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Cezanne Ride in Provence
Provence
France
Montagne Sainte-Victoire: The Provence of Cezanne
This ride traverses around the infamous Montagne Sainte-Victoire, a limestone mountain that extends over 18 kms between the regions of Bouches-du-Rhone and Var. You will discover why famous painters,such as Cezanne and Picasso, who both once lived in the area, fell in love with this contrasting landscape. The bright white cliffs, the blue of the sky, the green of pine forests and the red clay at the foot of the mountain offer a mosaic nature where exist 900 different families of plants, 27 types of mammals and over 100 species of birds.
Nestled between the Durance in the north and the Etoile range and Olympe and Aurelien mountains in the south, the Aix region is unforgettable and holds plentiful treasure for you to discover off the beaten track. Here, it is always spring; this verdant jewel casket contains many treasures of architecture, the country houses of the Aix Region reflecting both the Provençal art de vivre and the richness of the land.
We highly suggest to spend at least one night in Aix-en-Provence; from the Celto-Ligurian Oppidum of Entremont to the new Sextius-Mirabeau Quarter, with the City of Counts and the many mansions of the Mazarin Quarter, Aix-en-Provence is a living history book. Rich and alive with a heritage thousands of years old, the Capital of Provence combines elements from all times. We can help you book hotels in this historical city along with bus shuttles to Aix center to TGV train station and Marseille airport every 20 minutes.
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
Short Getaway
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Meeting:
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Mas de Recaute
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Airport:
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Marseille
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Transfer:
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Marseille
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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
Rates include:
5 nights accommodations in guesthouses and inns with private bathrooms, meals, 6 riding days (4 full days and 2 half days)
| A | 2013 | 6 day trip, AP | 6d / 5n | €1000 | $1300 |
| Single supplement | €180 | $235 |
| Non Rider rate | €525 | $685 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from Marseille Airport or Aix-en-Provence Train Station included at set times
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Arrival: Transfer from Marseille airport (5
p.m.), Aix-en-Provence TGV station
(5:30 p.m.) ou Aix-en-Provence
central station (5:45 p.m.)
Departure: Firday late afternonn - Drop off in Aix-en-Provence central station or Marseille airport
Rates do not include:
Beverages outside of mealtimes, gratuities
Itinerary:
Day 1
(Sunday) Transfer from the airport or train station in the afternoon to the Equestrian
Center. Dinner and overnight in a charming guesthouse.
Day 2 You will have a 1st ride to discover your horse in the Luberon Nature Park around Mas de Recaute. After lunch you will load your horse in the truck and you will be transfered with our minibus to Saint-Paul-lès-Durance, old Roman fluvial harbour used to transport wood and many goods from the Alps to Marseille and the Mediterranean coast. You will start your ride on pleasant trails in woods and along vineyards to arrive in Jouques. You will ride in the village and you will then reach Peyrolles: this village used to be a strategic spot on the road between Aix-en-Provence and the upper Provence. Its castle, originally from the Roman times, was built in a typical Provencal style at the end of the 16th or the beginning of the 17th century and appears on the famous maps of Cassini. Dinner and overnight in a charming guesthouse.
Day 3 Ride in the Mediterranean forest of Peyrolles. Pine trees, green oaks, and many herbs such as rosmary and thyme will perfume your ride. You will follow the old Verdon canal, built in 1865 to bring the Alps water to Aix-en-Provence and it’s numerous fountains. Riding to the North of the Sainte-Victoire, you will discover many sheepfolds and Roman ruins. A copious lunch prepared by our assistant will wait for you under pine trees shade. The afternoon, you will ride among brooms to the Bimont lake where you will be able to enjoy a swim in the turquoise water with your horse ! Overnight near the village of Vauvenargues, famous for it’s castle, bought in 1958 by Picasso, where he used to live until 1962, he is lying in the park of the castle.
Day 4 Start your ride on the North of Mount Sainte-Victoire, to reach the Sinne pilgrim oratory, now a sheep pasture. You will follow the Gardiol forest and ride along the Vacon stream toward Rians, important crossroads between the Alps and the coast. The tradition says that Hannibal took this road to pass the Alps before his Rome conquest.
Day 5 Leave the vineyards and ride toward the South sunny side of the Sainte-Victoire. You will discover high white limestone cliffs contrasting with the green forests, and you will imagine Cezane walking on these perfumed trails before arriving to the hotel near Chateauneuf-le-Rouge.
Day 6 End your ride around this fascinating Sainte-Victoire mountain on the west. Spectucalar point of view while riding on the Bimont barrage, retaining the Verdon river. Then, you will ride near a Roman aqueduc. A trail will lead you to the Bibemus stone quarry. From the antiquity until the 18th century, monuments in Aix-en-Provence were built with these red stones. Cezanne fell in love with this mixture of mineral and vegetal landscapes, he made 11 oil paintings and 16 aquarelles of this place. The ride will finish near Aix-en-Provence at Saint-Marc-Jaumegarde where you will enjoy the last lunch in an auberge. In the afternoon, we will drive you to Aix-en-Provence with our minibus to visit Cezanne’s workshop, walk in the town and enjoy some shopping. At the end of the afternoon, you will be transfered to the train station or airport.
*Subject to change.
Meeting:
Mas de Recaute
Airport:
Marseille
Train station:
Aix-en-Provence
Transfer:
Marseille
Distance:
45 miles
Arrival: Transfer from Marseille airport (5
p.m.), Aix-en-Provence TGV station
(5:30 p.m.) ou Aix-en-Provence
central station (5:45 p.m.)
Departure: Firday late afternonn - Drop off in Aix-en-Provence central station or Marseille airport
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Tack:
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Trail Saddles
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Horses:
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Arab/Spanish cross
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Pace:
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Moderate - with walk, trot and canters
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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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
12
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Max
80
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Weight:
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Max
220 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
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Max
10 riders
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You will ride an average of five
hours everyday. The pace will vary according to the terrain. During the
ride, we advise you to take care of your horse, in order to get to know
him better, and to create a special relationship with him. At lunch,
our assistant will prepare a substantial buffet. A “pastis”, a glass of
red wine (don’t abuse it !), a barbecue by a mountain stream, a
refreshing salad, a nap before leaving again : as many small pleasures
which will add to the friendliness of our rides.
In order to make the most of the
ride, we require riders to be at ease with walk, trot and canter, in
outdoor riding. Groups are made out of 5 to 12 riders. This limited
amount of riders – often rich of several nationalities – allows each
person to make the most of the trip.
Guides are certified, and are friends
who made a job of their passion. They apply themselves to share this
passion and the pleasure of trail riding. Whether on the Alpes or on
the beaches of Camargue, amongst odorant thym, rosmary and lavander,
our guides insure riders safety in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
All the guides speak English.
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
A Mediterranean climate is witnessed
in the Rhône valley south of Valence and the coastal areas of Languedoc
and Provence at the foot of the southern Alps.
The glamour, class and fame of this region is accompanied by a glorious
typical Mediterranean climate of warm summers and mild winters. The hot
summer days are broken up by the evening sea breezes which waft over
the city and provide a cooling breaking from heat and create an ideal
atmosphere to enjoy what this alluring picturesque area has to offer.
Along the coast, summers are hot, with scarce rain for a 3 month period
in the midst of summer. However, when it rains – it pours and often
associated with thunder. Sunshine is plentiful- up to eleven to twelve
hours a day in summer and around five in midwinter.
Winters in the region are generally mild and sunny but this pleasant
weather is often interrupted by very unsettled cold and squally weather
brought in by the famous northerly ‘mistral’ wind. The mistral blows
with particular strength through around Marseille and through the Rhône
Valley.
| This list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Jodhpurs or comfortable jeans (used if possible!) |
| Riding boots and mini chaps |
| Riding helmet |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection |
| Lightweight Waterproof |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjamas |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Jacket |
| Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for an emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Adapter for electric appliances |
| Camera and extra batteries |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan 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.
..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations during the trail will be in guesthouses
and country inns. They are basic, but clean. We select our
accommodation according to its beautiful setting and friendly
atmosphere, for riders to enjoy a pleasant stay.
At lunch, our
assistant will prepare a substantial buffet. A “pastis”, a glass of red
wine, a barbecue by a mountain stream, a refreshing salad, a nap before
leaving again : many small pleasures which will add to the enjoyment of
our rides.
In the evening everyone meets
around the table, to discover local food - or should we say "cuisine" -
don't count on losing any weight.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
|
Tack:
|
|
Trail Saddles
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Arab/Spanish cross
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate - with walk, trot and canters
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
12
|
Max
80
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
220 lbs
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|
Riders:
|
|
Min
5 riders
|
Max
10 riders
|
|
You will ride an average of five
hours everyday. The pace will vary according to the terrain. During the
ride, we advise you to take care of your horse, in order to get to know
him better, and to create a special relationship with him. At lunch,
our assistant will prepare a substantial buffet. A “pastis”, a glass of
red wine (don’t abuse it !), a barbecue by a mountain stream, a
refreshing salad, a nap before leaving again : as many small pleasures
which will add to the friendliness of our rides.
In order to make the most of the
ride, we require riders to be at ease with walk, trot and canter, in
outdoor riding. Groups are made out of 5 to 12 riders. This limited
amount of riders – often rich of several nationalities – allows each
person to make the most of the trip.
Guides are certified, and are friends
who made a job of their passion. They apply themselves to share this
passion and the pleasure of trail riding. Whether on the Alpes or on
the beaches of Camargue, amongst odorant thym, rosmary and lavander,
our guides insure riders safety in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
All the guides speak English.
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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Cezanne Ride in Provence
Tour Code:
IT-FRPV05
6 days /
5 nights
~$1,300.00
Dates :
March, April, Sept/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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