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Provence Explorer Ride
Provence
France
We are happy to offer several new itineraries in Provence this year. Ride along ancient Roman roads, into villages where the horses drink from the fountain and chat with the locals. Then canter through fields of lavender, gaze at the snow-topped Alps and the ink-blue Mediterranean at the same time! With the horses tethered nearby, we picnic on French bread, cheese and local wines - this is what our rides in Provence are all about. The rides begin at Mas de Recaute, located in the heart of Provence, in the Regional Natural Park of the Luberon and at the foot of the south side of the massif. From here we will take you through Luberon into the Upper Provence.
From the Luberon to Upper Provence: From Luberon Nature Park to the foot of Mount Ventoux, discover the heart of Provence. A trail ride filled with the enchanting lights and scents between the Alps and the Mediterranean. Along the way, you will travel through ancient villages and along the fields of lavender. This ride deserves a special mention for the quality of the cuisine and lodging!
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 Airport or Aix-en-Provence Train Station
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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 2018
Rates include*:
6 (3) nights private accommodation in country guesthouses and inns, all meals, 5 (3 or 2) riding days
A | 2018 | 7 day trip, AP | 7d / 6n | €1350 | $1620 |
Single supplement | €250 | $300 |
Discount for use of dormitories | (€50) | ($60) |
Upgrade bedroom for first and last night near the equestrian centre with swimming pool, hammam, jacuzzi, dbl, pp | €70 | $85 |
Upgrade bedroom for first and last night near the equestrian centre with swimming pool, hammam, jacuzzi, single | €370 | $445 |
B | 2018 | 3 day trip, AP- Part 1 (3 riding days) | 3d / 3n | €780 | $935 |
Single supplement | €120 | $145 |
Discount for use of dormitories | (€60) | ($75) |
C | 2018 | 3 day trip, AP- Part 2 (2 days riding) | 3d / 3n | €580 | $695 |
Single supplement | €120 | $145 |
Discount for use of dormitories | (€60) | ($75) |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Rates Note:
** For 1 pax booking as willing to share: half single supplement rate will be applied if we don't have anybody to share with you
Transfer and Other Charges:
2018
|
Transfer from Marseille Airport or Aix-en-Provence Train Station included at set times
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€
0
|
$0
|
2018
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Pick-up (part 1) or drop-off (part 2) from Marseille Airport, Aix-en-Provence center train station, or Aix-en-Provence TGV station included
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€
0
|
$0
|
2018
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Drop-off (part 1) or pick-up (part 2) from Marseille Airport, one-way (3 day trip) (3-4 pax), per car
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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€
290
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$350
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2018
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Drop-off (part 1) or pick-up (part 2) from Aix-en-Provence TGV station, one-way (3-4 pax), per car
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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€
280
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$335
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2018
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Drop-off (part 1) or pick-up (part 2) from Aix-en-Provence center train station, one-way (3-4 pax), per car
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
|
€
240
|
$290
|
2018
|
Drop-off at Apt bus station for Part 1 included
|
€
0
|
$0
|
2018
|
Non-rider -- 50% discount
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€
0
|
$0
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2018
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** For 1 pax booking as willing to share: half single supplement rate will be applied if we don't have anybody to share with you
|
€
0
|
$0
|
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.)
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., Aix-en-Provence
TGV station (10:30 a.m.) or Marseille
airport (11:00 a.m.).
Tour Dates for 2018
Check here for details and availability
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B |
2018
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07/22
- 07/25
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3d / 3n
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3 day trip, AP- Part 1 (3 ri...
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5
/10
|
Reserve
|
A |
2018
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07/22
- 07/28
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip, AP
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5
/10
|
Reserve
|
C |
2018
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07/25
- 07/28
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3d / 3n
|
3 day trip, AP- Part 2 (2 da...
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
B |
2018
|
07/29
- 08/01
|
3d / 3n
|
3 day trip, AP- Part 1 (3 ri...
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
A |
2018
|
07/29
- 08/04
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
C |
2018
|
08/01
- 08/04
|
3d / 3n
|
3 day trip, AP- Part 2 (2 da...
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
B |
2018
|
08/05
- 08/08
|
3d / 3n
|
3 day trip, AP- Part 1 (3 ri...
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
A |
2018
|
08/05
- 08/11
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
C |
2018
|
08/08
- 08/11
|
3d / 3n
|
3 day trip, AP- Part 2 (2 da...
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
B |
2018
|
08/12
- 08/15
|
3d / 3n
|
3 day trip, AP- Part 1 (3 ri...
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
A |
2018
|
08/12
- 08/18
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
C |
2018
|
08/15
- 08/18
|
3d / 3n
|
3 day trip, AP- Part 2 (2 da...
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
B |
2018
|
08/19
- 08/22
|
3d / 3n
|
3 day trip, AP- Part 1 (3 ri...
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
A |
2018
|
08/19
- 08/25
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
C |
2018
|
08/22
- 08/25
|
3d / 3n
|
3 day trip, AP- Part 2 (2 da...
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
B |
2018
|
08/26
- 08/29
|
3d / 3n
|
3 day trip, AP- Part 1 (3 ri...
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
A |
2018
|
08/26
- 09/01
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
C |
2018
|
08/29
- 09/01
|
3d / 3n
|
3 day trip, AP- Part 2 (2 da...
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
B |
2018
|
09/02
- 09/05
|
3d / 3n
|
3 day trip, AP- Part 1 (3 ri...
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
A |
2018
|
09/02
- 09/08
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
C |
2018
|
09/05
- 09/08
|
3d / 3n
|
3 day trip, AP- Part 2 (2 da...
|
5
/10
|
Reserve
|
|
|
Rates do not include:
Beverages outside of mealtimes, gratuities
Sample Itinerary 7-day Luberon to Upper Provence - Subject to changes
Day 1 Sunday: Meeting from 6.00 pm onwards at the “Mas de Recaute” in Lauris. Dinner and overnight at the Mas. (“Mas” means farmhouse in the local traditional dialect)
Day 2 Monday: Lauris - Buoux.
Following the foothills of the southern side of the Luberon mountain range, you will reach Lourmarin, a famous village where Albert Camus the French novelist once lived and where his body now lies. Picnic near to the village, before mounting the crests of the Luberon to discover a wonderful view: the peaks of the Alps to the north and the Mediterranean sea to the south. Night in a stoneauberge, lost in the heart of the Luberon.
Day 3 Tuesday: Buoux – Cereste.
Through the prehistoric sites of the “Gorges de l’Aigebrun”. Pass through a very pretty provincial village to offer the horses a drink at the fountain. Picnic under the oaks, then follow bridleways though the perfumed garrigues to reach Cereste. Night in an inn in the heart of the village.
Day 4 Wednesday: Cereste – Simiane.
After a pause to discover the priory of Carluc dating from the XI century, you will ride towards Oppedette. Cross the superb village, typical of Haute-Provence, perched on the cliff. Opportunities for some great gallops on the way to Simiane. Overnight in a “chambre d’hotes” (bed and breakfast).
Day 5 Thursday: Simiane – Saint-Trinit.
Picnic under the chestnut trees, their leaves used to wrap the delicious goat cheese, a specialty from Banon, which you shall taste accompanied with a “Cote de Luberon” wine. Ride through fields of lavender and sage, before arriving at the “gîte”.
Day 6 Friday: Saint-Trinit – Le Contadour - Lauris.
The Lure Mountain. The morning ride is your introduction to the Alpine views of Haute-Provence. The change in the landscape is subtle and refreshing. From your horse, enjoy the sumptuous views over the Luberon Mountain Range and the Southern Alps, an area covered with Chestnut trees often used in local goat cheese recipes. Riders will appreciate their horses’ stamina and surefootedness as the horses climb to the Pas de Redortiers (alt. 3,800 feet). From there, appreciate a great view of the pre-Alps. The weather is cooler, the view outstanding and there is grass for your horse. You will ride along the ridges of the Lure Moutain and discover the “Jas” and “bories”, dry-stone constructions used by shepherds and travelers. You will end up the ride on the hillside of the Moutain, in Le Contadour where Jean Giono famous Provence writer used to live. Transfer to Mas de Recaute with minibus. Dinner and night at the Mas de Recaute.
Day 7 Saturday: Departure. Transfer to the airport and train station.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sample Itinerary - 3-day trip (Part 1)- Subject to changes
Day 1 Sunday: Arrival
Pick-up from Marseille Airport (5:00 PM), Aix-en-Provence TGV Station (5:30 PM), or Center Station (5:45 PM) and drive to Mas Recaute for overnight.
Day 2 Monday: Lauris - Buoux.
Following the foothills of the southern side of the Luberon mountain range, you will reach Lourmarin, a famous village where Albert Camus the French novelist once lived and where his body now lies. Picnic near to the village, before mounting the crests of the Luberon to discover a wonderful view: the peaks of the Alps to the north and the Mediterranean sea to the south. Night in a stoneauberge, lost in the heart of the Luberon.
Day 3 Tuesday: Buoux – Cereste.
Through the prehistoric sites of the “Gorges de l’Aigebrun”. Pass through a very pretty provincial village to offer the horses a drink at the fountain. Picnic under the oaks, then follow bridleways though the perfumed garrigues to reach Cereste. Night in an inn in the heart of the village.
Day 4 Wednesday: Cereste – Simiane-la-Rotonde.
After a pause to discover the priory of Carluc dating from the XI century, you will ride towards Oppedette. The ride will stop near Simiane la Rotonde, typical Provence village, perched on the cliff. Opportunities for some great gallops on the way to Simiane. Rides finishes around 6:00pm.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Sample Itinerary - 3-day trip (Part 2)- Subject to changes
Day 1 Wednesday: Arrival
Meeting in Lauris at Mas de Recaute at 5 pm. Transfer to Simiane la Rotonde. Dinner and night in a guesthouse.
Day 2 Thursday: Simiane-la-Rotonde – Saint-Trinit.
Picnic under the chestnut trees, their leaves used to wrap the delicious goats cheese a speciality from Banon, which you shall taste accompanied with a “Cote de Luberon” wine. Ride through fields of lavender and sage, before arriving at the “gîte”.
Day 3 Friday: Saint-Trinit – Le Contadour - Lauris.
The Lure Mountain. The morning ride is your introduction to the Alpine views of Haute Provence. The change in the landscape is subtle and refreshing. From your horse, enjoy the sumptuous views over the Luberon Mountain Range and the Southern Alps, an area covered with Chestnut trees often used in local goat cheese recipes. Riders will appreciate their horses’ stamina and surefootedness as horses climb to the Pas de Redortiers (alt. 3,800 feet). From there - appreciate a great view of the pre-Alps. The weather is cooler, the view outstanding and there is grass for your horse. You will ride along the ridges of the Lure Moutain and discover the “Jas” and “bories”, dry-stone constructions used by shepherds and travelers. You will end up the ride on the hillside of the Moutain, in Le Contadour where Jean Giono famous Provence writer used to leave. Minibus transfer to Mas de Recaute. End of the ride. Overnight at Mas de Recaute.
Day 4: Departure
Transfer to the airport or train station.
Meeting:
Mas de Recaute
Airport:
Marseille
Train station:
Aix-en-Provence
Transfer:
Marseille Airport or Aix-en-Provence Train Station
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.)
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., Aix-en-Provence
TGV station (10:30 a.m.) or Marseille
airport (11:00 a.m.).
Tack:
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Trail Saddles
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Horses:
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Spanish or barb mix
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Pace:
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Moderate - with walk, trot, canter and gallop, 5 riding hours per day
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Level:
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(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Good 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.
Tack:
|
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Trail Saddles
|
Horses:
|
|
Spanish or barb mix
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate - with walk, trot, canter and gallop, 5 riding hours per day
|
Level:
|
|
(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Good Intermediate
|
Age:
|
|
Min
12
|
Max
80
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
220 lbs
|
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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Provence Explorer Ride
Tour Code:
IT-FRPV02
7 days /
6 nights
~$1,620.00
Dates :
July to Sept
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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