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Horseback riding vacations in
France
 Horseback vacations in France are a chance to indulge in the charms of this iconic country. Whether you are drawn to France by the chic boulevards of Paris and the impressive Palace of Versailles, the sparkling ski slopes of the Alps, the country allure of Provence, the fine wines of the Bordeaux region, France offers every kind of escape.
Hidden Trails bring together some of France’s most breathtaking horse riding holidays, covering some of the most beautiful locations. Castles in the Loire, Mediterranean hideaways, and culinary tours in Provence are but a selection of the French horse riding tours we have on offer.
Horse Riding in France
France has a long tradition of horse riding - the French term 'randonnée' was in fact the original definition for “riding tour”.
France has an extraordinary network of cross country trails, and endless opportunities for relaxation, fun and experiencing French culture.
Of course, French Cuisine is always high on our horse riding holiday agenda. Come and try it for yourself and see why the French cuisine makes grown men weep. We travel in style with overnights in cozy country inns and picturesque castles.
Our newest addition takes you on a riding tour not far from Paris from the Castle of Vaux le Vicomte to the Palace of Versailles.
Hugely popular horse riding holidays in Loire offer horse riding amongst the grandiose Renaissance Castles of the region – with plenty of time for sightseeing and indulgence. Provence, too, offers an array of indulgent horse riding escapes, mixing fine food and riding with the glorious landscapes that inspired the likes of Cezanne.
Other lesser known regions have just as much to offer. You can also discover on horseback the unspoilt and rugged Pyrenees in the Pay Basque, bordering Spain. Landes offers miles of unspoilt sandy beaches that you can explore on out Cote d'Argent or Gascogne rides.
Hidden Trails now offer a horse riding tour that explores the Bordeaux Wines & Castles. Bordeaux needs no introduction as a region famous for wines such as Lafite, Latour, Mouton, and Margaux. The wineries in the Medoc provide the frame for this winery-tour in the Bordeaux area, and offer many opportunities to taste the delectable wine of some very famous cellars. This is a riding tour for lovers of French culture.
Dordogne is where the "Perigord Noir" (the black Perigord), received its moniker from the spacious, dark oak forests. Who wouldn't want a castle between the lovely rivers Dordogne and Végère? This is France out of a picture book. In addition to wine, you will become familiar with the cuisine of the region including goose liver paté, cheese of Rocamadour and, of course, the wines of the Cahors.
One of the fastest pace rides can be found on our Morvan Ride in Burgundy.
France Climate & Weather
France is a large country with many regional weather patterns.
Burgundy and Alsace experience hot dry summers, usually around the mid to high 20’s (°C). It can sometimes reach 30 or 35°C in the height of summer.
Loire is mild most of the year, with the climate considered the most pleasant in northern France. The Loire experiences warmer winters and the summers rarely exceed 38 °C.
The Basque climate depends on the prevailing wind, but generally temperatures are not extreme. In the coast, temperatures are an average of 19 ºC in summer and 9 ºC in winter. The highest temperatures can hit the mid 30's ºC when the Foehn wind blows.
Provence and the South of France generally experience Mediterranean weather patterns. In summer temperatures can reach 30 °C, whilst winters average around 10 °C (but can go as low as 2°C)
Bordeaux and Southwest France experience generally very pleasant weather. Summers range between 15 and 26 °C, whilst winters can drop to around 2 °C, but generally average around 10°C.
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Holidays on horseback in France
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Below is a list of our trips in this area with video clips.
 Click on the 'watch video' icon
to view a video clip,
Dordogne RIding Vacation
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This riding holiday is centered in and around the spectacular countryside of the Dordogne in south-western France, near the town of Bergerac. From the moment you turn into the tree-lined driveway that leads up to the house, you'll feel your body and mind relax as you realize your dream holiday has really and truly started.
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Trip Details
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France
Travel restrictions
As of June 15th 2020, French borders with other European Union member states are open. For more information regarding travel within the European Union, see the following link: https://reopen.europa.eu/en
Beginning June 9th 2021, France is moving to a color–coded system:
- Fully vaccinated travelers from green list countries (as of September 12th, EU members along with Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, the Vatican, Australia, Bahrain, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Comoros, Hong Kong, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine, Uruguay, and Vanuatu) can enter with proof of vaccination. Unvaccinated travelers from these countries will need to present a negative PCR or antigenic test taken less than 72 hours before the flight.
- As of July 18th 2021, fully vaccinated travelers coming from red list countries (currently Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Georgia, Indonesia, Iran, the Maldives, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, Suriname, Tunisia, and Turkey) only need proof of vaccination and no longer require a negative COVID test or compelling reason to enter France, nor are subject to a mandatory quarantine. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers are restricted to certain categories of travelers who must show a compelling reason for travel. These travelers must present a negative COVID test (PCR or antigen) performed within the 48 hours before departure, and must quarantine for ten days after arrival (this quarantine will be enforced by police checks at the quarantine location).
- Fully vaccinated travelers from orange nations (all other countries not listed above including the USA) need only proof of vaccination; no COVID test or quarantine is necessary. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers must show they are essential travelers with a compelling reason for travel. All such travelers must have a travel attestation available at the?Ministry of Interior website.
On September 12th 2021, France’s entry rules for U.S. citizens changed. Fully vaccinated travelers coming from the United States (as well as minor children under 17 accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent or guardian) will still be able to enter France with proof of vaccination and a sworn statement they do not have symptoms of COVID-19 nor contact with someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19. No pre-departure COVID test or quarantine is required.
As of September 12th 2021, travelers coming from the United States who are not fully vaccinated will need to provide a compelling reason for travel through submission of an attention form; present a negative COVID-19 test, either a PCR test performed within 72 hours of departure or an antigen (rapid) test conducted within the 48 hours prior to departure; will be required to take another test upon arrival in France (and if that test is positive, may face a 10-day quarantine at the traveler’s expense); undergo a 7-day self-isolation period upon arrival; and take a PCR test at the end of the self-isolation period. These travelers will also need to provide a sworn statement they do not have symptoms of COVID-19 nor contact with someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19, and that they agree to the testing and self-isolation requirements.
Travelers under age 11 are treated as vaccinated regardless of their vaccination status and do not need to have a COVID test. Travelers ages 11 through 17 are treated as vaccinated if they are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent or guardian. Travelers in this age group traveling independently must meet the rules applicable to adult travelers.
French authorities have been accepting the CDC card as acceptable evidence of vaccination for entry into France, but it is not accepted as a French health pass required for domestic travel within France or to enter cultural sites, museums, theatres, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, cafes, athletic facilities, medical offices and hospitals (except for emergencies), retirement homes, and some other facilities.
Measures taken by the government
The French Government has announced the next phase of de-confinement, which began June 15th, 2020. Cafes, bars, and restaurants are fully open, as are schools and public transportation.
Cloth face coverings are mandatory in indoor settings and on public transportation. Some cities have made face coverings mandatory in all outdoor areas as well.
As of June 9th 2021, the Government of France has announced cafés, bars, and restaurants are allowed to re-open with capacity restrictions. Museums, theaters, cinemas, monuments, stores, and sporting events may also reopen, but may be subject to capacity restrictions and/or presentation of a health pass.
As of June 17th 2021, face masks are no longer mandatory outdoors, except in crowded areas, such as markets, lines, and stadiums. Masks are still required indoors and in vehicles.
The nationwide curfew was lifted on June 20th 2021.
On July 12th 2021, French President Macron stated that as of July 21st, a health pass will be needed to enter events with more than 50 people. In addition, as of August 1st 2021, a health pass will be needed for airplane, train, and long-distance car trips as well as cafes, restaurants, medical facilities, and shopping centers.
On August 10th 2021, France announced the procedure for non-French citizens vaccinated outside of the European Union to obtain the French Health Pass. See the following link for more information: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/coronavirus-advice-for-foreign-nationals-in-france/coronavirus-statements/article/applying-for-a-covid-certificate-if-you-were-vaccinated-abroad-procedure-for
Individuals who are not fully vaccinated or who are awaiting processing of their request for a French health pass can obtain a temporary, 72-hour pass with a negative COVID test (either antigen or PCR). The test results include the necessary QR code.
Useful FAQ from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/coronavirus-advice-for-foreign-nationals-in-france/
Testing
COVID viral (PCR) testing is available at many laboratories and testing centers, usually by appointment. Some pharmacies can do serologic tests. PCR tests generally cost between 70 and 100 euros, payable in advance.
Emergency number (related to COVID-19) while visiting the country
A toll-free hotline service (French only) can answer your questions about the Coronavirus COVID-19 non-stop, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 0 800 130 000 (from abroad: +33 800 130 000, depending on your operator).
If the symptoms get worse, with breathing difficulties or signs of suffocation, dial 15 or call or send a text to 114 if you have a speech or hearing impairment.
Source:
US Embassy in France https://fr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
Published on September 15th 2021 (checked on September 22nd 2021)
France Diplomacy: Coronavirus - Advice for Foreign Nationals in France https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/coronavirus-advice-for-foreign-nationals-in-france/
Published on August 11th 2021 (checked on September 22nd 2021)
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx
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