Dordogne Getaway Ride 
- South Western France near Bergerac -

This  riding holiday is centered in and around the spectacular countryside of the Dordogne in south-western France, near the town of Bergerac. From the moment you turn into the tree-lined drive that leads up to the house, you'll feel your body and mind relax as you realize your holiday has really started. As you drive up to the house you will glimpse through the trees on the right the tennis court and swimming pool, and to the left you will probably see one or two of our horses looking out from their stables in the barn. Le Bourdil Blanc is a beautiful 18th century manor house, recently restored to its former glory and now a warm, friendly and elegant home comfortably set in its own private grounds extending to over 7 acres. At the entrance you will be met by Bernadette, who, with a welcoming glass of kir will make you feel instantly at home in the spacious, comfortable and warm interior. Although Le Bourdil Blanc is a private house we encourage all guests to treat it as his or her own. Guests quickly settle in to a 'house party' mode, relaxing around the log fire with a glass of wine and enjoying each other's conversation.
From the moment you leave the stables (in the grounds of the beautiful manor where you will be staying) you will be riding through thousands of hectares of the region's most beautiful private estates.
Following trails which take you through a countryside of thick forests, hidden valleys, vineyards and meadows, you will soon be convinced that you are the 'duc' or 'duchesse' of all you survey; and to prove it, you'll come across no other horses or riders, and hardly a gate to open all day long.
We have taken great care to plan the rides - different each day - to ensure that experienced riders have the opportunity to enjoy long energetic trots and exciting canters, as well as lazy relaxing walks, when you'll have time to share your experiences with your guide and companions.

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Rates include accommodation with private bathroom, meals, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, one lunch and dinner not included on sightseeing day, 5 riding days  
8 days/ 7 nights  $ 2,175   Non rider  $1,395
-- based on € 1,400 / 895
No surcharge for Single rooms
2008 Dates:
04/19-04/26    05/03-05/10    05/17-05/24
05/31-06/07    06/14-06/21    09/13-09/20
09/27-10/04    10/11-10/18    10/25-11/01
11/08-11/15
 check availability
Shorter stays are available:
5 days/ 4 nights SA-We 
- 3 riding days $ 1,475    -- non riders $825  
-- based on € 1,030 / 525
4 days/ 3 nights We-SA
- 2 riding days $ 1,165    -- non riders $725
-- based on € 815 / 460

Meeting:    near Bergerac
Airport:      Bergerac
Transfer:   Included from Bergerac
Level:         Intermediate - comfortable in walk, trot (posting trot) and canter
Pace:         Moderate, nice canters
Tack:         French trail saddles; snaffle
Horses:     Anglo-Arab and Arab crosses
Min/Max:  4-10 riders
Note:  Non riders are welcome to come along - there are lots of sightseeing options or hiking and biking

Accommodations: A large entrance hall/study with a double sofa bed, leads onto the main living room, with open fireplace, satellite TV and two double sofa beds. A dining room seats 14 with ease. The staircase leads from the living room to the upstairs landing. There are 4 large double bedrooms: with 4 double and 2 single beds numerous cots and a crib and 4 en-suite bathrooms. There are three double bedrooms and a shower room and WC on the third floor. The occupants can also use another bathroom on the ground floor.
The Wing comprises a large living room with open fireplace and 2 double sofa beds. There is a double bedroom (with double bed). A second fully fitted and equipped kitchen. A bathroom and a private walled garden.
The Pigeonnier (converted dovecote) has a vaulted living room with 2 double sofa beds, an open fireplace and a fully fitted and equipped kitchen. There are 2 double bedrooms (1 double and 2 single beds), a bathroom and a private garden.
There is a heated outdoor pool and tennis court.

Cuisine:  One of the highlights of your stay will be relaxing in the lounge with a drink after the day's exertions, discussing the day's events, before enjoying a delicious dinner based on regional cuisine such as duck, foie gras, truffles, asparagus and strawberries served with a variety of excellent local wines. All this prepared by our local cook. You will also be invited to have one meal out in a pre selected restaurant which is included in your holiday price. Vegetarians and special diets can be well catered for at the house as long as we receive sufficient prior warning, but please make sure that these are included on the booking form.

Non riders should have a rental car for their sightseeing options, or they can hang out at the pool, go for a bike ride or hike etc.

Itinerary

Day 1  Saturday You will be met at the railway station or the airport in Bergerac and transferred to the manor house for dinner and to settle in for the week or people arrive directly by car to the Bourdil around 17.00.
Day 2   After breakfast try out the horses in the paddock at the Bourdil and select appropriate horse for rider. Visit by car the nearby Issigeac street market which is great fun and full of local color and have a quick lunch at the Bourdil before riding off for a long afternoon, (length of ride determined by the preferred choice of the group as first day of riding). Return home to the Bourdil, followed by drinks and dinner at the manor house.
Day 3 Ride through the Caudeau valley, visiting the villages of Montclard, Saint Georges, St Martin des Combes and Clermont de Beauregard and passing the Chateau de la Gaubertie. After lunch, return to the manor house A visit to Chateau Belingard by car for a wine tasting followed by another wonderful dinner and overnight.
Day 4 In the morning mount up and ride through the village of Lamonzie Montastruc and across la Forêt de Liorac to the private Chateau Garraube where you will picnic on the terrace looking out over the formal gardens.  Ride on to Pressignac-Vicq where the horses will stay overnight. Return to the manor house by car.
Day 5  Wednesday  The day is free. Group visits of local sites can be arranged, you can do a tour of your own, possibly taking a train to Sarlat the best preserved medieval village in France  or just relax at the house, the choice is yours. Lunch and dinner out, either enroute back from tourist sites, or at a local hostelry. A list of suggested restaurants will be provided.
Day 6 After breakfast transfer to Pressignac-Vicq by car. Ride to the Dordogne river a spectacular ride with wonderful views. Picnic. Ride back to Pressignac- Vicq where the horses stay overnight, return to the Bourdil Blanc  by car.
Day 7 After breakfast transfer to Pressignac-Vicq by car. Ride back to the manor house for your final night and farewell dinner, stopping off at the truffle farm at Ste Foye de Longas for a visit en route where Mr. Martin will explain how he grows and cultivates truffles.  You will have the opportunity to purchase some of the delicious foods.
Day 8 Saturday  Departure after breakfast.

                             ---  itinerary may vary

 

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