Relaxed Ride in Provence

Introduction
Provence France
This is a great horseback riding program to discover the Luberon Nature Park in Provence.

During the first 3 days, you will enjoy riding around the farmhouse, in the foothill of the Luberon mountains. Then, you will embark on a 2-day mini trip in the heart of the Luberon. 
This will give you a taste of traveling long distance on horseback.

Accomodation


Accommodations 
This is a progressive ride, so you will be staying in different locations during the trip. You will be staying in 2 different locations total.

Description
Accommodations during the trail will be in guesthouses and country inns. They are basic, but clean.  We select our accommodation based on their environment and friendly atmosphere, for riders to enjoy a pleasant stay. There are no laundry facilities while on trail. Almost all accommodations have WIFI.

A Week in Provence Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1,2,3 & 4: Les Gargoulettes in Lauris
Night 5: Auberge des Seguins in Buoux
Night 6: Les Gargoulettes in Lauris



Les Gargoulettes in Lauris
Your host welcome you in their lovely country house. Each room has its own theme and decor with air-conditioning, a TV, free Wi-Fi access and ensuite facilities. There is an outdoor swimming pool, a Jacuzzi and a sauna that guests are welcome to use.

Hotel Domaine de Fontenille in Lauris
This charming Provencial bastide from the 18th century has been recently restored in order to provide guest with a comfortable stay. It is surrounded by a lovely park and vineyards. Each of the 18 bedrooms feature a mix between rustic charm and modern facilities (safety box, TV, free Wi-Fi and private bathroom). The surrounding park includes an outdoor swimming pool, a hammam and a fitness center.

Auberge des Seguins in Buoux
This 16th-century stone house building offers a total of 27 rooms plus a dormitory that can host up to 20 people. The rooms are simple but comfortable and all come equipped with heating and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms can be private or shared depending on the room. There is a garden and an outdoor pool where guests can relax and enjoy the view. There is no cellphone coverage here. 

Room Occupancy
Triple occupancy is available at most accommodations. If not available, we can book one double and a single without the supplement.
If traveling as a single rider willing to share and we don't find anyone to share, then the single supplement will apply.



Meals
Most meals are included in your package (check itinerary for more details) and typical Provençal meals are on the menu.

Breakfast will be provided by the accommodations we stay in.
At lunch, our assistant will prepare a substantial buffet, a barbecue by a mountain stream or a refreshing salad followed by a nap before leaving again. If there are less than 5 riders, lunch will be taken with you in saddle bags.
In the evening, everyone meets around the table to discover local food - or should we say "cuisine" - don't count on losing any weight.

Wine is included with lunch and dinner for the standard accommodations. Wine is not included with dinner for the luxury accommodations.

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

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

Riding


Riding Level
In order to make the most of the ride, we require riders to be at ease with walk, trot and canter, in outdoor riding.

Pace
This program includes 5 riding days depending on the option you choose. You will ride an average of 5 hours every day (about 2-3 hours in the morning and again 2-3 hours in the afternoon). The pace will vary according to the terrain.

Horses
Most of our horses are Barb and Spanish crosses. They have been trained for trail riding and are sure-footed. They live together as a herd, all year long.
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.

Riding Group
Groups are made out of 5 to 8 riders. This limited amount of riders, often including several nationalities, allows each person to make the most of the trip.

Staff
Two members of staff will accompany you on your trip: 1 guide on horseback who speaks English and French and 1 person in charge of transporting luggage and setting up the lunch buffets.
Guides are certified, and friendly. They made a job out of their passion and enjoy sharing their passion with guests. Whether on the Alpes or on the beaches of Camargue, amongst odorant thym, rosmary and lavander, our guides are here to keep riders safe. All guides speak English.

Itinerary



Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Please, note that this is an indicative itinerary: may be subject to changes if necessary (weather, flood of the Durance, fire risks, ...)

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
Meeting in Marseille and transfer to the farm. You will meet your guide, your chef and all the team and enjoy your first dinner.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Les Gargoulettes in Lauris

Day 2 (Monday): Introductory Ride
The week will start with explanations on how to take care of your horse. After tacking, you will get more acquainted with your horse on a short hack (1 hour in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon) in the surrounding area.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Les Gargoulettes in Lauris

Day 3 (Tuesday): Durance River Ride
A whole day ride today! You will leave in the morning through a pine tree forest, and make your way down towards the Durance valley. Discover the Durance river and its clear waters bordered by olive trees, fruit trees and vineyards. The riverbanks will be ideal for small canters, and will soon lead you to a beautiful lunch, prepared and brought by your chef in a nice shady area, right by the river! Before leaving again, enjoy a well deserved nap under a tree or take a swim with your horse ... The choice is yours ! The afternoon ride will take you back to the accommodation through forests, vineyards and cherry orchards.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Les Gargoulettes in Lauris

Day 4 (Wednesday): Visit of Lourmarin & Half Day Ride
This morning, the horses rest and we go to Lourmarin for a visit of "one of the most beautiful French villages". After a free lunch in the village (not included), we ride among olive trees and pine trees and stop in a cave for wine tasting before heading back to the farmhouse.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Les Gargoulettes in Lauris

Day 5 (Thursday): Ride to Buoux
Today you are off for a two-day ride in the Luberon Nature Park. The morning ride will take you towards Lourmarin through Provencal landscapes of olive trees, cherry orchard and Mediterranean forests. Lunch by Lourmarin and nap before leaving again in the afternoon to climb up the hills of the « Big Luberon ». Breathtaking panorama on top oft he hill to the Alps on the northern side, and the Mediterranean sea on the southern side.
Accommodation tonight will be in an Inn in the heart of the Luberon hills.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Auberge in Buoux (if not available night in Lauris)

Day 6 (Friday): Ride back to Lauris
You will head back following the Aiguebrun stream, the only permanent water course of the whole of the Luberon hills. On the way, admire the perched village of Bonnieux. After a good lunch, your horse will take you through rolling hills to admire beautiful views on the Durance valley and the surrounding hills, such as the Montagne Sainte Victoire: Cezanne’s mountain. You will arrive late afternoon and take good care of your horse before letting him loose for a well deserved rest. Dinner party for your last night !
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Les Gargoulettes in Lauris

Day 7 (Saturday): Departure
Departure at 9:30 am after breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast



Non Riders
Non-riding companions are welcome to join this trip. It is best to have a car in order to do some sightseeing while the rest of the group explores on horseback.

Rates and Dates for Relaxed Ride in Provence

Dates Note: Custom dates available on request from April to October

Other Info
Meeting: Lauris
Airport: Marseille
Transfer: Marseille Airport or Aix-en-Provence Train Station

Climate:
                                                Lourmarin area