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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
On February 1st 2022, France’s entry rules changed. French authorities now require travelers aged 18 and over to receive a booster dose of an mRNA vaccine no later than 9 months after the second dose (the single dose for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine) to be considered fully vaccinated for entry into France.
Unvaccinated and not fully vaccinated travelers are required to show a compelling reason for travel, undergo a 7-day self-isolation period upon arrival, and retest upon arrival and at the end of the self-isolation period. Entry rules depend on the country where travel originated.
On February 12th 2022, France’s entry rules changed. Fully vaccinated travelers coming from any green or orange nation (as well as minor children under 12) no longer require a covid test to enter France, and may enter 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.
Beginning June 9th 2021, France is moving to a color–coded system:
- Fully vaccinated travelers from green list countries can enter with proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test (PCR or antigen) performed in the 48 hours before departure. This testing rule does not apply to travelers coming from a European Area nation. Travelers who are not fully vaccinated?require a negative PCR or antigen test performed within the 48 hours before entering France, with the exception of travelers entering from a European Area nation, who require a negative test (PCR or antigen) within 24 hours before departing for France, and all unvaccinated travelers must sign a statement agreeing they may be retested upon arrival in France. This includes land and sea travelers as well as air travelers. There is no quarantine requirement.
- Fully vaccinated travelers coming from red list countries need proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test performed 48 hours prior to departure for France. No quarantine is necessary. 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, be tested again upon arrival, and must quarantine for ten days after arrival (this quarantine will be enforced by police checks at the quarantine location) at a location the traveler must identify to French authorities. Depending on your country of origin, you may be subject to screening upon arrival. To facilitate administrative procedures, you are asked to fill out the form available at the following address: https://passager.serveureos.org
- Fully vaccinated travelers from orange countries (all other countries) must present proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test performed with the 48 hours prior to departure for France. No quarantine is necessary. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers must provide a compelling reason for travel, a negative COVID test (PCR or antigen) performed in the 48 hours before departure, except for travelers coming from the United Kingdom, whose test must be performed within the 24 hours prior to travel. All travelers will be tested again upon arrival, and must self-isolate upon arrival for 7 days, 10 days if they test positive upon arrival. At the end of the 7 days they must take a PCR test. In addition, depending on your country of origin, you may be subject to screening upon arrival. To facilitate administrative procedures, you need to fill out the form available at the following address: https://passager.serveureos.org
Currently only the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are accepted for entry into France. Travelers who have received all required doses of a WHO-licensed vaccine not approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) require an additional single dose of an EMA-approved mRNA vaccine (currently Pfizer or Moderna).
Any person aged 12 and over entering French territory must present a negative PCR or antigen test less than 24 or 48 hours old, depending on the country of origin.
For unvaccinated minors under 12 years, the vaccine status of their parents or accompanying guardians shall apply.
Measures taken by the government
The nationwide curfew was lifted on June 20th 2021.
Face masks are again mandatory for all people, even those vaccinated, in indoors public spaces.
As of February 2nd 2022, face masks are no longer required in all outdoor spaces. Local authorities have the discretion to require face masks in designated outdoor spaces.
As of March 14th 2022, proof of vaccination is no longer required to enter venues in France, with the exception of hospitals and nursing homes.
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 cost 43.89 Euros, and antigen tests 25 Euros.
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 April 20th 2022 (checked on June 8th 2022)
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 March 18th 2022 (checked on June 8th 2022)
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx
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