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Horseback riding tours
Rides in France
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In the footsteps of D'Artagnon
Southwest
France
The
south-western region of Gers in the Aquitaine, with its a mild climate, offers
beautiful riding country with narrow valleys separated by leafy wooded hillsides
where altitudes vary from 70 to 300 meters - just 60 miles from the Atlantic
Ocean. The local traditional cuisine is one of the finest in France with its
“foie gras, magret, garbure, poule au pot, and palombe” all washed down with
regional red or white wines. These include Madiran, Côtes de St Mont and
Tariquet.
The Ride will
take us from Ste Maure de Peyriac to Auch, the
historical capital of the Gers. We will follow in the footsteps of Charles de
Batz de Castelmore, better known as d’Artagnan, captain of the Musketeers of
King Louis XIV.
In ancient times, Ste Maure a Marciac used la Ténérèze - an ancient busy passage
that passed through the crest of the Pyrénées. This road was also used by the
Celts and the Romans. This permitted the Pyrénées to be connected to the valley
of the Garonne.
We visit the
Gallo-Roman Villa of Séviac and its mosaics (III to V centuries). The Treasure
of Eauze with its 28,000 coins, 50 tools and precious objects of the IV century.
Then we travel from Marciac to Auch.
You will
discover the towers, dungeons and chapels of Roma, architecture, abbeys,
medieval fortified villages of the Middle Ages - Plaisance, Marciac, Mirande,
Montesquiou. We visit the Cathedrals of Eauze and especially Auch, one of the
largest and richest of France with its monumental staircase of 370 steps -
enthroned in the statue d’Artagnan.
Enjoy ever
changing post card vistas with the Pyrénées as a backdrop.
The last afternoon is
reserved for visits of the monuments, tastings and shopping for regional
products in Auch.
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Meeting:
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Ste Maure de Peyriac
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Airport:
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Bordeaux
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Transfer:
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Bordeaux Merignac Airport 4 PM
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Riders:
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Min
3 riders
Max
12 riders
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Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2010
Rates include:
Accommodation in B&B or charming comfortable small hotels, all meals with evening dinners in regional restaurants, 5.5 riding days
| A | 2010 | 8 day trip, AP | 8d / 7n | €1295 | $1985 |
| Single supplement | €190 | $295 |
| Non-rider | (€550) | ($835) |
| D | 2010 | 8 day trip, AP with Jazz Festival of Marciac | 8d / 7n | €1295 | $1985 |
| Single supplement | €190 | $295 |
| Non-rider | (€550) | ($835) |
Transfer Option:
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2010
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Transfer from Bordeaux Merignac Airport at 4 PM, p.p. return
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€
40
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$65
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A transfer is available from the Bordeaux - Mérignac Airport (French: Aéroport de Bordeaux - Mérignac) at 4 PM. If arriving by train, Bordeaux St. Jean is the main train station in Bordeaux- you must take a shuttle from the train station to Bordeaux airport to meet the transfer at 4 PM. We can also pick you up from the Agen train station - time will be in the late afternoon between 4 and 6 PM, depending on other transfers from Bordeaux on that day.
Rates do not include:
Transfers from Bordeaux airport
In the Southwest of France, this ride will take you from Ste Maure de Peyriac to Auch, the historical capital of the Gers!
We will follow Ste Maure a Marciac and use la Ténérèze (An ancient busy passage that passed through the crest of the Pyrénées. This road was also used by the Celts and the Romans.) This permitted the Pyrénées to be connected to the valley of the Garonne.
We visit the Gallo-Roman Villa of Séviac and its mosaics (III to V centuries). The Treasure of Eauze with its 28,000 coins, 50 tools and precious objects of the IV century.
In the second portion of the ride from Marciac to Auch, we will follow in the footsteps of Charles de Batz de Castelmore, better known as d’Artagnan, captain of the Musketeers of King Louis XIV.
Wewill discover the towers, dungeons and chapels of Roma, architecture, abbeys, médiéval fortified villages of the Middle Ages (Plaisance, Marciac, Mirande, Montesquiou). We will visit the Cathedrals of Eauze and especially Auch, one of the largest and richest of France with its monumental staircase of 370 steps. There enthroned is the statue d’Artagnan.
The ride consists of: 8 days / 7 nights including 5 1/2 days on horseback. The last afternoon of the week is reserved for visits to the monuments, tastings and shopping for regional products in Auch.
Meeting:
Ste Maure de Peyriac
Airport:
Bordeaux
Transfer:
Bordeaux Merignac Airport 4 PM
Distance:
70miles - 1 hr
A transfer is available from the Bordeaux - Mérignac Airport (French: Aéroport de Bordeaux - Mérignac) at 4 PM. If arriving by train, Bordeaux St. Jean is the main train station in Bordeaux- you must take a shuttle from the train station to Bordeaux airport to meet the transfer at 4 PM. We can also pick you up from the Agen train station - time will be in the late afternoon between 4 and 6 PM, depending on other transfers from Bordeaux on that day.
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Tack:
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French Trekking
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Horses:
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Selle Francais / Arab Cross
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Pace:
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Moderate with trots and canters. About 5-6 hrs per day.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
13
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Weight:
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Max
240 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
3 riders
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Max
12 riders
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This ride is intended for riders who are at ease in all three gaits of riding, walk, trot and gallop. The topography and ground lend themselves to extended gaits. Enjoy endlessly changing post card vistas with the Pyrénées as a backdrop. We will have the use of French Trekking saddlery and the horses are predominantly Selle Francais / Arabian Crosses. There will be approximately 5 - 6 hours in the saddle per day.
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
The annual rain in Gers varies from more than 900 mm in the south-west of the department, to less than 700 mm in the North-East (Auch, Condom, Lectoure).
The winters vary, with often negative temperatures, but the climate remains soft all the same and dry, the department is one of sunniest of France.
The summers are very hot and dry, the temperatures often is exceeding 40°. Auch is together with Toulouse and Millau one of the hottest cities of France, with often more than 300 sunny days in the year.
| … 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 |
| Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!) |
| Riding boots (short) + Minichaps |
| Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strip) 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 |
| Pyjama |
| 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 enough extra films and batteries |
| Belt pack |
| Address book and pen (for postcards!) |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*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.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
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..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations are in B&B or charming
comfortable and small hotels.
Dinners are eaten in restaurants or Inns that
offer traditional cuisine.
Lunches are prepared and served outdoors in
natural settings by an attendant.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
This ride is intended for riders who are at ease in all three gaits of riding, walk, trot and gallop. The topography and ground lend themselves to extended gaits. Enjoy endlessly changing post card vistas with the Pyrénées as a backdrop. We will have the use of French Trekking saddlery and the horses are predominantly Selle Francais / Arabian Crosses. There will be approximately 5 - 6 hours in the saddle per day.
|
Tack:
|
|
French Trekking
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Selle Francais / Arab Cross
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate with trots and canters. About 5-6 hrs per day.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
out of 5) Intermediate
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
13
|
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
240 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
3 riders
|
Max
12 riders
|
|
This ride is intended for riders who are at ease in all three gaits of riding, walk, trot and gallop. The topography and ground lend themselves to extended gaits. Enjoy endlessly changing post card vistas with the Pyrénées as a backdrop. We will have the use of French Trekking saddlery and the horses are predominantly Selle Francais / Arabian Crosses. There will be approximately 5 - 6 hours in the saddle per day.
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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In the footsteps of D'Artagnon
Tour Code: IT-FRGER01
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,985.00
Difficulty :
Lodging: 
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates |
Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
French Trekking
Horses:
Selle Francais / Arab Cross
Pace:
Moderate with trots and canters. About...
Walk, Trot, Canter,
Airport:
Bordeaux
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What To Bring
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