Morvan Ride

Introduction
Burgundy France
Adventure, relaxation, strong emotions, sensations and gastronomy will make this week an unforgettable trip. This is a very fast-paced ride, quite different from the other riding tours in France.
The "Morvan" - an island in the heart of Burgundy - became a natural reserve thanks to the efforts of the community. The Morvan is a green area in the center of the Burgundy region that will astonish you due to the diversity of landscapes and the uncountable miles of unpaved country roads, perfectly suited for a riding tour. Known for its rolling hills, large forests, rivers, lakes and characteristic villages. Uncountable trails lead through this lovely landscape, revealing new views after every turn. The warm-hearted inhabitants of the villages, whose hospitality is almost indescribable, make the Morvan a unique place to rest body and soul.

Daily 30 to 40 mile journeys with long and frequent canters, abrupt down hill passages and lakes will be the joy of sporty outdoors riders. Lovers of history will not be disappointed either.  This region is a green desert, far away from busy highways and, a long time ago, crossed by migrating helvets. Julius Cesar and Vercingétorix fought their war in this region. Bibracte witnessed the times of the Celt civilization in Europe. Bernard de Clervaux preached at Vézelay during his second crusade.  We honor the memory of Vauban when we cross his tomb and we will remember the times when wood used to float down the rivers Cure and Yonne towards Paris.

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so you will be staying in different locations during the trip.

Description
You will sleep at typical regional small basic hotels (2*) and guesthouses where we will find a comfortable bed and a warm shower to rest after our active daily journey. Most accommodations offer private bathroom but in some accommodations, bathroom will be shared.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Day 1: B&B in Sommant
Day 2: Hôtel Les Grillons
Day 3: Hôtel du Nord
Day 4: Hôtel du Morvan
Day 5: Château de Lantilly
Day 6: Hôtel du Parc
Day 7: Hôtel du Morvan
Day 8: B&B in Sommant

B&B in Sommant
This farmhouse accommodation offers guests to stay in small houses able to accommodate up to 4/5 guests each. The buildings have a rustic charm with exposed stones and provide simple accommodations with shared bathrooms.

Hôtel Les Grillons in Les Settons
This charming country hotel offers 13 tastefully decorated rooms all fitted with a private bathroom and a peaceful view of the surrounding nature. Wi-Fi access is available in the common areas.

Hôtel du Nord in Brassy en Morvan
This hotel offers basic accommodations in 8 bedrooms with private bathrooms, a TV and free Wi-Fi access.

Hôtel du Morvan in Saint-Léger-sous-Beuvray
This accommodation provides guests with 7 simply decorated rooms all equipped with private bathroom and free Wi-Fi access.

Château de Lantilly in Cervon
The castle is located on the shore of the Anguison River in the foothills of the Morvan. It is on the list of Historical Monuments and offers 5 themed rooms, each with its own style and charm from a certain period in French history. All rooms have their own bathroom.

Hôtel du Parc in Château Chinon
This small hotel was recently refurbished and offers 23 guestrooms with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi access.

Room Occupancy
Single rooms are available based on availability but a single supplement fee applies. The single supplement fee does not apply if we cannot find another rider to share a room with you.


Meals
All meals are included with this trip.
Evening meals and breakfasts will be taken at the hotel. Lunch will be generous, inspired by traditional country cooking, warm or cold according to the weather. 
At noon, it is always a pleasure to see from far away a well-dressed table, in the middle of a field, waiting for us.

Alcoholic beverages are not included with this trip but you can purchase your own at the local restaurants.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.

Riding


Horses
We know that the key to a horse trip is the horses.  That is why we have chosen and breed our own. They are all born in the Morvan region and they have lived all their life in the same region.  They are calm, well in their heads but when need be or when requested, they are fast and generous.  They are capable of anything, they will surprise you and they will allow you to experience a unique riding trip.

Pace
We will cover about 30 to 40 mile journeys every day with long and frequent canters and, at times, abrupt downhill sections.

Riding Experience
This is one of the fastest paced rides in Europe - please only advanced riders should sign up!
Riders need to be confident and in control at all paces on varied terrains. They also need to be physically fit, as this is a demanding ride.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary: 9-day tour - subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Arrival at the train station in Autun in the afternoon and transfer to Sommant.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight in Sommant

Day 2 (Sunday): Ride to Lac des Settons
We ride in the direction of "Lac des Settons" passing through the woods of Anost. We stop deep inside the forest for a romantic picnic and then continue our ride. We follow the lake until we reach our lodging for tonight.
Dinner and overnight at a interesting hotel overlooking the lake.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Lac des Settons

Day 3 (Monday): Lac des Settons to Brassy en Morvan
Today our horses turn into fish while we will cross numerous creeks and rivers. In the middle of a thick forest we reach the Waterfall of Gouloux and then follow mountain creeks and wild streams to reach Dun les Places. Then our horses transform into mountain goats while we climb the mountain of Pérouse only to be welcomed with a spectacular view form the top.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Auberge in Brassy en Morvan

Day 4 (Tuesday): Brassy en Morvan to Vézelay
Today we face the longest day in the saddle - almost 50km (40 miles) are to be covered. Of course by now you are comfortable and have bonded with your horse and we will all enjoy fast to very fast canters and gallops along the Cure River, the wildest and most important river in the region. We reach the northern border of the nature park where the scenery opens up considerably with meadows and fields. The goal for to today is Vézelay, which is located alonf the Jacob's Pilgrim Trail to Santiago the Compostella. It was here that the "Holy Bernard of Clairvaux " challenged his followers to the second crusade in the 12th century.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Relais du Morvan in Vézelay

Day 5 (Wednesday): Vézelay to Castle of Lantilly
In the morning we visit Vézelay and then continue our ride to Pierre Perthuis with its world famous two stone bridges, where we enjoy our picnic. Today's shorter ride of 40km (25 miles) will be covered on a quick and fast 3 hour ride until we reack the Castle of Lantilly. Possible free time to visit Vauban's Castle Bazoches.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Castle of Lantilly

Day 6 (Thursday): Castle of Lantilly to Château Chinon
This morning we follow the Yvonne River in the direction of Château Chinon. Around lunch time we reach a lake where riders and horses can go for a swim. Finally we reach Château Chinon, a medieval small town. The town is worth an evening stroll before or after dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Château Chinon

Day 7 (Friday): Château Chinon to Saint Léger sous Beuvray
We ride in direction of Bibracte following ancient forest trails that have not changed for centuries. Then we ascend to to highest point of the riding your - the 800 meter Beuvray Mountain. Here we rendezvous with the "Galls" looking at one of the most important archaeological diggs in France regarding the Galls and Romans occupations. After lunch we reach our destination of the day - Saint Léger sous Beuvray.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Saint Léger sous Beuvray

Day 8 (Saturday): Saint Léger sous Beuvray to Sommant
You’ll come back into the higher mountains of the beginning of the trip. Past castles, through creeks and rivers - the horses know that it’s going homeward so the day will finish fast paced. Farewell dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Sommant

Day 9 (Sunday): Departure
After breakfast departure.

Rates and Dates for Morvan Ride

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Sommant
Airport: Dijon
Transfer: Autun train station

Climate:
                                        Château-Chinon‎‎ area