Provence Explorer
Provence France: (IT-FRPV02)
URL: https://www.hiddentrails.com/tour/france_provence_explorer.aspx
Introduction
Provence
France
Ride along ancient Roman roads, into villages where the horses drink from the fountain and chat with the locals. Then canter through fields of lavender, 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 - this is what our rides in Provence are all about. The tour begin at in Lauris, located in the heart of Provence, in the Regional Natural Park of the Luberon and at the foot of the south side of the massif. From here we will take you through Luberon to the foot of Mount Ventoux.
Accomodation
Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so you will be staying in different locations during the trip.
Description
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. There are no laundry facilities while on trail. Most accommodations have WIFI.
Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Les Gargoulettes in Lauris
Night 2: Auberge des Seguins in Buoux
Night 3: Hostellerie L'Aiguebelle in Céreste
Night 4: La Fontaine in Simiane-la-Rotonde
Night 5: Le Petit Labouret in Revest du Bion
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.
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.
L'Aiguebelle in Céreste
This charming hotel offers 12 simply decorated bedrooms (double or triple) each fitted with a TV, free Wi-Fi access and a private bathroom.
La Fontaine in Simiane-la-Rotonde
This lovely country house offers 8 bedrooms (3 doubles, 1 triple, 2 quadruple and 2 quintuple) each featuring warm colors and a Provençal decor. Some rooms have private bathrooms while others have shared bathrooms. Free WiFi is available in the common areas. Guests are welcome to make use of the outdoor swimming pool and garden with terrace.
Le Petit Labouret in Revest du Bion
This guesthouse provides accommodation in private bedrooms featuring antique furniture and private bathrooms. There is a garden and an outdoor swimming pool where guest can relax and free Wi-0Fi access is available anywhere on the property.
Room Occupancy
Triple occupancy is available at most accommodations.
If you are willing to share a bedrooms and there is no one to share, the single supplement will be charged.
Meals
All meals are included in your package and typical Provençal meals are on the menu.
Breakfast will be provided by the accommodations we stay in and feature bread, jams, honey and cereals.
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.
Wine is included at lunch and dinner.
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 comfortable at all 3 gaits (walk, trot and canter) in an outdoor setting.
Pace
This program includes 5 riding days. 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
Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
Meeting from 7.00 pm at your accommodation in Lauris. Free transfer possible from Aix en Provence center station, Aix en Provence TGV or Marseille Provence airport.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Lauris
Day 2 (Monday): Lauris to Buoux
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 auberge, lost in the heart of the Luberon. On certain dates, in case of unavailability of the hostel, the riders can be transferred to Lauris and the horses and the guide stay at the hostel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Auberge in Buoux
Day 3 (Tuesday): Buoux to Cereste
Through the prehistoric sites of the “Gorges de l’Aigebrun”. Pass through a very pretty provincial 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 Hotel in Cereste
Day 4 (Wednesday): Cereste to 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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a B&B in Simiane
Day 5 (Thursday): Simiane to Le Revest du Bion
After breakfast, we can go for a walking tour in Simiane before leaving with the horses. We will stop for picnic under the chestnut trees. Chestnut tree leaves are used to wrap delicious goats cheese - a specialty from Banon, which you shall taste accompanied with a “Cote de Luberon” wine.
In the afternoon, ride through fields of lavender and sage, before arriving at the guesthouse.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Le Revest du Bion
Day 6 (Friday): Le Revest du Bion to Montbrun les Bains
Today's trail goes through moors and forests. We will enjoy our picnic near Sault.
After lunch, we set off on horseback towards Aurel, a charming medieval village at the foot of the Mont Ventoux. This afternoon, the colors of the lavender (cut in July), fields of cereals and the shadows of the foothills of Mont Ventoux will perhaps make you want to imitate the many painters who have fallen in love with this region.
Arrival at the end of the afternoon in Montbrun-les-Bains, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Transfer of riders by minibus, horses by truck, to return to Lauris for the last night.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Lauris
Day 7 (Saturday): Departure
Transfer to the airport and train station 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 Provence Explorer
Rates include:
Accommodation, All meals with wine for lunch and dinner, Transfer from/to Marseille Airport or Aix-en-Provence Train Station at set times & 5 riding days
Packages and Options
| A | 2024 | 7 day trip (2-3 pax shared bedrooms) | €1700 | $1870 |
| B | 2024 | Part 1 only - 4 day trip (2-3 pax shared bedrooms) -- please inquire | €0 | $0 |
| C | 2024 | Part 2 only - 4 day trip (2-3 pax shared bedrooms) -- please inquire | €0 | $0 |
Rates Note:
For 1 pax booking as willing to share: 25% off single supplement rate will be applied if we don't have anybody to share with you
It is possible to book extra nights before or after the tour - please inquire
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Rates Note:
For 1 pax booking as willing to share: 25% off single supplement rate will be applied if we don't have anybody to share with you
It is possible to book extra nights before or after the tour - please inquire
Transfer and Other Charges:
|
2024
|
Free transfer from/to Marseille Airport or Aix-en-Provence Train Station at set times
|
€
0
|
$0
|
|
2024
|
Non-rider -- 50% discount
|
€
0
|
$0
|
|
2024
|
Taxi transfer from/to Marseille airport, one way, per car (3-4 pax)
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
|
€
150
|
$165
|
|
2024
|
Taxi transfer from/to Aix-en-Provence TGV station, one way, per car (3-4 pax)
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
|
€
130
|
$145
|
|
2024
|
Taxi transfer from/to Aix-en-Provence central train station, one way, per car (3-4 pax)
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
|
€
110
|
$120
|
|
2024
|
Single supplement
|
€
400
|
$440
|
Dates Note:
Rates do not include:
Beverages outside of mealtimes & Gratuities
Other Info
Meeting: Lauris
Airport: Marseille
Transfer: Marseille Airport or Aix-en-Provence Train Station
Climate:
Lourmarin area
|
Month
|
Jan
|
Feb
|
Mar
|
Apr
|
May
|
Jun
|
Jul
|
Aug
|
Sep
|
Oct
|
Nov
|
Dec
|
|
Average High Temperature (°F)
|
50
|
52
|
59
|
64
|
72
|
80
|
85
|
83
|
77
|
68
|
57
|
51
|
|
Average Low Temperature (°F)
|
32
|
33
|
37
|
42
|
49
|
56
|
61
|
60
|
54
|
48
|
39
|
33
|
|
Average High Temperature (°C)
|
10
|
11
|
15
|
18
|
22
|
26
|
29
|
29
|
25
|
20
|
14
|
11
|
|
Average Low Temperature (°C)
|
0
|
0
|
3
|
6
|
10
|
13
|
16
|
16
|
12
|
9
|
4
|
1
|
|
Average Precipitation (days of rain)
|
5
|
4
|
4
|
5
|
4
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
4
|
5
|
5
|
4
|
Source: NOAA
Seasons
Thanks to its position in the South of France, the Provence region enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. The region benefits from warm summers and mild winters.
Summer
The hot summer days are broken up by the evening sea breezes which provide a cooling break 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 the rain is associated with thunder. Sunshine is plentiful - up to 11/12 hours a day in summer and around 5 in midwinter.
Winter
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.
What To Bring:
| This list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Jodhpurs or comfortable jeans (used if possible!) |
| Riding boots and mini chaps |
| Riding helmet |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection |
| Lightweight Waterproof |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjamas |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Jacket |
| Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
| |
| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for an emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Adapter for electric appliances |
| Camera and extra batteries |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
Luggage is limited to 1 piece per person. It can be a regular suitcase or a bag but dimensions should not exceed 70cm x 40cm x 40cm and 15kg!
If you wish to bring an extra luggage, please advise us, as we may need an extra vehicle, and a supplement may be asked.
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