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Auvergne Chateau Equestrian Escape
Auvergne
France
Happily secluded in the bucolic countryside of Auvergne and a scenic three hours outside of Paris, you will find a charming French chateau peacefully waiting for you nearby the lush green forests of Tronçais. A most dignified mansion, its history dates back to 1836 when it was built by Count Eugène de la Roche amidst the 100 acres of enviable parkland and adjacent to the ancient ruins of the original castle, Château du Mont. After fulfilling lifestyles elsewhere, Monsieur and Madame Tissier wish to achieve their dreams of creating idyllic perfection for international guests and offer the best in sublime rural
tranquility and curious discovery. They welcome you to accompany them at the
handsome 19th century chateau, and stay as their guest in one of the tastefully decorated, clean and comfortable 19 guestrooms equipped with modern bathroom facilities and antique furnishing, with glorious views of the noble countryside you will soon explore by horseback, where history and stunning landscapes are plentiful.
A delightful country experience, riding holidays at the chateau are highlighted by gourmet fine dining, generous hospitality and the recently renovated and modernized 30 horse equestrian center. When not in the saddle, visitors can also enjoy fishing and canoeing on the pristine lake, mountain biking the many lush nature paths of the tranquil property or rest and play in the quiet ambiance of the library and billiards room in an elegant atmosphere of relaxation and culture.
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Family Vacation
Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Ygrande
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Airport:
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Clermont-Ferrand
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Transfer:
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by taxi from train station
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
6 riders
(per riding group)
Max Capacity
40
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Accommodations in superior rooms, meals including two gourmet dinners, 5 riding days (about 3 hrs each)
| A | 2013 | 6 days, AP (low) Superior | 6d / 5n | €1500 | $1950 |
| Single supplement | €665 | $865 |
| B | 2013 | 6 days, AP (Mid) Superior | 6d / 5n | €1530 | $1990 |
| Single supplement | €700 | $910 |
| C | 2013 | 6 days, AP (Peak) Superior | 8d / 7n | €2250 | $2925 |
| Single supplement | €1045 | $1360 |
Transfer and Other Options:
|
2013
|
Transfer by taxi from Moulins s/Allier trian station each way ~
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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€
65
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$65
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Best to arrive by rental car. Otherwise take train to Moulins s/Allier and taxi from there (20 miles)
Tour Dates for 2013
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2013
|
04/23
- 04/28
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (low) Superior
|
40
|
Expired
|
| A |
2013
|
04/30
- 05/05
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (low) Superior
|
40
|
Expired
|
| B |
2013
|
05/07
- 05/12
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (Mid) Superior
|
40
|
Expired
|
| B |
2013
|
05/14
- 05/19
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (Mid) Superior
|
40
|
Expired
|
| B |
2013
|
05/21
- 05/26
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (Mid) Superior
|
40
|
Expired
|
| B |
2013
|
05/28
- 06/02
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (Mid) Superior
|
40
|
Expired
|
| B |
2013
|
06/04
- 06/09
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (Mid) Superior
|
40
|
Expired
|
| B |
2013
|
06/11
- 06/16
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (Mid) Superior
|
40
|
Expired
|
| B |
2013
|
06/18
- 06/23
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (Mid) Superior
|
40
|
Expired
|
| B |
2013
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06/25
- 06/30
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (Mid) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2013
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07/02
- 07/09
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8d / 7n
|
6 days, AP (Peak) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2013
|
07/09
- 07/16
|
8d / 7n
|
6 days, AP (Peak) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2013
|
07/16
- 07/23
|
8d / 7n
|
6 days, AP (Peak) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2013
|
07/23
- 07/30
|
8d / 7n
|
6 days, AP (Peak) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2013
|
07/30
- 08/06
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8d / 7n
|
6 days, AP (Peak) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2013
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08/06
- 08/13
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8d / 7n
|
6 days, AP (Peak) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2013
|
08/13
- 08/20
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8d / 7n
|
6 days, AP (Peak) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2013
|
08/20
- 08/27
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8d / 7n
|
6 days, AP (Peak) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2013
|
08/27
- 09/03
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8d / 7n
|
6 days, AP (Peak) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2013
|
09/03
- 09/08
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (Mid) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2013
|
09/10
- 09/15
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (Mid) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2013
|
09/17
- 09/22
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (Mid) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2013
|
09/24
- 09/29
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (Mid) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
10/01
- 10/06
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (low) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
10/08
- 10/13
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (low) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
10/15
- 10/20
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (low) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
10/22
- 10/27
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (low) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
10/29
- 11/03
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (low) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
11/05
- 11/10
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (low) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
11/12
- 11/17
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (low) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
11/19
- 11/24
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (low) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
11/26
- 12/01
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (low) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
12/03
- 12/08
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (low) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
12/10
- 12/15
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (low) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
12/17
- 12/22
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (low) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
12/24
- 12/29
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (low) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
12/31
- 01/05
|
6d / 5n
|
6 days, AP (low) Superior
|
40
|
Reserve
|
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Weekly trips from Tuesday to Sunday (closed Su and Mo)
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Rates do not include:
Lunch on arrival day. Beverages.
There are no set schedules to follow. You design your own riding itineraries with your guide or riding instructor. We have included 3 hours of riding each day of your stay - no riding on arrival day and 2 hrs only on the last morning before departure after lunch - additional riding hours can be paid for locally.
The equestrian center is well know for breeding and training high quality Thoroughbred race horses, but of course there are many excellent school or trail horses for the riding clientele.
Riding groups are kept small to a maximum of 6 riders. The rides explore the beautiful countryside surrounding the estate or you can opt for riding instructions in the arena in the disciplines of dressage, cross country or stadium jumping.
If you like nature and horses, you
will be enchanted with the daily trail rides or riding instructions.
Explore the endless diverse landscapes of the Cantal and
watch the chain of volcanic hills rise in front of you with its 80 volcanoes and the Massif of Mountains Gilds. Bourbonnais is the ancient province of the center of France.
The trainers speak limited English, so they are supported by an English lady (a rider as well), who provides the translation, which works quite well.
Next to the horseback riding options, there are other outdoor activities available from fishing, hiking, canoeing or visiting the local markets.
Meeting:
Ygrande
Airport:
Clermont-Ferrand
Train station:
Moulins s/Allier (32 km / 20 miles)
Transfer:
by taxi from train station
Distance:
100 km / 60 miles
Best to arrive by rental car. Otherwise take train to Moulins s/Allier and taxi from there (20 miles)
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Tack:
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French trekking, English
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Horses:
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English Thoroughbred, French Saddle Horse or Selle Francais
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Pace:
|
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All paces according to riding level
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
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(2
to
3
out of 5) Novice to Intermediate
|
|
Age:
|
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Min
6
|
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
220 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
|
Max
6 riders
(per riding group)
|
Max Capacity
40
|
There are a total of 40 horses at the stables. 12 French Saddlebred and English Thoroughbred for trail, general riding instructions etc.. For more advanced riders interested in instructions, there are 4 sport horses for jumping (Thoroughbred) and 2 for dressage (Spanish and German breeds). In addition there are 6 ponies for the kids.
Riding groups are limited to 6 riders max.
The equestrian center is also involved in breeding and training race horses. Guests are welcome to watch the trainers during their training sessions.
Staff
Annabelle Freby, 33 years old, manages the business but focuses on the race horse activity.
Katia Machado and Laetitia Parola (professional instructors) share their time to provide instruction from Tuesday to Sunday morning.
When necessary, Suzan Roberts, English native and non-professional rider, provides assistance for English translation.
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
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
The handsome chateau dates back to 1836 and has glorious views over its 100 acre estate from a position of sublime rural tranquility. Its hilltop position offers wonderful views of the estate's 100 acres including the lake, forests and fields. From its southern exposure, the terrace provides views of the estate and farmlands, church towers and the traditional bocage.
Large, flower-filled terracotta pots along the terrace enhance the area, making it the perfect place for enjoying a refreshing drink or meal.
When the days turn hot, relax or nap in the shade of old, spreading trees.
At the heart of the property is the beautiful, romantic 19th century mansion, completely renovated and operated as a small hotel with just sixteen rooms of a very high standard.
Each of the comfortable guestrooms has a complete modern bathroom, tasteful décor and antique furnishings of the period. Each room also has a direct phone line, modem hook-up and satellite television.
The Chateau offers four room categories: Standard, Comfort, Superior and Deluxe. The regular package includes the Superior room category, which we are happy to upgrade to a deluxe category or downgrade to a "Standard" or "Comfort" level. There are a total of 19 rooms , of which there are 16 in the Chateaux and 3 standard rooms in the Pavillion de Jardin.
There are stylish drawing rooms if you need to unwind, a billiard room if you feel in the mood, a hammam and a heated pool over by the orchard and kitchen garden. The swimming pool is open from June to September.
A gourmet restaurant with roots deep in the Bourbonnaise tradition offers local cuisine with produce from the chateau's own vegetable gardens, neighboring farms, or local markets. The chef, David Martin, Toque d'Auvergne, will ravish your senses with an inventive cooking which keeps authenticity and true tastes intact: vegetables of the day, products of the land, Charolais meats and absolutely fresh fish.
Meals are served in the hunter's dining room, the more intimate Directoire Salon, or outside, on the inviting terrace. The regular package includes standard evening meals with some of the dinners being of the "gourmet" category with 5 courses.
There is also an excellent wine cellar and wine menu.
Breakfast with home made jams , pasties and bread, is served from 7.30 to 10.30 in the breakfast room. If you prefer more privacy, it can also be served in your room. Lunch is served from 12.30 to 2 and dinner from 7.30 to 9.30.
There are some culinary classes available.
The Château provides for an array
of activities from (of course) exploring the beautiful surroundings on
horseback, fishing its rich pristine lake, canoeing, mountain biking
through the many nature paths, cooking classes, as well as indoor entertainment from the
French Billards room to the quiet luminous ambiance of the Library room.
The on-site hammam has massage/treatment rooms.
Facilities: Restaurant, Bar, Hammam, Outdoor Pool, Reading Room
Room Facilities: Bedroom Slippers, Hair Dryer, Satellite TV, Mini Bar, Phone, High Speed Internet, A/C
Superior Room
Deluxe Room
Comfort Room
Standard Room
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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French trekking, English
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|
Horses:
|
|
English Thoroughbred, French Saddle Horse or Selle Francais
|
|
Pace:
|
|
All paces according to riding level
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2
to
3
out of 5) Novice to Intermediate
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
6
|
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
220 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
|
Max
6 riders
(per riding group)
|
Max Capacity
40
|
There are a total of 40 horses at the stables. 12 French Saddlebred and English Thoroughbred for trail, general riding instructions etc.. For more advanced riders interested in instructions, there are 4 sport horses for jumping (Thoroughbred) and 2 for dressage (Spanish and German breeds). In addition there are 6 ponies for the kids.
Riding groups are limited to 6 riders max.
The equestrian center is also involved in breeding and training race horses. Guests are welcome to watch the trainers during their training sessions.
Staff
Annabelle Freby, 33 years old, manages the business but focuses on the race horse activity.
Katia Machado and Laetitia Parola (professional instructors) share their time to provide instruction from Tuesday to Sunday morning.
When necessary, Suzan Roberts, English native and non-professional rider, provides assistance for English translation.
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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Auvergne Chateau Equestrian Escape
Tour Code:
IT-FRSRYG
6 days /
5 nights
~$1,950.00
Dates :
March to December
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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