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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
France
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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 artistes
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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, all meals, 4.5 riding days
| A | 2013 | 6 day trip, AP | 6d / 5n | €1000 | $1300 |
| Single supplement | €200 | $260 |
| 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 (10:30 a.m.), Aix-en-Provence TGV station (11 a.m.) or Aix-en-Provence central station (11:15 a.m.).
Departure: Drop off in Aix-en-Provence central station (10:15 a.m. or Marseille airport (11 a.m.).
Tour Dates for 2013
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2013
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04/22
- 04/27
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6d / 5n
|
6 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2013
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04/29
- 05/04
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6d / 5n
|
6 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2013
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05/06
- 05/11
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6d / 5n
|
6 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2013
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05/20
- 05/25
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6d / 5n
|
6 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2013
|
05/27
- 06/01
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6d / 5n
|
6 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2013
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06/10
- 06/15
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6d / 5n
|
6 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Expired
|
| A |
2013
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06/17
- 06/22
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6d / 5n
|
6 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Expired
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| A |
2013
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06/24
- 06/29
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6d / 5n
|
6 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
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| A |
2013
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07/15
- 07/20
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP
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5
/10
|
Reserve
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| A |
2013
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07/22
- 07/27
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP
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5
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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08/05
- 08/10
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP
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5
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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08/12
- 08/17
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP
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5
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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08/19
- 08/24
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
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| A |
2013
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08/26
- 08/31
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
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09/02
- 09/07
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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09/09
- 09/14
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
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| A |
2013
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09/23
- 09/28
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
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| A |
2013
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09/30
- 10/05
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
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| A |
2013
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10/14
- 10/19
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
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| A |
2013
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10/21
- 10/26
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
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| A |
2013
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10/28
- 11/02
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6d / 5n
|
6 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
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| A |
2013
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11/04
- 11/09
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
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| A |
2013
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11/11
- 11/16
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP
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5
/10
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Beverages outside of mealtimes, gratuities
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 Sivergues
You 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 typical stonebuilt guesthouse in the heart of the Luberon mountain.
Day 5: From Sivergues 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 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.
Meeting:
Mas de Recaute
Airport:
Marseille
Train station:
Aix-en-Provence
Transfer:
Marseille
Distance:
45 miles
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.).
Departure: Drop off in Aix-en-Provence central station (10:15 a.m. or Marseille airport (11 a.m.).
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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.
We take a rest break for lunch,
and our assistant will prepare a substantial buffet. A “pastis”, a glass of
red wine (but don’t abuse it - you are riding in the afternoon!), 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 thyme, rosemary and lavender,
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 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.
Winters in the region are generally mild and relatively sunny, but this pleasant
weather can be interrupted by 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
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Riding boots and mini chaps or full chaps
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| 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 rural guesthouses
and country inns. They are basic, but clean and comfortable. We select our
accommodation according to the beautiful setting and friendly
atmosphere.
We have breakfast at the inn each morning, set out for a ride with lunch of the trail and then in the evening everyone meets
around the table to discover local foods and socialize at the new inn location!
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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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
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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:
|
|
Min
5 riders
|
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.
We take a rest break for lunch,
and our assistant will prepare a substantial buffet. A “pastis”, a glass of
red wine (but don’t abuse it - you are riding in the afternoon!), 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 thyme, rosemary and lavender,
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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French Colorado Provence Ride
Tour Code:
IT-FRPV06
6 days /
5 nights
~$1,300.00
Dates :
Feb-May, Sept-Nov
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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