Mont Blanc Ride

Introduction
Savoy France
Long before welcoming skiers from all over the world to its resorts, the Tarentaise valley and its alpine passes were frequented by men from the Neolothic, and perhaps even by Hannibal during his crossing of the Alps with his elephants in 218 AD.

This region was strategic for the Roman Empire and it was also the birthplace of the illustrious Savoy house, which gave its first king to Italy. We will walk in the footsteps of the Celts who, from the Neolithic exploited the precious minerals of the mountains, as well as the illustrious Romans, who built and designed beautiful baroque chapels in this region.

The Tarentaise valley is also the setting of the Vanoise National Park, and numerous peaks over 3000 m. Nature lovers will particularly enjoy this ride as we will delight in the sight of vibrant living mountains, covered by rocks, ice, forests and plants and inhabited by a rich wildlife, including: eagles, gypaetes, ibex, marmots...and many more!

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights are spent in different locations.

Description
You will sleep in hotels and B&Bs along the way. Accommodations are located in the heart of the mountain.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Nights 1, 2 & 3: Hotel de la Vanoise in Peisey Nancroix
Night 4: Hotel Le Monal in Sainte Foy Tarentaise
Night 5 & 6: Hotel Dolonne in Courmayeur



Hotel de la Vanoise in Peisey Nancroix
This small mountain hotel offers ensuite accommodation and is decorated in typical Savoy style. There is free Wi-Fi available and guests can enjoy their relaxation area: sauna, hammam and pool. From the patio you have a great view on the surrounding peaks.

Hotel Le Monal in Sainte Foy Tarentaise
This former coaching inn was first opened in Sainte Foy Tarentaise in 1888. It was kept by the Arpin family for 5 generations. The hotel has 19 comfortable rooms, all equipped with ensuite facilities, a TV and free Wi-Fi.

Hotel Dolonne in Courmayeur
The hotel is housed in a fortified house dating back to the 16th century. Each of the 30 bedrooms feature free Wi-Fi and ensuite bathroom.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory if we are unable to find another rider to share.



Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8. 

On this ride, you will have the opportunity to taste the local gastronomy, convivial dinner... We do our best to give you the best experience in our beautiful mountains.

You will taste and experience the French art de vivre. All gourmet meals with 2 glass of wine included.

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

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

Riding


Horses
The choice of our horses has been motivated above all, by the strong desire to make you enjoy your trip in total safety. Our horses are quiet and generous. Your trail companion is chosen for you according your level, height and weight. For this ride, horses are Henson breed, experienced and trained for the trail riding in mountains.

Some advice:
Before you leave: If possible, prior to your trip try to ride a horse 3 or 4 times to train your muscles for a long time on horseback. Review your knowledge (tying knot, groom, saddle, adjust and put the bridle...)
During the ride: Pay attention to the given instructions, respect the schedule and keep reasonable distances from other riding, and enjoy yourself !

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
After arriving at Geneva airport or at the Landry train station, we will transfer you to your accommodation.  
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel de la Vanoise in Peisey Nancroix

Day 2 (Monday): Ride to Rossaix
Start of the ride from La Chenarie. We take the Carroz Blanc Forest path, from where we have a sublime view of the Bellecôte massif. Then we discover the beautiful open landscape of the Rossaix pastures. There, we will see lovely little Tarine cows, and we will visit alpine pastures where the Beaufort cheese is produced.
After enjoying lunch on site, return to La Chenarie by the Carroz Blanc Forest path.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel de la Vanoise in Peisey Nancroix

Day 3 (Tuesday): Baroques churches on the way to Landry
Today, we will learn about Savoy baroque art. It honors the saints invoked against the disease of men and cattle, accidents, avalanches, climatic hazards. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the faith of the inhabitants and the talent of local, Piedmontese and/or French artists populated the valleys with masterpieces.
We will start riding from La Chenarie up to Parcompuet, to see the Baroque chapel of Vernettes. Visit the Chapel, then ride down into the valley to Nancroix.
We will stop for lunch in a local restaurant.
This afternoon, we ride along the Ponthurin to the village of Moulin, then Peisey Nancroix, which we cross on horseback. We then descend into the Tarentaise valley to the Baroque church of Landry, located at the foot of the Roman road. After a guided visit of Landry church, we enjoy a short ride to the horse meadow, just outside Landry.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel de la Vanoise in Peisey Nancroix

Day 4 (Wednesday): Tarentaise Valley Ride & Villages Visit
We start today's ride in the Tarentaise Valley, along the Isère river. As we are in a flat valley, we have many opportunities for trots and canters. We will leave the horses to rest in a meadow, before going for lunch in a local restaurant.
After lunch, transfer to Sainte Foy Tarentaise, a pretty village further up the valley. We enjoy a guided tour of the charming hamlets of Le Miroir and La Mazure. You will have time to do some shopping in a charming local shop.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Le Monal in Sainte Foy Tarentaise

Day 5 (Thursday): Petit Saint Bernard Mountain Pass
The construction of the road that passes through the Petit Saint Bernard pass probably dates back to the period of Julius Caesar around 45 BC, its completion is around the year 2 or 3 AD. It was the main road that linked Milan to Vienna, in the Rhône valley.
From Seez, we will ride on the Roman road to Saint Germain, an then up to the pass. Lunch and visit to the Petit Saint Bernard hospice museum.
After lunch, we discover the Roman ruins. Then, transfer by minibus to the Pré Saint Didier thermal baths from where we have a sublime view of the Mont Blanc chain. From there, transfer to your charming hotel in Courmayeur.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Courmayeur

Day 6 (Friday): Sightseeing Day (no riding)
This morning, we go on a sightseeing tour to the Aosta Valley, in Italy, by minibus.
The new colony of Augusta Praetoria Salassorum (Aosta) was founded in 25 BC. J.-C, at the very place of the headquarters (praetorium) of the old, fortified camp, at the crossroads between the road of Grand-Saint-Bernard (Mons Jovis or Mont Joux), and that of Petit-Saint-Bernard (Columna Jovis or "Colonne de Joux", or Alpis Graia). We visit the Arc de Triomphe, the numerous Roman remains of Aosta, as well as its medieval buildings.
We stop for lunch in a local trattoria in Aosta.
This afternoon, we visit the medieval and renaissance castles of Fénis and Issogne, and discover their magnificent frescoes.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Courmayeur

Day 7 (Saturday): Departure
Departure after breakfast. You can go visit Courmayeur if you want or we can transfer you to Geneva airport for an extra fee.
Meals included: Breakfast

Note: it is possible to add an extra overnight to the program, in that case, the end of the itinerary would be as follows:

Day 7 (Saturday): Relaxing Day
Choose between of the following options.
Option 1: Easy hike with mountain guide
You join a 4-hour guided hike with breathtaking views of a dazzling series of ridges, peaks, glaciers,... Lunch on the way in a mountain refuge or picnic according to the weather conditions.

Option 2: Electric bike ride
Take a 4-hour self-guided electric bike ride around Val Ferret. It is also possible to ask for a guide to join you for an extra fee. Lunch included in one of the restaurants of the valley or picnic.

Option 3: Pointe Helbrooner in cable car
This morning, you have some free time to go shopping in Courmayeur. Then, take the cable car to Pointe Helbronner (11371ft), to enjoy lunch in the Bistrot, with panoramic views.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Courmayeur

Day 8 (Sunday): Departure
Departure after breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast

Please note this itinerary may be changed due to weather and seasonal conditions.



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 Mont Blanc Ride

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Peisey Nancroix
Airport: Geneva
Transfer: Geneva airport or Landry train station

Climate:
                                                    Seez area