Brittany Explorer

Introduction
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.

Accomodation

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.

Riding

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.

Itinerary

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 

Rates and Dates for Brittany Explorer

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Saint Samson sur Rance
Airport: Rennes
Transfer: Saint Malo

Climate:
                                        Lanloup area