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Horseback riding tours
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Ile-de-France Ride to Versailles
Il-de-France
France
An incredible horseback trip going back into time, discover the historic region of Ile de France as we follow the life and times of Louis the 14th (the Sun King) and his finance minister, Nicolas Fouquet, from the Vaux le Vicomte castle to Versailles.
Experience stunning renaissance water gardens, countless impressive castles with tremendous history and majestic estates, ancient abbies and mysterious churches. This horseback trail is also filled to the brim with delightfully unexpected and most beautiful natural landscapes, comprised of vast woodlands, rushing rivers, open plains and charming farmland. Imagine partaking in a tasty and relaxing picnic alongside the infamous Seine River! While it’s far from being flat country, the particular terrain and the long distances covered make for some exciting and long winded canters, a highlight for the experienced and confident rider! This exceptional horseback journey, as it's title promises, culminates with a grand visit to Versaille - majestic, impressive, huge - once the domain of the greatest king ever!
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
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Meeting:
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Melun
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Airport:
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Paris
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Transfer:
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Melun train station around 2 pm - Saint Rémy les Chevreuse train station
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
9 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
7 nights accommodations, all meals, wine and coffee with dinner, 6 riding days
| A | 2013 | 8 day trip, AP | 8d / 7n | €1560 | $2030 |
| Single supplement (requested) | €237 | $310 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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From Melun train station - drop off Saint Rémy les Chevreuse on last day - included
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Meeting at Hotel Germenoy in the afternoon of Day 1 or take short train ride from Paris to Melun, and we can collect you from the train station at 2pm. Drop off on the last day will be around 10am at the Saint Rémy les Chevreuse train station.
Rates do not include:
Beverages except table wine and coffee at dinner, gratuities
Day 1: Riders arrive at Melun train station around 2 pm. Reception and transfer to hotel Germenoy. During the evening, we visit Château de Vaux le Vicomte. This castle built by Nicolas Fouquet in 1615 was used by Louis XIV as a model for the Château de Versailles. Dinner at the hotel at about 8 pm.
Day 2: Breakfast at 8 am, transfer to the horses at 9 am. Departure on horseback at about 10 am towards the Fontainebleau forest. Ride through semi-wooded area to the picnic spot on the beach of the river Seine at Fontaine le Port. Then ride through the Fontainebleau forest, following a varied track which allows you to discover the particularities of the forest (landscape, rocks, sand, birch, oak, beech…). Towards the end of the afternoon, we arrive at Franchard canyon. Night at Le Richelieu hotel (near Fontainebleau castle).
Day 3: Breakfast at 8 am, transfer to the horses at 9 am. Departure on horseback at about 10 am. Following a track suitable for galloping, we will discover varied and unique landscapes of the Fontainebleau forest. Picnic at Courances castle, visit of the 17the century gardens (one of the most beautiful examples of renaissance water gardens). In the afternoon: travel through farmland, great planes and forest, including a passage on an ancient Roman road. Night at the Ile de Saussay hotel at Itteville.
Day 4: Breakfast at 8 am, riders meet at the horses at 9 am. Departure on horseback at about 10 am. We leave towards Breuillet, a hilly region with sparse forests, where beautiful trails lead us up to the Chamarande castle. Picnic and visit of Chamarande castle, built in the 17th century in Louis XIII style. This domain is known for supporting modern art. Passing Chamarande forest, we stop at the church Saint Sulpice de Favière. This sanctuary is known as the most beautiful of its kind in the entire region. The church was built in 1245 in gothic style. The day ends at Breuillet, where we spend the night at « le nouveau monde » hotel.
Day 5: Breakfast at 8 am, transfer to the horses at 9 am. Departure on horseback at about 10 am. This slightly hilly region features beautiful forests here and there, as well as great planes with far horizons. We pass near Marais castle, which was the joy of a society of writers and important politicians received by Mme Labriche in the 19th century. Picnic near the Rambouillet forest by Sainte Anne’s fountain. Afternoon: Crossing of the Rambouillet forest up to the Tour pond. Dinner and night at Saint Charles hotel.
Day 6: Breakfast at 8 am, transfer to the horses at 9 am. Departure on horseback at about 10 am. We leave Tour, riding through fields and forest, up to the Vaux de Cernay abbey, which was founded in the 12th century by Cistercian monks. Nowadays, the ancient abbey hosts a luxury hotel. Picnic and visit of Breteuil castle. Built in the 16th century in Louis XII style, the castle features marvellous furniture. The visit is led by 50 wax figures from the Grévin museum. Exposition of the counts of Perrault. Afternoon: In the Chevreuse valey, we circumvent the city and its 11th century castle. Night at a bed and breakfast at Magny les Hameaux.
Day 7: Breakfast at 8 am. Departure on horseback at about 9:30 am. It is difficult to conceive that we are so close to Paris. Today, we are riding only a couple of kilometres away from the turbulences of the huge cities. We quit Magny les hameaux towards the forest of the Versailles domain, reach Saint Cyr l’école, then the royal portal of the Versailles castle - majestic, impressing, huge; we enter the park of the castle of the greatest king ever. We follow the grand Canal and pass near the Grand Trianon. Picnic at the Saint Antoine garden center. Afternoon: return to our bed and breakfast at Magny les Hameaux. We ride over the parade grounds (place d’arme), the pièce d’eau des suisses water basin, as well as the Versailles domain forest. Dinner and night at Magny les Hameaux.
Day 8: Transfer at about 10 am to Saint Rémy les Chevreuse train station.
-- Subject to changes
Riding route:
Day 1 : Vaux le Vicomte – Fontaine le Port – Fontainbleau – 5h
Day 2 : Fontainbleau – Courrance – Itteville – 5h
Day 3 : Itteville – Camarande – Breuillet – 4h30
Day 4 : Breuillet – Rochefort – Rambouillet – 5h
Day 5 : Rambouillet – Breteuil - Magny les Hameaux – 5h30
Day 6 : Magny les Hameaux – Versailles – Magny les Hameaux – 6h
Meeting:
Melun
Airport:
Paris
Train station:
Melun - drop off Saint Rémy les Chevreuse
Transfer:
Melun train station around 2 pm - Saint Rémy les Chevreuse train station
Distance:
40 miles
Meeting at Hotel Germenoy in the afternoon of Day 1 or take short train ride from Paris to Melun, and we can collect you from the train station at 2pm. Drop off on the last day will be around 10am at the Saint Rémy les Chevreuse train station.
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Tack:
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Trail saddles
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Horses:
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Anglo-Arab, French saddlebred and French trotters
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Pace:
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Riders should be at ease at the three paces, preferably regular riders. Around 5 hours riding each day.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
12
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Weight:
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Max
220 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
9 riders
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Anglo-Arab horses, French saddlebred, and French trotters. They are robust and solid, their size varies between 15 an 17 hands. They all form a harmonious herd and range between 5 and 19 years of age. They are kind and well-educated horses that respect the riders, with horses for all types of riders and riding levels (certain minimum of experience is required).
These locally bred horses have been chosen for their mental qualities and endurance. Young horses are led by older horses which gives them the desire to move forward, calm and confident.
We will stop every two hours (approximately) for a break. Our team is organising picnics and evening stops, sometimes a bit of help is welcome! Riders should brush and saddle their horse.
Riders should be at ease at the three paces, preferably regular riders. Minimum age of 16.
We have a minibus to transport luggage and riders. It is possible for a non rider (or for a rider who cannot ride for one reason or another) to follow in the minibus.
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
We recommend a 10 to 15% gratuity if you are happy with the services.
… this list is only a guideline for you
Hidden Trails Travel Documents and Trip Voucher (contains important local tour contact info.)
Flight tickets
Passport
Visa (check with your consulate)
RIDING GEAR
Riding pants or Jodhpurs
Riding boots (short) + Minichaps
Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)
Riding gloves
Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection
Lightweight Rain coat
A riding helmet is not provided by us, but is is recommended for adults and mandatory for minors during the horse ride.
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
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
Personal Toiletries
Insect protection
Personal medications
Sore cream (for an emergency)
Sewing kit
Torch/ Flashlight
Adapter for electric appliances
Camera and extra film or batteries
Belt pack
Address book and pen (for postcards!)
Sun glasses with strap
Sun protection 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
Lodgings at the following hotels, however changes are possible due to vacancy availability per group!
Day 1: Meeting at the Hotel Germenoy in Melun
338, rue Raymond Hervillard 77000 VAUX LE PÉNIL
Phone: 01 64 09 19 19 Fax : 01 01 60 68 27 54
Day 2: Le Richelieu hotel (near Fontainebleau castle).
4 RUE RICHELIEU 77300 Fontainebleau
Tél: 01 64 22 26 46 Fax: 01 64 23 40 17
Day 3:
Ile de Saussay hotel at Itteville
Auberge de l’Ile du Saussay - 14 route de Ballancourt - 91760 Itteville - Tél : 01 60 91 09 30
Day 4: The day ends at Breuillet, where we spend the night at « le nouveau monde » hotel.
Hôtel*NN-Restaurant Le Nouveau Monde
42, route d'Arpajon 91650 BREUILLET (Port-Sud)
Tél. : 01 64 58 41 35
Day 5: Saint Charles hotel.
Hôtel Saint-Charles
15 rue de Groussay 78120 Rambouillet
Ph: 01.34.83.06.34
Day 6 and 7: Bed and breakfast at Magny les Hameaux.
Maison Prairie Bonheur Chambres d'Hôtes Le Village 6 chemin des Patissiaux
78114 Magny les hameaux
Tél. : +33 (0)1 30 44 26 08 or + 33 (0)6 77 44 14 40
Meals are included, wine and coffee are served inclusive during dinners. Lunch is provided by the support vehicle driver as picnics. Country style meals, variety of meats and various mixed salads.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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Trail saddles
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|
Horses:
|
|
Anglo-Arab, French saddlebred and French trotters
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Riders should be at ease at the three paces, preferably regular riders. Around 5 hours riding each day.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
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|
(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
12
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Weight:
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Max
220 lbs
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Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
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Max
9 riders
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|
Anglo-Arab horses, French saddlebred, and French trotters. They are robust and solid, their size varies between 15 an 17 hands. They all form a harmonious herd and range between 5 and 19 years of age. They are kind and well-educated horses that respect the riders, with horses for all types of riders and riding levels (certain minimum of experience is required).
These locally bred horses have been chosen for their mental qualities and endurance. Young horses are led by older horses which gives them the desire to move forward, calm and confident.
We will stop every two hours (approximately) for a break. Our team is organising picnics and evening stops, sometimes a bit of help is welcome! Riders should brush and saddle their horse.
Riders should be at ease at the three paces, preferably regular riders. Minimum age of 16.
We have a minibus to transport luggage and riders. It is possible for a non rider (or for a rider who cannot ride for one reason or another) to follow in the minibus.
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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Ile-de-France Ride to Versailles
Tour Code:
IT-FRABR03
8 days /
7 nights
~$2,030.00
Dates :
July and August
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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