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Provence to Camargue Mediterranean Ride
Provence
France
Ride to the Mediterranean: From the mountain of Luberon, down to the Mediterranean sea!
Heading out with the horses from a little riding centre found in the nature park of Luberon, known as the 'Heart of Provence,' we will follow along ancient Roman roads and cross Van Gogh's Hills, the "Alpilles," riding into the rural villages nearby where the horses can stop and drink from the courtyard fountain while we chat with the locals. Imagine cantering through sweet fields of lavender framed by the snow-peaked Alps and the ink-blue Mediterranean waters, and then tethering the horses nearby as we break for a picnic of French breads and cheeses paired with local wines! You are on a trail towards the famous region of the Camargue: a land of marshes, pink flamingos, black bulls and white horses! With accommodations in quaint, country inns (4* hotel upgrade available), this is a horseback trail rich in beautiful Provencal landscapes, curious history and foreign culture, ending as we emerge from the marshlands onto the open sands, for an invigorating gallop upon the Mediterranean coastline!
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
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Meeting:
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Mas de Recaute
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Airport:
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Marseille
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Transfer:
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Marseille
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
6 nights private accommodations, all meals, 5 riding days
| A | 2013 | 7 day trip, AP | 7d / 6n | €1300 | $1690 |
| Single supplement | €250 | $325 |
| 3* & 4* hotel upgrade Supplement pp (dbl) (min. 6 riders) | €750 | $975 |
| 3* & 4* hotel upgrade Supplement Single (min. 6 riders) | €1250 | $1625 |
| Non Rider rate | €675 | $880 |
Rates Note:
Accommodations upgrade requires minimum of 6 riders
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
|
Transfer from Marseille Airport or Aix-en-Provence Train Station included at set times
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Arrival: Transfer from Marseille airport (5
p.m.), Aix-en-Provence TGV station
(5:30 p.m.) ou Aix-en-Provence
central station (5:45 p.m.)
Departure: Drop off in Aix-en-Provence central station (10:15 a.m., Aix-en-Provence
TGV station (10:30 a.m.) or Marseille
airport (11:00 a.m.).
Tour Dates for 2013
Check here for details and availability
|
| A |
2013
|
04/21
- 04/27
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2013
|
04/28
- 05/04
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2013
|
05/12
- 05/18
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2013
|
05/26
- 06/01
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2013
|
06/09
- 06/15
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2013
|
09/15
- 09/21
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
09/22
- 09/28
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
09/29
- 10/05
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
10/06
- 10/12
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
10/13
- 10/19
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
10/20
- 10/26
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
10/27
- 11/02
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
11/03
- 11/09
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
11/10
- 11/16
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
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|
|
Rates do not include:
Beverages outside of mealtimes, gratuities
Day 1 Sunday:
Meeting at Marseille airport, one of the Aix-en-Provence train stations or come directly to the riding centre at Mas de Recaute. There will be a welcome dinner and presentation of the trail ride. Overnight at Mas de Recaute.
Day 2 Monday: Lauris to Mérindol.
We will ride in the hills of the "Small Luberon," covered in green oak trees. Everyday, our lunch will be brought by the ride assistant: a beautiful buffet with local products and wine. The afternoon ride today will take you to the historical village of Merindol. You will pass by the ruins of the old village which was destroyed during the religious wars of the 16th Century. Dinner and overnight in a local bed & breakfast (certain dates we may return to the Mas de Recaute in the minibus).
Day 3 Tuesday: Merindol to Eygalieres.
We ride along the foothill of Luberon towards the west and then we make our way down towards Durance Valley, to the South. After another picnic lunch, we cross the Durance river on horse back and make our way back out of the valley, toward Van Gogh’s country: les Alpilles. You will reach the Roman village of Eygalières late in the afternoon, and stop by the beautiful Chapel St Sixte to take some pictures. Dinner and overnight at a guesthouse near Eygalières.
Day 4 Wednesday: Eygalieres to Les Baux de Provence.
A very cultural day spent riding in the landscape that Van Gogh loved to paint. You will stop near St-Rémyde-Provence, in front of the hospital in which Van Gogh stayed and where he made his most famous paintings. Admire the beautiful Roman monuments, before you make your way towards the lunch spot, by a gorgeous little lake and hidden in the hills. The afternoon ride will take you on the crests of the Alpilles for a striking panorama of the surrounding area. We will even begin to see the gleam of the Mediterranean sea in the distance! At the end of the day's trail, we find the breathtaking sight of the medieval village, Les Beaux-de-Provence. We load the horses in the truck and will meet them again later on at the hotel...in front of your room! On foot, we visit the village and transfer to Le Paty, the gate of Camargue. Dinner and overnight in a typical Camargue hotel.
Day 5 Thursday: Le Paty to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.
You will take your first steps onto the marshlands of the Camargue Nature Park today! Experience the peaceful silence and stillness. As you ride in this most remote part of Camargue, off the toursist track, you will feel immersed in the wilderness. Admire the rich wildlife; pink flamingos and herons are plentiful. The flat terrain here will also allow you to enjoy some nice, long trots and canters today! Finally, you arrive to the village of Les Stes Maries de la Mer, right by the sea. Lunch is nearby the hotel today, before finishing off the day's riding with a gallop on the beach! There is time for some shopping in the village and then dinner will be in a local restaurant. Overnight in a hotel near the village.
Day 6 Friday: Camargue Cont'd
Another stunning day to ride and discover more corners of the Camargue. You will cross the Small Rhône river by ferry boat to reach a very protected part of the Nature Park. Then the marshland will slowly give way to sand dunes and pine forests, and soon we come upon more wild beaches were we will stop for lunch and another refreshing gallop, before heading back to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Transfer to the riding centre at Mas de Recaute, to enjoy a last dinner party together, share memories, pictures, addresses... and more wine!
Day 7 Saturday:
Transfers to train stations and airport after breakfast.
**subject to changes
Meeting:
Mas de Recaute
Airport:
Marseille
Train station:
Aix-en-Provence
Transfer:
Marseille
Distance:
45 miles
Arrival: Transfer from Marseille airport (5
p.m.), Aix-en-Provence TGV station
(5:30 p.m.) ou Aix-en-Provence
central station (5:45 p.m.)
Departure: Drop off in Aix-en-Provence central station (10:15 a.m., Aix-en-Provence
TGV station (10:30 a.m.) or Marseille
airport (11:00 a.m.).
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Tack:
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Trail Saddles
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Horses:
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Arab/Spanish cross
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Pace:
|
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Moderate - with walk, trot and canters, 5 riding hours per day
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Good Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
12
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Max
80
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Weight:
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Max
220 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
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Max
10 riders
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In order to make the most of the ride and not upset fellow riders on the trail, we require you to be at ease to walk, trot and canter in an outdoor setting and in a group. Groups are made out of 5 to 12 riders – often rich of several nationalities! You will ride an average of five hours each day. The pace will vary according to the terrain. During the ride, we advise you to take care of your horse, in order to get to know him better, and to create a special relationship with him. Guides are certified, and they heartily apply themselves to sharing their passion and the pleasure of trail riding. Whether on the Alpes or on the beaches of Camargue, amongst odorant thyme, rosemary and lavender, our guides ensure all riders' safety in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. All the guides speak English.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
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 NoteFranc. more
Provence is blessed with mild weather throughout most of the year, particularly those areas along the coast. It isn't all sunshine though, as the winter months can get quite cold when the infamous Mistral wind begins to blow. Thundershowers are not uncommon as well. In general though, the climate in Provence is fairly moderate and that is often what draws people to the area. Arguably, Provence is most charming in the springtime, when the poppies and sunflowers begin to appear and the air is fresh and crisp.
Temperatures min/max °F min/max °C
January 33°/50° 1°/10°
February 35°/52° 2°/11°
March 38°/59° 3°/15°
April 44°/62° 7°/17°
May 52°/62° 11°/21°
June 57°/79° 14°/26°
July 62°/82° 17°/28°
August 62°/82° 17°/28°
September 57°/77° 14°/25°
October 50°/66° 10°/19°
November 42°/57° 6°/14°
December 37°/50° 3°/10°
Average Monthly Precipitation
January 43mm 1.69in
Feburary 32mm 1.26in
March 43mm 1.69in
April 42mm 1.65in
May 46mm 1.81in
June 24mm 0.15in
July 11mm 0.43in
August 34mm 1.34in
September 60mm 2.36in
October 76mm 2.99in
November 69mm 2.72in
December 66mm 2.60in
This list is only a GENERAL guideline for you
Travel documents and Voucher
Flight tickets
Passport
Visa (check with your consulate)
RIDING GEAR
Jodhpurs or comfortable jeans (used if possible!)
Riding boots and mini chaps
Riding helmet
Riding gloves
Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection
Lightweight Waterproof
PERSONAL CLOTHING
Jacket or sweater for cool evenings
Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
Jeans
Shorts
Underwear and socks
Pyjamas
Bag for dirty clothes
Jacket
Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes
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
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.
..view other reports for different trips
Meals:
Breakfast will be provided by the accommodations we stay at. At lunch, our assistant will prepare a substantial buffet on the trail for us. Sip the traditional French drink “pastis,” a glass of red wine, a barbecue by a mountain stream, a refreshing selection of salad, and a comfy nap before leaving again to ride on! In the evening, everyone meets around the table together, to discover the local food - or should we say "cuisine" - don't count on losing any weight!
Accommodations:
Overnights during the trail will be in small and private rural guesthouses and inns. While they are rather simple facilities, they have
been selected for their beautiful setting and friendly atmosphere. Rooms do have private bathrooms! Upgrade to 4-star hotel accommodations are available (see below). The hotel upgrade option has overnights at the following lodgings:
Sunday (1st arrival night) + Friday (last night):
Hotel Bastide de Lourmarin
Located in Provence, in one of the most famous villages of the Luberon region, the Hotel Bastide de Lourmarin offers added luxury to your ride. The hotel is the epitome of authentic French décor with a modern flair. You will find architecture based on traditional Provencal style, many large bay windows overlook the village and castle.
For your comfort we are pleased to offer the following amenities: air conditioning, flat screens, Whirlpool in suites and WiFi access, individual gardens or balconies, safes, sauna, swimming pool, fully equipped meeting room, and parking area.
Situated in a garden 200 meters from the village center, the Hotel Bastide de Lourmarin offers 19 rooms and themed suites: among which are the “serenity” and “romantic” suites. The rooms are a blend of elegance and refinement which make every stay unique and unforgettable.
Monday:
Moulin de Vernegues
"Le Moulin de Vernègues" is a 17th century manor house located in the heart of Provence, on the prestigious Pont Royal Golf Course. The manor welcomes you to a world of tranquility, elegance and style, beneath the shade of its three hundred-year-old trees.
Character, history, charm and top quality service and food, combine to make the Moulin de Vernègues a stunning destination. The thirty-eight refined bedrooms have retained their authenticity yet offer today’s guests every modern comfort. You will be enchanted by the peace and serenity of this 17th century stately home.
Tuesday:
La Bastide d'Eygalieres
In this little Provencal paradise, where the air takes on pastel colors, your hosts will welcome you with an emphasis on harmony between local traditions and contemporary comfort.During the summer months, the perfume of lavender, thyme and rosemary along with the singing of the cicadas will accompany you during your games of petanque (bowls) or while you relax around the swimming pool. There is a separate area especially for children which includes a trampoline and a table tennis table.
You will discover many picturesque paths and roads to walk along around the property. Or you may succumb to a siesta on the sheltered patio which is transformed into a sun trap during those months. Later, perhaps an aperitif in the sitting room by the open fire, followed by a delicious dinner in the cozy dining room. This charming hotel is ideally situated to discover this magnificent part of the south of France. Local attractions include Saint Rémy de Provence, Arles and its Roman amphitheatre, the Pont-du-Gard and the typically Provencal towns of Avignon and Aix-en-Provence. All of this will leave you with a memorable experience of Provencal hospitality in a hotel brimming with charm.
Wednesday + Thursday:
L'Auberge Cavaliere
This sophisticated yet welcoming, family-run place has a great variety of beautiful accommodation. There are mezzanine loft-style apartments; long, luxurious whitewashed guest quarters overlooking the wetlands; and cabins with pitched timber-framed roofs traditionally thatched from the reedy bulrushes that proliferate throughout this region known as France's 'wild west'.
The inn’s outstanding on-site restaurant lays claim not only to fine fare, but the highest, widest thatched roof of its kind in the area. Whether in the main dining room, on the vegetable garden terrace, or down on the beach, each is a great place in which to dine and discover our regional cuisine- the recipes and know-how we have carefully gathered.
Beautiful sandy beaches are only five minutes from the hotel at Saintes-Maries and also at the Grand Radeau- a vast area of fine sands and dunes. The vegetable garden and swimming pool terraces invite you to relax and enjoy a drink. Beside the pool, in the shade of a palm tree, try the fine art of taking a nap- a siesta- or lou penequet as we say in these parts!
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
|
|
Trail Saddles
|
|
Horses:
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|
Arab/Spanish cross
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate - with walk, trot and canters, 5 riding hours per day
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Good Intermediate
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
12
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Max
80
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Weight:
|
|
Max
220 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
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Max
10 riders
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|
In order to make the most of the ride and not upset fellow riders on the trail, we require you to be at ease to walk, trot and canter in an outdoor setting and in a group. Groups are made out of 5 to 12 riders – often rich of several nationalities! You will ride an average of five hours each day. The pace will vary according to the terrain. During the ride, we advise you to take care of your horse, in order to get to know him better, and to create a special relationship with him. Guides are certified, and they heartily apply themselves to sharing their passion and the pleasure of trail riding. Whether on the Alpes or on the beaches of Camargue, amongst odorant thyme, rosemary and lavender, our guides ensure all riders' safety in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. All the guides speak English.
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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Provence to Camargue Mediterranean Ride
Tour Code:
IT-FRPV03
7 days /
6 nights
~$1,690.00
Dates :
March to Nov
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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