Explorer Brittany France Experience the beautiful coastal region of Brittany on reliable and well-trained endurance horses. Located in the northwest of France, Brittany is the largest peninsula of the country. The sea, endless beaches, a mild climate and over 2000 hours of sunshine make it an ideal riding area. Ride across the wilderness and explore the unique coastal sights the region has to offer, from rocky coast, to ports. Progressive Ride (no camping) Meeting: Saint Samson sur Rance Airport: Rennes Transfer: Saint Malo Riders: Min 6 riders Max 12 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

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Pick-up is available from Saint Malo train station at 7:00 pm (no extra fee) on Day 1. If you do not choose to take the transfer, you will need to make your own way to Pleslin Trigavou on Day 1.
On the last day of the trip, you can choose to be transferred to Saint Brieuc train station for no extra fee.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Individual arrival. A group transfer from Saint Malo Train Station is possible at 7:00 pm. During the welcome dinner, you will get to know your fellow riders and discuss the forthcoming riding tour with your guide.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Pleslin Trigavou

Day 2: Pleslin Trigavou to Saint Cast le Guildo
After a filling breakfast, it is time to get in the saddle. Our destination for the day is Saint Cast le Guildo, a seaside city. During today's stage, we will enjoy beautiful views over the Fesnay Bay. 
We will arrive at our accommodation in the afternoon.
Enjoy typical Breton cuisine for dinner: for example fish and seafood as well as galettes and crêpes. With a glass of cider. 
Riding approx. 39 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Saint Cast le Guildo

Day 3: Saint Cast le Guildo to Erquy 
Experience the rugged nature at Cap Fréhel: the headland on the Côte d'Émeraude forms the northernmost point of a promontory that protrudes into the Gulf of Saint-Malo. Admire the different colored cliffs made of reddish sandstone, black slate and the well-known pink-colored granite. Up to a height of 70 m and steeply sloping, they are a special natural spectacle. Especially in spring, countless flowers such as wild hyacinths, daffodils and carnations bloom on the meadows that form the roof of the cliff. The Cap Fréhel is also a bird sanctuary that is home to a number of breeding birds. With a bit of luck, you might see a few: Herring gulls, oystercatchers, herring and kittiwakes, puffins and fulmars. Two lighthouses also complete the overall picture. Enjoy the gallops on the well-trained horses until you reach the coastal town of Erquy. This has ten fine sandy beaches in the immediate vicinity that invite you to take a walk.  
Riding approx. 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Erquy

Day 4: Erquy to Hillion 
From Erquy, we go on horseback to the village of Hillion, which is right by the sea. We enjoy smooth trails along the coast. The sea is your constant companion today.
Afterwards you ride to Hillion on the bay of Saint Brieuc. In this bay, which has been declared a nature reserve, many species of birds and a diverse fauna find their home.
Riding approx. 42 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Hillion 

Day 5: Hillion to Binic
After breakfast, the horses are saddled and off we go. You follow the coast and can (depending on the tide) ride through the bay of Saint Brieuc. Let the wind blow around you while galloping and enjoy the view.
At the end you will reach Binic, another coastal town with a port. Take the opportunity to take a short walk to the harbor, where you can watch cormorants, before a French dinner awaits.
Riding approx. 40 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Binic

Day 6: Binic to Lanloup
Today we ride to Lanloup, further inland. You ride briskly forward until lunch break. Afterwards you ride to Lanloup, a charming place with a long history.
Riding approx. 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Lanloup

Day 7: Lanloup to Plourivo
For our last riding day, we will enjoy many canters. We should arrive in Plourivo around 4pm. You can choose to be transferred to Saint Brieuc train station.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

                                        Lanloup area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	48	48	51	53	58	62	67	67	64	59	53	49
Average Low Temperature (°F)	40	40	42	44	48	53	57	57	55	51	46	42
Average High Temperature (°C)	9	9	10	11	14	17	19	20	18	15	12	10
Average Low Temperature (°C)	5	4	6	6	9	12	14	14	13	10	8	6
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	14	11	10	8	8	6	6	7	5	11	14	14

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Brittany benefits from an Oceanic climate allowing for mild temperatures year round.

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.

Preferably, you will carry several small bags, not exceeding 10 kg each.  Please no large, hard shell suitcases. Saddlebags are provided. 
 

This list is only a guideline for you

Hidden Trails Travel Documents and Trip Voucher (contains important local tour contact info.)

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Riding pants or Jodhpurs

Riding boots (short) + Minichaps

Riding helmet  (recommended for all trips)

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection

Lightweight Rain coat

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pyjamas

Bag for dirty clothes

Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes

Swimsuit

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for an emergency)

Sewing kit

Torch/ Flashlight

Adapter for electric appliances

Camera and extra film or batteries

Belt pack

Address book and pen (for postcards!)

Sun glasses with strap

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so you will be staying in different locations during the trip.

Description
The accommodations are very diverse and include rural hotels as well as quaint-cozy guesthouses.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel in Pleslin Trigavou
Night 2: Hotel in St Cast le Guildo
Night 3: Gite in Erquy
Night 4: Hotel in Hillion
Night 5: Hotel in Binic
Night 6: Gite in Lanloup

Hotel in Pleslin Trigavou
This typically Breton 18th century farmhouse welcomes you in one of its 24 freshly renovated rooms featuring recent bedding (box spring and mattress), private bathrooms completely redone in 2017, flat-screen TV and free WiFi.

Hôtel Matignon in St Cast le Guildo
This small hotel offers 12 comfortable and quiet bedrooms equipped with a TV, an ensuite shower room with WC and hairdryer, as well as free unlimited high speed WiFi.
Guests are welcome to relax in the garden.

Gite in Erquy
This gite was built in 1993, using pink sandstone (typical of the region). It has bedrooms of varying size (twin, double, triple...). Each bedroom has its own bathroom. Please, note that there are no TV in the bedrooms; however there is a TV lounge is the common room.
If the weather is unfavorable, a chimney fire and / or the pellet stove will be lit in the common room.
Wi-Fi is available at the property.

Hotel Bon Saint Nicolas in Hillion
This charming hotel with 14 bedrooms is located only 5 minutes walk away from the sea. All rooms have free Wi-Fi access, a TV and ensuite facilities.

Hotel Galion in Binic
This 3-star hotel has 40 modern and spacious bedrooms equipped with King size or twin beds, a private bathroom with shower, a telephone, a hairdryer, free Wi-Fi internet access and a flat screen TV. Among those rooms, 4 are adapted for people with reduced mobility and 20 are connecting rooms.

Gite in Lanloup
This beautiful 15th century stonehouse cottage offers 5 cozy bedrooms, each with its own decor, free Wi-Fi access and private facilities. There is a lovely garden where guest can relax and smell the flowers. There is also a swimming pool and a tennis court that guests are welcome to use.

Room Occupancy
Single rooms are available based on availability but a single supplement fee applies. The single supplement fee does not apply if we cannot find another rider to share a room with you.


Meals
All meals are included with this trip.
Evening meals and breakfasts will be taken at the hotel. 
The lunch break is a gastronomic 3-course menu with freshly prepared ingredients and a cheese platter. It is usually served in the middle of nature but always include a long table with chairs.
In the evening you will be spoiled with French cooking. Try the local seafood or the famous Breton lobster.

Alcoholic beverages are not included with this trip but you can purchase your own at the local restaurants.

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

Tack:		English
Horses:		Anglo Arab
Pace:		Fast paced ride | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(5 to 5 out of 5)    Advanced
Weight:		Max 195 lbs
Riders:		Min 6 riders	Max 12 riders

Horses
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.

Pace
We will cover about 30 to 40 mile journeys every day with long and frequent canters and, at times, abrupt downhill sections.

Riding Experience
Riders need to be confident and in control at all paces on varied terrains. You also need to be physically fit, as this is a demanding ride.
You should have ridden regularly for more than 5 years and also feel comfortable trotting and galloping for a long time.

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:

(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Passport Note

France is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.



Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:

(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;

(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	1
Visa Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	No
Return Ticket Required?
British	No
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	No

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.