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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
France
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Landes and Perigord Combo Ride
Dordogne
France
Special Offer Available!!
A combination ride -- four days and four nights in Perigord in region with its fortified castles, and four days and three nights in Landes along the Atlantic Coast of Cote d'Argent.
In 1152, the marriage of Eleonor and Henry of Plantagenet lead the Aquitaine region into a long conflict, the 100 year war.
Numerous walled towns and castles were built during this period in order to respond to the different strategic, political and economic requirements. We invite you on this journey back in time, roaming on the back of our courageous equine partners. We will journey through harmonious, mellow valleys, and ride towards a magnificent forest where a maze of ancient paths unfold. We’ll discover first Bonaguil, remarkable work of military architecture is the last of the great fortified castles built in France. This castle, which has never been besieged, is perfectly preserved. Then we’ll lead you on a long ride to the Castle of Biron and his impressive medieval village. Finally, you will discover a fine and noble 6-storey Chateau of Gavaudun, built in the heart of the narrow gorges of Lède – a particularly strategic position.
Three days ride in three differents departments of France : Lot, Lot et Garonne and Dordogne; and three differents landscape as well; spending 4 nights at the same Gite *** “ Hameau du Peyrié “ with enjoying the good fodder influenced by the neighbouring Perigourd.
Then will stay three nights and two and half days ride in Landes along the coast and beaches. Where the Atlantic Ocean crashes onto the coast of south-west France lies the Côte d'Argent, a ribbon of silver sand, 150 miles in length, which is popular with surfers, anglers, families, and celebrities in search of a little privacy - and now also for horseback riding enthusiasts.
Exhilarating gallops on fine sandy beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see: this is the Côte d’Argent. The Pays de Born stretches out in the middle of the biggest forest of Europe. Come discover and ride between the wild marshes and ponds. In the company of our horses, the majority are Anglo-Arabs, and enjoy the flora and fauna that makes this site so delightful.
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
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Meeting:
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Bordeaux
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Airport:
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Bordeaux
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Transfer:
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Pick up in Bordeaux (airport) early afternoon
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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
Special Offer: 10% Discount for May 26 - June 2
Rates include:
7 nights accommodation (4 nights *** Gite de Charme + 3 nights Mimizan ** hotel), most meals, 6 riding days - 3 in Landes region and 3 in Perigord region, English speaking guide, transfers from Bordeaux airport.
| A | 2013 | 8 day trip, AP | 8d / 7n | €1359 | $1765 |
| Single supplement | €140 | $180 |
| Ride can be confirmed for a group of 4 riders only with additional charge per rider | €200 | $260 |
| MARCH 10% discount | €136 | $176 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Round trip Bordeaux airport + ground transfers during itinerary are included
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Group meets at Bordeaux airport in Arrivals Hall A at 1pm
Day 1: Transfer from Bordeaux to Bonaguil, arriving to the beautiful manor of Hameau du Peyié. Hang out at the pool, and later together we will have dinner and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Day 2: In the morning, we start in Lot district to discover the Cahor Vineyards and the Lot Valley. Enjoy lunch in the estate of Caze and then visit the Bonaguil Castle in the evening. This impressive work of military architecture is the last of the great fortified castles in France. The castle, which has never been besieged, is in perfectly preserved.
Day 3: We depart in Lot et Garonne district for a long day trip (50 km) crossing the medieval village of St front sur Lémance with his fortified church. We reach the fine Castle of Biron where we will stop for lunch before the visit. Then we start for the picturesque village of Saint Avit, before to reach in the middle of the afternoon the Castle of Gavaudun. Then ride back to the comfortable Gite at Bonaguil. You will be exhausted after this very exciting day’s ride with lot of long canters.
Day 4: We depart in Dordogne district to discover forest, landscape and nice architecture of Périgord, with lunch at the foot of the Castle of Sauveterre. You will have many opportunities to canter in the morning, and then the afternoon to relax in the Hameau du Peyrié Gite.
Day 5: We have a relaxing morning today, and then transfer to Mimizan and the ocean! Enjoy a delicious evening meal at a beach front restaurant - great seafood night!
Day 6 and 7: For the next two days we will discover the largest forest of Europe on horseback, and find some of the most amazing views looking upon the Aquitaine Coast and its amazing beaches. We will get to have a breath-taking gallop with our horses on a stretch of sandy beach that you will never forget. Perfect way to end the story!
Day 8: Departure after breakfast and transfer to Bordeaux.
Subject to change. Depending on the tide .. we may start the ride in Landes and end in the Perigord.
Meeting:
Bordeaux
Airport:
Bordeaux
Train station:
Morcenx: 20 miles
Transfer:
Pick up in Bordeaux (airport) early afternoon
Distance:
70 miles
Group meets at Bordeaux airport in Arrivals Hall A at 1pm
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Tack:
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English trekking saddle
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Horses:
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Anglo Arabian
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Pace:
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Moderate pace with lots of fast sections. 5-7 hours per day (30 to 50 kms per day). You should be comfortable in walk, trot (posting trot), canter, gallop. Riders must have a firm seat and be able to control their horse at all paces.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3.5
to
5
out of 5) Strong Intermediate+
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Age:
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Min
12
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Max
70
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Weight:
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Max
210 lb
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
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Max
10 riders
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We ride around 30-50 km per day in 5 to 7 hours. Spending as much time walking as cantering or galloping. This trek requires a rather good, fit intermediate rider confident at all paces and able to ride several hours over varied and sometimes challenging terrain. The ground of our forest is often very clean and offers us the opportunity to not have to ride in one line, which can be very boring and bad for the horses. All the canters and gallops in the forest or on the beach start one by one, and very rarely in a group.
If the weather is good from June to the end of September, we organize a swim in the ocean with our horses.
Horses:
A large number of the Anglo Arabian horses come from the family stud farm "des Sables". We take great care in providing horses with a good quality of life.
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
The Bordeaux
climate could be classified as oceanic-temperate, with moderate
temperatures in both winter and summer. There are on average 2,000
hours of sunshine per annum. The nearby Atlantic Ocean
has a major effect on the difference between day and night
temperatures. Cool nights in the summer keep acidity levels in the
grapes high, helping ensure that they stay healthy.
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This list is only a guideline for you
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Travel documents and Voucher
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Flight tickets
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Passport
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Visa (check with your consulate)
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RIDING GEAR
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Comfortable riding jeans or johphurs
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Riding boots (short) + Minichaps
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Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)
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Riding gloves
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Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection
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Lightweight Rain coat
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PERSONAL CLOTHING
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Jacket or sweater for cool evenings
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
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Jeans
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Shorts
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Underwear and socks
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Pyjamas
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Bag for dirty clothes
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Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes
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Swimsuit
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
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Sleeping bag (July and August only)
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Personal Toiletries
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Insect protection
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Personal medications
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Sore cream (for an emergency)
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Flashlight
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Handkerchiefs
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Adapter for electric appliances
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Camera and enough extra batteries
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Belt pack
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Address book and pen (for postcards!)
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Sun glasses with strap
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Sun tan lotion and lip balm
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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
You will stay in unique *** Gite de Charme and **hotels during your ride. The lodgings are not super luxurious, but make more than up for it by their uniqueness and personal charm. They vary from simple B&B type stays to an overnight at a wonderful historic manor house. First two nights and last night are at the Hotel Le Plaisance in Mimizan la Plage. In July and August three of the overnights are camping in tent camps with very nice surroundings - people can swim in the lake, the river or swimming pool at the end of the day. You will find a bathroom and hot shower in each camping place.
Meals: The food, typical from Landes is prepared by the owner. Tasty dishes are served on the terrace or veranda. The lunch provided is a real meal, with tables and chairs. We provide French aperitif and appetizer, Bordeaux red wine, soup or salad according to the weather, chicken or meat and veggies, French cheeses, dessert and coffee or tea. We spend the 5th lunch beside a lake protected by the state. If the weather is fine from June to the end of September, people are allowed to play and swim in the water with their horses.
Two lunches are not included to give you the chance to go and explore the Mimizan beach and its nice restaurants.
A car follows the group for lunch and carries rider's luggage to each accommodation every night. It can happen but very rarely, when the group is only of 4 riders and if we‘ve got two groups in the same time, that the rider have to carry their clothes in saddle bags (provided by the riding centre) for a day and a half.
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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English trekking saddle
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Horses:
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Anglo Arabian
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Pace:
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Moderate pace with lots of fast sections. 5-7 hours per day (30 to 50 kms per day). You should be comfortable in walk, trot (posting trot), canter, gallop. Riders must have a firm seat and be able to control their horse at all paces.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3.5
to
5
out of 5) Strong Intermediate+
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Age:
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Min
12
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Max
70
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Weight:
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Max
210 lb
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
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Max
10 riders
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We ride around 30-50 km per day in 5 to 7 hours. Spending as much time walking as cantering or galloping. This trek requires a rather good, fit intermediate rider confident at all paces and able to ride several hours over varied and sometimes challenging terrain. The ground of our forest is often very clean and offers us the opportunity to not have to ride in one line, which can be very boring and bad for the horses. All the canters and gallops in the forest or on the beach start one by one, and very rarely in a group.
If the weather is good from June to the end of September, we organize a swim in the ocean with our horses.
Horses:
A large number of the Anglo Arabian horses come from the family stud farm "des Sables". We take great care in providing horses with a good quality of life.
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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Landes and Perigord Combo Ride
Tour Code:
IT-FRAN09
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,765.00
Dates :
March to Oct
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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