Transfer and Other Options:

Itinerary:

Day 1  Your host meets you at the Merignac Airport in Bordeaux or the Agen train station and transfer you to the quaint little hamlet of St. Medard, (1h-1h30 travel time). Check into the Hotel Las Bouzigues with its charming hotel rooms spread throughout two separate mansions built in the 19th century. You will have time to take a refreshing swim in the hotel pool under the clear sunny skies of south west France before being escorted to dinner at the exquisite Le Troubadour restaurant/creperie in Clermont Dessous (transport 5 min), tiny medieval village which dominates the Garonne Valley. Overnight at the Hotel Las Bouzigues (swimming pool) or similar.

Day 2   Petit déjeuner at 8 a.m. at the hotel. Transport (5 min), to Bazens, where we formally depart on our riding tour after presentation and distribution of the horses. After taking time to acclimatize ourselves to the horses and find just the right one for each of us, we begin our ride by descending towards the valley of the Masse. After our descent, we gradually make our way up to Clermont Dessous, whilst enjoying spectacular panoramic views of the GARONNE valley, natural frontier between GASCOGNE and GUYENNE. Along the way, crests and valleys surround us, sprinkled with small woods until we arrive at the lake de Laubarede to stop for our first gourmet lunch close to the source of the Lacerene rivulet. After a liesurely rest, we depart in the afternoon, crossing Praysass, a tiny handsome medieval "cité". Riding along the lake de Neguenou and the gentle slopes of the Madaillan, we find ourselves at Cachat. Leaving the horses to graze overnight, we are escorted to Pujols by support van, a magnificent medieval village which dominates the valleys of the LOT and VILLENEUVE. Time for a fresh swim in the hotel pool before dinner at the Lou Cabel restaurant for some classical French cuisine. Overnight at the Hotel des Chenes (pool).

Day 3  Petit déjeuner at 8 a.m. at the hotel. Transport (15 min) to the horses.
After saddling up in the fresh morning French countryside, we ride towards a small old Romanesque church, “le Sembas”, surrounded by diversely cultivated pastures and then ride on to the Citadelle to enjoy our lunch in the woods. After a quick nap, we leave by way of a small winding path to return to the valley of Fontirou, then pass the charming fountain of Fonbourrugues before traversing the peaceful village of St. Antoinee Ficalba. We then ride though scenic hills and deep valleys until we reach Hautefage la Tour, 16th century church, 15th century steeple tower, to end our day’s journey. We are escorted to the enchanting Hotel Château de l’Hoste, with its own private park and pool to enjoy a delightful dinner (transport 10 min). Overnight in the Château (swimming pool, private park)

Day 4  Petit déjeuner at 8 a.m. at the Château. Transport (10 min) to the horses. We begin our fourth day riding through a succession of crests and valleys gradually making our way towards terrain that has changed to that of gentle slopes and hills. We cross the small river Seoune before arriving at Beauville, a fortified bastide village from the 13th century, perched high on the hills, announcing the region of Quercy, were we stop to savour our lunch. In the afternoon, we mount the flanks of the hills, following the river Seoune. We pass by the village of Roquecor, 100 metres above the river before arriving on horseback at the Hotel Château de l’Hoste. Dinner and overnight again in this excellent hotel of exquisite character.

Day 5  Petit déjeuner at 8 a.m. at the Château. Our morning is spent riding through the woods of Garroussel where we notice the soil changing to that of a soft, chalkier limestone consistency. We arrive at noon beneath the impressive ramparts of the 13th century fortified bastide village of Tournon d’Agenais, situated high on a rocky peak. Time to explore the village and then enjoy our gourmet lunch. As our afternoon ride progresses, the woods become thicker and more dense until we reach the valley of the LOT. We stop at Bouyssac for a sampling of the fine wines of the CAHORS. After our wine tasting, and time to buy some of this famous wine if so desired, we load up the support van with our purchases and carry on to the elegant Château de l’Hoste, for dinner and a good night’s rest. (transport 15 min).

Day 6  Petit déjeuner at 8 a..m. at the Château. Transport (15 min) to the horses. Our morning begins traversing the LOT valley towards the town of Thouzac. We progress through the forest until we come to the valley of the Theze and on to the village of St. Martin le Redon. Still riding through forest, we emerge from the trees to the spectacular sight of the enourmous Château de Bonaguil, doorway to the PERIGORD, a castle flourishing military architecture from the end of the Middle ages. Lunch at this impressive castle and time for a guided tour. The afternoon ride takes us through lush forests of oak and chestnut trees towards the valley of the Lemance. We ascend just to the lovely Hotel Loges de Mélis where we will pass the night. It is a small vacation village (with swimming pool).
The horses spend the night in a pasture beside the hotel, allowing us to spend some extra time with our new found equine friends during a pleasant evening stroll after enjoying a dinner of extraordinary French cuisine in our hotel dining room. The restaurant prepares wonderful meals with fresh ingredients of the owner's garden.

Day 7  Petit déjeuner a 8 a.m. at the hotel. Our morning passes by all too quickly riding through countryside typical of the PERIGORD, including oak and chestnut forest and varying terrain from valleys to rolling hills. We head west towards Donjon de Gavaudun, an ancient bastide fortress village dating back to the 11th century which dominates the Lede valley. By way of the tiny village of St. Auit and the forest of Bois Grand, we embark upon the imposing Château de Biron. Stop at this outstanding castle for a delicious lunch and tour. In the afternoon, riding along the “path of the king” or “Chemin du Roi”, we arrive at the most beautiful and well preserved fortified bastide of the Perigord; Monpazier, built in the 13th century for King Edward I of England during the 100 years war. Dinner and overnight in the beautiful chateau Hôtel Edouard Ière, built in the early 19th century.

Day 8  Farewell petit déjeuner at the Château where we say our "adieus" and transfer back to the airport or train station.

 --Subject to change.

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. Due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the area - both tourists and grapes included - is protected from temperature extremes.

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.

Summer in Bordeaux area 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 area 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.

The general atmosphere is relaxed during your ride. Luggage is transported each day by a complimentary support vehicle. We provide rain gear for riding (rain ponchos) or bring your own rain gear. Saddle bags are provided for your camera, water bottle etc.

Charming hotels; Gourmet lunches with regional wines, prepared by the personal chef; Evening dinners in tasteful regional restaurants to savor traditional French cuisine.

Wine with dinner is not included.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		English Trekking
Horses:		Selle Francais / Arab Cross
Pace:		Moderate with trots and canters. About 5-6 hrs per day. | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 out of 5)    Intermediate
Age:		Min 13
Weight:		Max 240 lbs
Riders:		Min 3 riders	Max 12 riders

You will find a fabulous host and remarkable horses here. Each horse is well matched to their guest and all the horses are well trained and well taken care of.  The saddles are modified, English trekking type with natural rubber on the seat and sheep skin on top. You should be comfortable riding at the walk, posting trot and canter.

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.