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Bordeaux Wine & Castles Trails
Bordeaux
France
Imagine discovering the great wines of Bordeaux, some of the world’s most famous vineyards, from the very best vantage point in the gorgeous French countryside - the back of a horse!
Riding through prestigious wine country with the Bordeaux Wine & Castles Ride, we sample the best there is on offer: Médoc, Côtes de Blaye, Côtes de Bourg, Fronsac, Lalande de Pomerol, St Emilion, l’Entre deux mers, Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, Graves and Sauternes! Both reds and whites compliment the delicious heritage we encounter along the way, such as the Citadelle de Blaye, built by Vauban during the 18th century, or the medieval city of Saint Emilion, the Rauzan castle and the 13th century English bastide of Cadillac. An exceptional riding tour!
The alternate Medoc Beach & Wine Ride will take you in an enchanting exploration of the beautiful and wild countryside: to the beaches of the Atlantic ocean coastline, mythical wine châteaux, vast and ancient forests, a landscape full of famous history and equally famous food. This intriguing trail offers the avid horseback rider plenty of variety in terrain, from the marshy areas of Lower Médoc to the large, sandy beaches of the coast where we will find the curious location where the waters of the Gironde merge with the powerful Atlantic Ocean. Ride through the Landes forest's simply endless pine woods, reaching as far as the eye can see, visit the hidden gem lakes and the little islands of the Gironde River, landmark green dots found resting between the two banks of the estuary.
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
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Meeting:
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Listrac / Moulis en Medoc
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Airport:
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Bordeaux Mérignac airport
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Transfer:
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Saint Jean railway station or from Mérignac airport
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2012
Rates include:
Accommodations, meals, wine and coffee with dinner, 6 riding days
| A | 2012 | 8 day trip, AP Bordeaux Wine & Castles Trail | 8d / 7n | €1460 | $1960 |
| Single supplement (requested) | €237 | $320 |
| B | 2012 | 8 day trip, AP Medoc Beach & Wine Trail | 8d / 7n | €1460 | $1960 |
| Single supplement (requested) | €237 | $320 |
Transfer Option:
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2012
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Transfer from Bordeaux aiport is included at set times on Day 1
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We meet the riders at the Bordeaux airport at 6:30pm, at the meeting point, or at the train station at 6:00pm, at the meeting point. If you drive in, meet us at the hotel in Listrac (Moulis en Medoc for the Medoc Beach trail)
Tour Dates for 2012
Check here for details and availability
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| B |
2012
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03/24
- 03/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Medoc Beach &...
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2
/10
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Expired
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| A |
2012
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04/14
- 04/21
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Bordeaux Wine...
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2
/10
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Expired
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| A |
2012
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04/21
- 04/28
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Bordeaux Wine...
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2
/10
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Expired
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| A |
2012
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05/20
- 05/27
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Bordeaux Wine...
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2
/10
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Expired
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| A |
2012
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09/15
- 09/22
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Bordeaux Wine...
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2
/10
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Sold Out
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| A |
2012
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09/22
- 09/29
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Bordeaux Wine...
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2
/10
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Reserve
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| B |
2012
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10/01
- 10/08
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Medoc Beach &...
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2
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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10/20
- 10/27
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Bordeaux Wine...
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2
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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10/28
- 11/04
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Bordeaux Wine...
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2
/10
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Drinks during dinner except table wine and coffee. Gratuities.
Bordeaux Wine & Castles Trail
Day 1: We welcome the riders either at the Bordeaux airport at 6:30pm (at the meeting point sign), or at the train station at 6:00pm (at the meeting point sign). Transfer to the Vignerons hotel in Listrac.
Day 2 : Breakfast at 8:00am, transfer to the horses at 9:00am and departure for horseback riding at 10:00am in a flat landscape between wineyards and forests. Picnic will take place on the borders of the Gironde. We will taste a MEDOC at the wine museum of MAUCAILLOU. We will cross the Gironde, with our horses, on a ferry, towards Blaye (crossing time of 40 mn). Upon arrival we will visit on horseback the citadelle Vauban (18th century), then we will visit a wine producer of Blaye at the castle Frédignac. Night at the Porche hotel.
Day 3: Breakfast at 8:00am, departure from the hotel at 9:00am and on horseback at 10:00am. We will ride through the Côtes de Blaye and the Côtes de Bourg in a hilly landscape. Picnic at a wine producers’ place at the castle Guyonne and tasting of the Côte de Bourg. Departure at 3:00pm towards Cubnezais, through a flatter landscape, with passages in humid zones without wineyards. The evening will be held at the winegrower of the wineyard Gravette’s. Tasting during the meal. Night onsite.
Day 4: Breakfast at 8:00am, departure on horseback at 9:30am. It is a region where wineyards alternate with little forests which will lead us to the castle Mayne Veil, for the picnic and tasting of Fronsac wine. Towards Libourne, we will pass through the famous region of Pomerol. It is at the castle Belles Graves that we will leave our horses to taste the famous wine Lalande de Pomerol. We will spend the evening at the La Tour hotel in Libourne.
Day 5: We take the direction of Saint Emilion passing through the famous properties of château Pétrus, Cheval Blanc and château Figeac. Picnic at the castle Robin des Moines with tasting of this wine, followed by a free visit of the city of St Emilion.
In the afternoon we will leave St Emilion to ride through the large valley of Dordogne and arrive in Saint Jean de Blaignac by 7:00pm. We will spend the night there in a Bed and Breakfast.
Day 6: Breakfast at 8:00am, departure on horseback by 9:30am. We are now in the region of the l'Entre deux mers, with its varied landscapes, hilly and wooded, and its beautiful wineries. We will stop at the castle of Rauzan (13th century) with a tasting of Entre deux Mers. In the afternoon we will ride through slightly hilly landscapes where wineyards alternate with forests, which will lead us to the castle of Broustaret (Bed and Breakfast). We will have dinner in the city of Cadillac where we will taste the
Premières Côtes de Bordeaux. Nocturnal visit of the city.
Day 7: Breakfast at 8:00am, departure on horseback at 9:30am. Until Cadillac, the region is strongly hilly. Then we will pass through the valley of Garonne to reach the wineyards of Graves and Sauternes. Picnic at the castle of Myrat, the count of Pontac will show us his castle and will propose us a tasting of this
gold-couloured wine. In the afternoon gallops between wineyards and forests will lead us to Sauternes. From the top of the tower of the oenological school La Tour Blanche we will admire the view on the wineyard of Sauternes. During the meal we will taste wine of Graves and spend the night at the Château d'Arche.
Day 8: After breakfast and according to the riders’ train or plane schedules, transfer of the riders. There will be a single transfer to Bordeaux.
- subject to change -
Medoc Beach and Wine Trail
Day 1: We welcome the riders in the afternoon (around 6 pm) at the Bordeaux Saint Jean railway station or at the Mérignac airport. Transfer to Moulis en médoc. Overnight at the bed and breakfast Domaine de Quittignan Nrillette.
Day 2: Departure from Listrac through the vineyards of the Listrac and Moulis Appellations. Heading to Fort Médoc. Picnic and visit of the fortress, built by Vauban in 1689. It was part of the defensive system of the estuary with Fort Paté and the Blaye Citadel. In the afternoon we’ll ride close to the Lainnessan Château; wine tasting and visit of the horse museum. End of the afternoon at Saint Julien Beychevelle.
Day 3: Through the Pauillac Appellation vineyard, we’ll head for the visit and picnic at the archaeological digging site of Brion. There used to be a Gallo-roman villa there. Afternoon through vineyards, we’ll then reach Begadan.
Day 4: We’ll head northward on the Palus to get to the banks of the estuary. “Palus” are land ridges between marshes and streams of water. Picnic and visit of the Richard lighthouse. From its top (18 m high) we’ll have a beautiful view on the river. We’ll then head for the picturesque seaport of Goulée. Then Saint Vivien du Médoc and night stop in a hotel in Talais. Seafood dinner at the experimental fishfarm in Saint Vivien.
Day 5: Westward to Soulac. The landscape looks like Camargue; vast expanses of meadows with lakes and horses on the range. Visit of the church of Our Lady of Land’s end. Then the beach: a very large one to L’Amélie for picnic. Same route in the afternoon, long canters on the beach to Montalivet. Night in a hotel.
Day 6: Southward, beach or forest depending on the tide, picnic at the Pin Sec. In the afternoon on the Gironde moors we’ll make it a day at Hourtin, a small yachting harbour.
Day 7: Eastward, forest, forest…. Long canters on sandy lanes where we may spot deer or stags. The fragrance of the pine trees is inebriating, the forest is engulfing us. Picnic in the hamlet of Bernos. In the afternoon we’ll go southwards to get back to where we started at bed and breakfast Domaine de Quittignan brillette. . Dinner and wine tasting at the château.
Day 8: End of the trip. Transfer to the SNCF Bordeaux Saint Jean railway station or Mérignac airport after breakfast.
-subject to change -
Map: Black lines = Wine & Castles Trail Blue lines= Medoc Beach & Wine Trail
-- click on map to enlarge
Meeting:
Listrac / Moulis en Medoc
Airport:
Bordeaux Mérignac airport
Train station:
Saint Jean (Bordeaux)
Transfer:
Saint Jean railway station or from Mérignac airport
We meet the riders at the Bordeaux airport at 6:30pm, at the meeting point, or at the train station at 6:00pm, at the meeting point. If you drive in, meet us at the hotel in Listrac (Moulis en Medoc for the Medoc Beach trail)
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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.
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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
16
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
10 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
Bordeaux, within Frances’s famed Aquitaine wine region, is located on the bend of the Garonna River in the south west of France. It enjoys a mild climate which is ideal for wine growing, making the region one of the worlds top wine producing areas.
The months from March through until May bring a maximum average temperature range of 15 to 20 degrees. Average rainfall is at its lowest in April, sitting at 48mm average precipitation. It is not unusual for weather conditions to relapse back to winter and as a result there are occasional cold snaps interspersed with drizzles of rain.
The conditions are much the same in Autumn (minus the blossoming flowers!) however the majority of the wineries close their doors in October whilst grape harvest takes place, so if you want to take in what Bordeaux’s wine region has to offer its not recommended to visit during Autumn.
Due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the area- tourists and grapes included, is protected from temperature extremes. Summer in Bordeaux is glorious, clear blue skies and sunny days are made all the more enjoyable when taking the atmosphere with a glass of the regions finest red wine. The average temperature range in the area sits at around 13 to 25 degrees, with July being the hottest month. The evenings are cooled by a pleasing Atlantic wind which leaves the area enjoying delightful cool summer nights- ideal for wine growing.
Winters in Bordeaux are short and not too cold but have a tendency to feel quite ‘damp.’ November through to January is when the region receives its greatest rainfall, December being particularly wet. The average minimum for December is 2 degrees moving up to an average maximum of 9 degrees. January is generally the coldest month, with an average minimum of 2 degrees however the coldest temperature ever recorded in Bordeaux was recorded in February when the mercury plunged to -15 degrees.
… 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.
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Lodgings are usually at the following hotels, however changes are possible based on vacancy availability!
Bordeaux Wine and Castles Trail:
Day 1: Le Relais de Listrac Auberge des Vignerons
Day 2 : Blaye - Porche Hotel.
Day 3: Domaine de la Gravette
Day 4: La Tour Hotel in Libourne.
Day 5: B&B in Saint Jean de Blaignac
Day 6: B&B at the castle of Broustaret
Day 7: Château d'Arche.
Medoc Beaches and Wine Trail:
Day 1 and 7: Quittignan Brillette
Day 2: Hotel in Saint Julien Beychevelle.
Day 3: Hotel in Begadan.
Day 4: Hotel in Talais.
Day 5: Hotel in Montalivet.
Day 6: Hotel in Hourtin
All your meals are included, dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Departure Day. Wine and coffee will be served with dinner. Lunch is provided out on the trails by the support vehicle, and are picnic country meals comprised 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:
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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.
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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
16
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
10 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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Bordeaux Wine & Castles Trails
Tour Code:
IT-FRABR01
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,960.00
Dates :
March to October
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
Trail saddles
Horses:
Anglo-Arab, French saddlebred and Fren...
Pace:
Riders should be at ease at the three ...
Walk,
Trot,
Canter,
Airport:
Bordeaux Mérignac airport
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF
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