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Carcassonne Mini Trek
South of France
France
Set within 104 hectares of tranquil private grounds, where the fertile valley of the river Aude rises up into the impressive hills of the Corbières, this original Logis de France (2 chimney) hotel and restaurant doubles up as a living equestrian center. This riding getaway is based at a 330 year old country estate ten minutes south of Carcassonne, surrounded by forests, open meadows and vineyards.
The views are breathtaking and reach all the way to the Pyrenees mountains. The flower-filled courtyards are inviting to relax and take in the day or spend time in the well stocked library, around the fireplace in the lounge or in the clubhouse. You stay in comfortable suites with large private decks or in one of the the smaller guest-rooms. They are all in a separate section of the estate.
The horses come from the estate's own breeding program and are very friendly and surefooted - the perfect riding companion.
On daily half day rides you explore the countryside. Following small trails you ride through dense forests, across wide open meadows that invite for a brisk canter, and up to the mountain tops with wonderful panoramic views. On a clear day you can see all the way to the coast. This is a perfect getaway in the very southern part of France not far from the Spanish border. Here you will find time to be active and relax all in the same day. Nearby Carcassonne is a medieval town that invites a visit. If you are looking for a special romantic dinner - try one of the excellent restaurants in the evening inside the fortified walls in this historic place. It does not get any more romantic.
Whether you are passionate about horse riding or simply want to get away from it all, this is a unique holiday experience. Any stresses you may have seem to evaporate as you breathe in the fresh country air, indulge in a massage, savor the rich cuisine with organic wine and feel in harmony with some breathtaking surroundings.
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Meeting:
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Leuc
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Airport:
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Carcassonne or Toulouse
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Transfer:
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Carcassonne airport or train station.
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
12 riders
(per riding group)
Max Capacity
20
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Trip Rating
Video
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Rates and Dates for 2009 | 2010
Rates include:
Accommodations with private bath, breakfast buffet; rich buffet for lunch and nice 4-course dinner. Special dishes for vegetarians. Organic wine from the neighborhood included for dinner. 6 half day rides - 15 hours in the saddle.
| A | 2009 | 8 day Trip, AP private bath - 15 riding hours | 8d / 7n | €710 | $1065 |
| Bike rental for the week | €60 | $90 |
| Single supplement | €105 | $160 |
| Non Rider | (€200) | ($300) |
| Additional riding hours | €25 | $40 |
Transfer Option:
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2009
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Transfer from / to Carcassonne Airport or Railway Station, per person, return
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€
30
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$45
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A transfer is available from the airport or train station in Carcassonne. Carcassonne train station has many direct, connecting services, every day. Carcassonne-Salvaza Airport has regular flights from Paris and London. Regular flights depart Toulouse Airport for the whole of Europe (you can take a train from Toulouse to Carcassonne for the transfer pick up).
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Weekly from Saturday to Saturday from April to October.
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Rates do not include:
No riding on Saturday. Transfers from / to Carcassonne.
On daily half day rides you explore the countryside. Following small and delicate trails you ride through dense forests, across wide open meadows that invite for a brisk canters, and up to the mountain tops with their wonderful panoramic views. On a clear day you can see all the way to the coast. We have made most of the trails ourselves and rarely ride on paved streets. There are lots of hills, valleys, vineyards, a few river crossings (small rivers). The pace is slower, due to the wild nature of the landscape, but whenever the terrain allows we will trot and canter. We recommend a rental car so you can explore the area and city when not riding!
For non-riders there are plenty enjoyable excursions by bike or on foot. The region enjoys 300 days of sunshine per year, which makes it the ideal departure point for exploring the Aude Département and its beautiful, natural landscapes. A 20 minute walk takes you to a wonderful river, flowing south of the Domaine, where you can bathe to cool off. Discover the wines of the Minervois and Corbières in the vineyards. Tour the abbeys, castles and grottos of this magical landscape and learn fantastic tales of knights and saints - this is the land of the “Cathars”. And there is Toulouse or the French Riviera not too far away for a side-trip.
Meeting:
Leuc
Airport:
Carcassonne or Toulouse
Transfer:
Carcassonne airport or train station.
Distance:
15 min from Carcassonne & 75 min from Toulouse
A transfer is available from the airport or train station in Carcassonne. Carcassonne train station has many direct, connecting services, every day. Carcassonne-Salvaza Airport has regular flights from Paris and London. Regular flights depart Toulouse Airport for the whole of Europe (you can take a train from Toulouse to Carcassonne for the transfer pick up).
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Tack:
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English / French trekking
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Horses:
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French trekking horses
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Pace:
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All paces
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3.5
out of 5) Low Intermediate
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
12 riders
(per riding group)
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Max Capacity
20
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Superb riding. A great mix of slow going and fast moving. You will find very sure footed horses, well behaved and responsive while out exploring the countryside and mountains.
The riding center offers lessons by a professional instructor - individually or group lessons in dressage and jumping or lessons for novice riders to improve their seat, balance etc.. Rates vary from 12 to 32 Euros per lesson.
No riding on Saturdays.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passports Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except: (a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card. . more
General
Carcassonne is a charming old fortified town found in the south of France in the Languedoc-Roussillon region.
The general climate found here is best described as Mediterranean with hot dry summers and mild winters. Carcassonne enjoys a lot of sunshine with over 300 sunny days a year on average. Annual rainfall is low at a little under 600mm a year, although rain can occur at any time of the year - but is most likely in late autumn/early winter.
Carcassone and the surrounding region is one of the warmest places in France with an annual average temperature of around 14C.
Summer
Carcassone enjoys fine summers and sunshine is in abundance!
The hottest months are the peak summer months of July and August when average temperature is around 23C. Daily highs are usually in the high 20s during summer but temperatures can often reach into the 30s on the hottest days.
June and September also enjoy good summer weather with plenty of sunshine and temperatures slightly lower, averaging around 20C.
Occasional summer heatwaves can occur each year bringing extremely hot temperatures, even up towards 40C on the odd occasion. If the hot sirocco wind from North Africa is prevailing it can get hot and dry in the region and the wind even brings desert sand with it! This does, however, only happen a couple of days each year.
Rainfall is low in summer, though not unheard of. July is the driest month with an average of just 18mm rainfall. June and August are pretty dry too, seeing about 30-40mm of rain. Come the end of the summer, rainfall begins to increase and lightning storms can occur.
Summer really is a good time to visit Carcassonne; good weather is almost guaranteed and there are a number of festivals.
Autumn
Autumn enjoys good temperatures, but rainfall does increase throughout the season. September is warm and still enjoys summer weather. October still enjoys daily highs in the 20s but temperature does start to drop into single figures at night and rainfall is at its highest of the year around this time. November averages 10C; you can still enjoy pleasant daytime temperatures, but it can also drop into low single figures.
Autumn is one of the wettest times of the year in Carcassonne, but most of the rainfall is accounted for in sporadic heavy storms so you can still enjoy plenty of sunshine throughout the season. The dwindling crowds after the summer months also help to make it a pretty good time to visit and ride.
Winter
Winters are cold in Carcassonne, without getting really cold. Temperatures average 6 to 7C and frequently drop towards zero. Temperatures rarely drop a long way into the minuses, although this does happen and snow can fall on occasions! The nearby mountains will see snow a lot more frequently throughout winter.
Winter can be a bit rainy with about 50-60mm monthly average throughout the season. Expect some rainfall, but you’ll certainly see the sun more than in the United Kingdom.
Spring
Spring is arguably the best time to visit, especially late on in the season. Temperatures are good and the sun shines frequently.
Early spring can still be a little unpredictable with the weather but by the end of the season you can enjoy plenty of sunny days and daytime temperatures in the low 20s.
Rainfall decreases throughout the season as the damp cool winter weather gives way to the warm sunny days of summer.
* There is no specific dress code*
| … 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 |
| Comfortable breeches or riding jeans |
| Long boots or short boots and half chaps |
| Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection |
| Lightweight Rain coat |
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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 |
| Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
| Swimsuit |
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| 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 |
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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| Name |  |  |  |  |  |  | Date |
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karen silveira
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11/2/2009
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carrie luk (mrs cheong)
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7/20/2009
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amanda langley
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10/27/2008
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shelley krajnak
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9/16/2008
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elizabeth macey
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9/15/2008
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fiona logan
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7/2/2007
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annica glenn
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5/7/2007
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..view other reports for different trips
Accommodation: The charming 300 year old country house quietly surveys 104 hectares of private woods, fields, hills and a river. It is 4km from the nearest village, Leuc and a short distance away from the famous Abbey de Saint Hilaire and the medieval citadel of Carcassonne.
The estate offers you a complete flexibility and comfort within your stay, with rooms adapted to suit different group sizes and needs. There are apartments with their own lounges and private terraces, rooms suitable for families or groups and double rooms with private bathrooms or showers. Many rooms have en-suite bathrooms, however as the house is over 300 years old, some rooms may have to use the bathroom down the hall.
You can relax in the library, round the fireplace in the lounge or in the clubhouse, which offers panoramic views of the Domaine and further afield. All this is before you taste our cuisine... rich, typical of the region, of course, and designed to delight the most discerning palate!
Meals: Rich, typical of the region, and designed to delight the most discerning palates. Regional, exotic, vegetarian specialties, or special diets. The meals will answer all your tastes and your expectations in a convivial and warm atmosphere. You can either eat within the rustic dining area with its log fire or out on the flowery terrace.
For many guests, mealtime is a moment where they can let their hair down, discuss their day and get to know other like-minded guests from their own country or elsewhere. The warm and friendly atmosphere, partially assisted by the consumption of a glass or two of organic local wine from the neighboring vineyard, often makes this the most memorable part of your stay.
You are treated to generous buffet breakfasts, buffet lunches and a high quality 4 course evening dinner or barbecue in the summer months.
Vegetarian and special diets are catered for. Please advise in advance.
During the off-season meals are not included, but complete kitchen facilities are at your disposal.
Relaxation & massages: Wanting a break to refresh you in mind and body? Looking for a “pick me up” after a long drive, tough day sightseeing or extensive horse-riding? Make sure that you return home completely refreshed in mind and body by letting Marie Claire offer you a massage or an acupuncture session in the comfort of your room.
What you'll find:
Restaurant
Lounge
Library
Clubhouse
Terrace and barbecue
15 unique bedrooms
Horse-riding training ring
Stables
Private Parking
Bike Hire
Massage
Acupuncture
Pétanque
Table tennis
Pool table
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
Superb riding. A great mix of slow going and fast moving. You will find very sure footed horses, well behaved and responsive while out exploring the countryside and mountains.
The riding center offers lessons by a professional instructor - individually or group lessons in dressage and jumping or lessons for novice riders to improve their seat, balance etc.. Rates vary from 12 to 32 Euros per lesson.
No riding on Saturdays.
|
Tack:
|
|
English / French trekking
|
|
Horses:
|
|
French trekking horses
|
|
Pace:
|
|
All paces
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
to
3.5
out of 5) Low Intermediate
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
200 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
4 riders
|
Max
12 riders
(per riding group)
|
Max Capacity
20
|
Superb riding. A great mix of slow going and fast moving. You will find very sure footed horses, well behaved and responsive while out exploring the countryside and mountains.
The riding center offers lessons by a professional instructor - individually or group lessons in dressage and jumping or lessons for novice riders to improve their seat, balance etc.. Rates vary from 12 to 32 Euros per lesson.
No riding on Saturdays.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Passport Note
France is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;
(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Carcassonne Mini Trek
Tour Code: IT-FRDFRM
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,065.00
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Lodging: 
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates |
Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
English / French trekking
Horses:
French trekking horses
Pace:
All paces
Walk, Trot, Canter,
Airport:
Carcassonne or Toulouse
Google Map
Video
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
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