French Colorado Provence Ride Provence France Over the hills and through the villages, come discover the mysterious “Colorado Provencal”, filling your senses with the fragrance of lavender and the unique “Provencal herbs” and savoring the cuisine. The Luberon hills, one of the most exquisite areas in Provence, is a Regional Nature Park which provides huge vistas and stunning scenery at every turn. With its forest of green and white oaks, cliffs of limestone, and typical drystone villages, the Luberon displays a picturesque landscape well described in the famous Peter Mayles ’ novel: "The Luberon Mountains rise up... to a high point of nearly 3,500 feet and run in deep folds for about forty miles from west to east. Cedars and pines and scrub oak keep them perpetually green and provide cover for boar, rabbits, and game birds. Wild flowers, thyme, lavender, and mushrooms grow between the rocks and under the trees, and from the summit on a clear day the view is of the Basses-Alpes on one side and the Mediterranean on the other. For most of the year, it is possible to walk for eight or nine hours without seeing a car or a human being". To the north stands the majestic mountain panorama of the Vancluse hills and Mont Ventoux. To the south lie the beautiful oak and pine covered Grand and Petit Luberon mountains. The Luberon valley is a majestic scene of vineyards, cherry orchards and lavender fields enhanced by the little and quaint hilltop villages. Not only is the area beautiful on the natural surface, but our exploring will introduce you to the gourmet delights of the region: locally produced fruit, cheese, honey and other tempting delights! Many local vineyards produce excellent wines, such as Cotes de Ventous and Cotes du Luberon, and locally produced fabrics and pottery abound and several villages in the area have art galleries where you can purchase the works of local artists.    Progressive Ride (no camping) Short Getaway Meeting: Mas de Recaute Airport: Marseille Transfer: Marseille Riders: Min 5 riders Max 10 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Rates Note:

For 1 pax booking as willing to share: 25% off single supplement rate will be applied if we don't have anybody to share with you
It is possible to book extra nights before or after the tour - please inquire

Transfer and Other Charges:

Arrival: Transfer from Marseille airport (10:30 a.m.), Aix-en-Provence TGV station (11 a.m.) or Aix-en-Provence central station (11:15 a.m.).

NOTE: PLEASE PLAN TO ARRIVE AT LEAST AN HOUR EARLIER TO THE TRAIN STATIONS THAN THE SET PICK UP TIMES TO ACCOUNT FOR ANY TRAIN DELAYS.

Departure: Drop off in Aix-en-Provence central station (10:15 a.m. or Marseille airport (11 a.m.).

6-day Sample Itinerary- Subject to changes

Day 1: From Lauris to Buoux
Transfer on Monday morning from the airport or train station to the Equestrian Center. You will have an introduction to the trail ride and lunch. In the afternoon, you will be introduced to your horse and will start the trip through the Luberon rolling hills, towards the beautifull perched village of Bonnieux. The houses, all made with stones, form a striking harmony of earth-toned colours and shapes. Some superb residences dating back to the 16th, 17th, and 18th century serve as a reminder that Bonnieux was a wealthy village when this region, the Comtat Venaissin, belonged to the Popes. Several bishops also chose to live here and as you ride through the village streets you will no doubt marvel at the architecture and history on display. Take a glimpse on Lacoste, the village of the sadly known Marquis de Sade. Beware and follow your guide very closely so you do not get lost anywhere near his castle. After the picturesque village of Bonnieux, the trail goes down in the Valley of the Aiguebrun river down high cliffs famous for climbers. Overnight in a nice Auberge along the river, sometimes with a swimming pool.

Day 2: From Buoux to Rustrel
Undulating hills covered with nice pine forests, cherry orchards and vineyards drive you to the Calavon valley. You will meet your assistant at lunch who will have prepared a nice buffet under pine trees, made with fresh local products. In the afternoon you will go by the hills among Rosmary and Thyme sents, before heading to Rustrel, riding in the bed of the Doa river, a cool and beautiful itinerary. You will spend the night at a hotel in Rustrel and the horses will stay near the village.

Day 3: From Rustrel to Cereste
Rustrel is the gateway to the “Provence Colorado”. In the morning you will spend some time among the amazing cliffs and hills of ocher. The colorful morning will totally disorient you. Heading back to the foothills of the Luberon, the itinerary will then take you through the beautiful village of Viens. You will then ride down to the Calavon river. You will spend the night in a guesthouse or in a hotel in Cereste.

Day 4: From Cereste to Buoux.
After breakfast, chance to have a tour at the local street market. After preparing your horse, you will follow the foot of the Luberon, ride along vineyards, and all kind of fruit trees: cherry, apricot, peaches all blooming in April and May. You will cross an other charming perched village, Auribeau, before going down to the Aiguebrun rever and ride down cliffs in a green canyon before arriving to a typical stone built guesthouse in the heart of the Luberon mountain.

Day 5: From Buoux to Lauris.
You will ride up to the crests of the Luberon to discover an exceptional landscape on all the Provence and a view on the Alps to the North, on the Mediterranean to the South. Then, you will ride down to Lourmarin. Picnic and visit the village and its 12th century castle, a charming Provencal village that inspired the famous American writer, Peter Mayle, who is now living near the village. You will then ride back to Mas de Recaute through the olive trees and cherry orchards, with nice views on the Sainte Victoire mountain, “Cezanne’s mountain”. Dinner at Mas de Recaute and overnight at Mas de Recaute or in a nearby hotel.

Day 6: Farewell Breakfast
End after breakfast, transfer to the airport or train station.

Note: The above 'Sample Itinerary' is subject to changes at the tour operator's discretion. 


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Sample Itinerary - 3-day trip (Part 1) - Subject to changes

Day 1 - Monday: From Lauris to Buoux.
Transfer on Monday morning from the airport or train station to the Mas de Recaute Equestrian Center.  You will have an introduction to the trail ride and lunch. In the afternoon, you will be introduced to your horse and will start the trip through the Luberon rolling hills, towards the beautifull perched village of Bonnieux. The houses, all made with stones, form a striking harmony of earth-toned colours and shapes. Some superb residences dating back to the 16th, 17th, and 18th century serve as a reminder that Bonnieux was a wealthy village when this region, the Comtat Venaissin, belonged to the Popes. Several bishops also chose to live here and as you ride through the village streets you will no doubt marvel at the architecture and history on display. Take a glimpse on Lacoste, the village of the sadly known Marquis de Sade. Beware and follow your guide very closely so you do not get lost anywhere near his castle. After the picturesque village of Bonnieux, the trail goes down in the Valley of the Aiguebrun river down high cliffs famous for climbers. Overnight in a nice Auberge along the river, sometimes in an other accomodation without a swimming pool (depending on dates).

Day 2 - Tuesday: From Buoux to Rustrel.
Undulating hills covered with nice pine forests, cherry orchards and vineyards drive you to the Calavon valley. You will meet your assistant at lunch who will have prepared a nice buffet under pine trees, made with fresh local products. In the afternoon you will go by the hills among Rosmary and Thyme sents, before heading to Rustrel, riding in the bed of the Doa river, a cool and beautiful itinerary. You will spend the night at a hotel in Rustrel and the horses will stay near the village.

Day 3 - Wednesday: From Rustrel to Cereste. 
Rustrel is the gateway to the “Colorado Provencal”. In the morning you will spend some time among the amazing cliffs and hills of ocher. The colorful morning will totally disorient you. Heading back to the foothills of the Luberon, the itinerary will then take you through the beautiful village of Viens. You will then ride down to the Calavon river. You will be transferred back to Mas de Recaute late in the afternoon and this will be the end of your ride around 6:00pm.

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Sample Itinerary - 3-day trip (Part 2) - Subject to changes

Day 1 Wednesday:
Meeting in Lauris at 5 pm. or Aix-en-Provence train stations, or Marseille airport. Transfer to Cereste.

Day 2 Thursday: From Cereste to Buoux.
Your ride will follow the foot of the Luberon, ride along vineyards, and all kind of froot trees: cherry, apricot, peaches all blooming in April and May. You will cross an other charming perched village, Auribeau, before going down to the Aiguebrun rever and ride down cliffs in a green canyon before arriving to a stonebuilt farmhouse in the heart of the Luberon with an exceptional view on mountains and valleys.

Day 3 Friday: From Buoux to Lauris.
You will ride up to the crests of the Luberon to discover an exceptional landscape and a view on the Alps to the North, on the Mediterranean to the South. Then, you will ride down to Lourmarin. Picnic and visit the village and its 12th century castle, a charming Proven- cal village that inspired the famous American writer, Peter Mayle, who is now living near the village. You will then ride back to Mas de Recaute through the olive trees and cherry orchards, with nice views on the Sainte Victoire mountain, “Cezanne’s mountain”. Overnight at Mas de Recaute or in a nearby hotel.

Day 4 Saturday: Departure 
Transfer to the airport or train station.

                                                  Lourmarin area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	50	52	59	64	72	80	85	83	77	68	57	51
Average Low Temperature (°F)	32	33	37	42	49	56	61	60	54	48	39	33
Average High Temperature (°C)	10	11	15	18	22	26	29	29	25	20	14	11
Average Low Temperature (°C)	0	0	3	6	10	13	16	16	12	9	4	1
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	5	4	4	5	4	2	1	2	4	5	5	4

Source: NOAA
 

Seasons
Thanks to its position in the South of France, the Provence region enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. The region benefits from warm summers and mild winters.

Summer
The hot summer days are broken up by the evening sea breezes which provide a cooling break 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 the rain is associated with thunder. Sunshine is plentiful - up to 11/12 hours a day in summer and around 5 in midwinter.

Winter
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

Travel Documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Jodhpurs or comfortable jeans

Riding boots and mini chaps or full chaps

Riding helmet

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection

Lightweight Waterproof

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

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

Average ratings from 5 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date mary phillips 6/17/2016 elizabeth reese 9/4/2013 patricia carter 9/26/2012 johannes rietschel 5/15/2012 colleen mccarty 10/1/2011

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so you will be staying in different locations during the trip. You will be staying in 4 different locations total.

Description
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. There are no laundry facilities while on trail. All accommodations have WIFI.

Room Options

Standard
Night 1 & 4: Auberge des Seguins    www.aubergedesseguins.com
Night 2: Auberge de Rustreou    www.rustreou-hotel-apt.fr 
Night 3: La Florentine    www.laflorentine.fr or Hostellerie L'Aiguebelle    www.hotel-luberon-aiguebelle.com
Night 5: Le Mas de Recaute  https://www.masderecaute.fr/ 
    -Total of 5 rooms accommodating 1-3 people per room
    -1 dorm room accommodating 20 people
    -Double or single beds
    -Shared bathrooms

Upgrade last night
Night 5: Les Gargoulettes www.chambres-hotes-vaucluse-gargoulettes.fr/
    -5 rooms total accommodating 1-2 people per room
    -Double or queen beds
    -Private bathrooms
    -Air conditioning, WIFI, TV, kettle
    -Pool, Jacuzzi, sauna

Please note that hotels and guesthouses are subject to change!

Room Occupancy
Triple occupancy is available at most accommodations. If not available, we can book one double and a single without the supplement.
If traveling as a single rider willing to share: half single supplement rate will be applied if we don't find anyone to share.


Meals
Breakfast will be provided by the accommodations we stay in. 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. Wine is included at lunch and dinner.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions with prior notice.

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 |
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)     Intermediate
Age:		Min 12	Max 80
Weight:		Max 220 lbs
Riders:		Min 5 riders	Max 10 riders

Riding Level
In order to make the most of the ride, we require riders to be at ease with walk, trot and canter, in outdoor riding.

Pace
This program includes 2/2.5/4.5 riding days depending on the option you choose. You will ride an average of 5 hours every day (about 2-3 hours in the morning and again 2-3 hours in the afternoon). The pace will vary according to the terrain.

Horses
Most of our horses are Barb and Spanish crosses. They have been trained for trail riding and are sure-footed. They live together as a herd, all year long.
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.

Riding Group
Groups are made out of 5 to 8 riders. This limited amount of riders, often including several nationalities, allows each person to make the most of the trip.

Staff
Two members of staff will accompany you on your trip: 1 guide on horseback who speaks English and French and 1 person in charge of transporting luggage and setting up the lunch buffets.
Guides are certified, and friendly. They made a job out of their passion and enjoy sharing their passion with guests. Whether on the Alpes or on the beaches of Camargue, amongst odorant thym, rosmary and lavander, our guides are here to keep riders safe. All 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.