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Brittany Explorer
Brittany
France
Experience the beautiful coastal region of Brittany on reliable and well-trained endurance horses.
Located in the northwest of France, Brittany is the largest peninsula of the country. The sea, endless beaches, a mild climate and over 2000 hours of sunshine make it an ideal riding area. Ride across the wilderness and explore the unique coastal sights the region has to offer, from rocky coast, to ports.
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
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Meeting:
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Saint Samson sur Rance
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Airport:
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Rennes
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Transfer:
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Saint Malo
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Riders:
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Min
6 riders
Max
12 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2021
Rates include*:
Accommodation, All meals, 6 riding days, Luggage transfers, French and English speaking guide & Transfers
| A | 2021 | 7 day trip, AP | 7d / 6n | €1650 | $1965 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2021
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Pick-up transfer from Saint Malo train station included at set time
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€
0
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$0
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2021
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Drop off transfer to Saint Brieux train station included at set time
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€
0
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$0
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2021
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Single supplement
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€
300
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$360
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Pick-up is available from Saint Malo train station at 7:00 pm (no extra fee) on Day 1. If you do not choose to take the transfer, you will need to make your own way to Saint Samson sur Rance on Day 1.
On the last day of the trip, you can choose to be transferred to Saint Brieuc train station for no extra fee.
Rates do not include:
Alcoholic drinks & Gratuities
Note:
Due to COVID-19 Corona virus pandemic and certain travel restrictions we are applying some temporary policy changes to some of our tours.
For Brittany Explorer (PG-BRT9):
We are open again since May 2020 with the following rules:
- Number of participants per lesson is limited to 5.
- In the event of quarantine, symptoms of illness, or contact with an infected person, do not come into the stable under any circumstances.
- Maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 - 2 meters. No handshakes and no hugs.
- Only enter narrow spaces such as the saddle room and toilet rooms individually.
- If possible, only ONE person per horse (exception youth with parents).
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx
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Sample Itinerary - subject to changes
Day 1: Arrival
Individual arrival. A group transfer from Saint Malo Train Station is possible at 7:00 pm. During the welcome dinner, you will get to know your fellow riders and discuss the forthcoming riding tour with your guide.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel near Dinan
Day 2: Pleslin Trigavou to Matignon
The route goes along the River Rance, which meanders snugly through the landscape. The lunch break is idyllic and includes aperitif, appetizer, main course, cheese platter and coffee / tea with something sweet as a dessert. Then the horses are saddled again and you continue riding north. In the afternoon, you will reach the charming Hotel Matignon, near the harbor. Enjoy the typical cuisine of the area for dinner, for example: fish and seafood as well as galettes and crepes.
Riding approx. 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Matignon
Day 3: Matignon to Erquy
Experience the rugged nature of Cap Fréhel: the headland on the Côte d'Émeraude is the northernmost point of a promontory that juts out into the Gulf of Saint-Malo.
Admire the colored cliffs of reddish sandstone, black slate and the famous pink-colored granite. You are a in for a special natural spectacle, especially in the spring when countless of flowers loom such as wild hyacinths, daffodils and carnations.
The Cap Fréhel is also a bird sanctuary that hosts many breeding birds. With a little luck, you will see some of them (herring gulls, oystercatchers, herring and kittiwakes, puffins and fulmars). Two lighthouses complete the picture. Enjoy gallops on your well-trained horse until you reach the coastal town of Erquy. There are 10 fine sandy beaches in the immediate vicinity, inviting you for a walk after dinner.
Riding approx. 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Erquy
Day 4: Erquy to Hillion
Our route goes along the coast, the sea being your constant companion and you will ride to the bay of Saint Brieuc. In this partially declared nature conservation bay, many species of birds and a diverse fauna find their home.
Riding approx. 42 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Hotel au Bon Saint Nicolas in Hillion
Day 5: Hillion to Binic
After breakfast, the horses are saddled and off we go! You follow the coast and can, depending on the tides, ride through the bay of Saint Brieuc. Enjoy a gallop on the beach with your well-trained and fit horse.
At the end of the day, you will reach Binic, another coastal harbor town. Take the opportunity to go on a short walk to the harbor, where you can watch cormorants before your French dinner.
Riding approx. 40 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Brit Hotel Galion in Binic
Day 6: Binic to Lanloup
Both inland and near the coast, you can ride fast until lunch time. Strengthened by the delicious lunch break, you ride afterwards to Lanloup, a charming place with a long history.
Riding approx. 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Gite in Lanloup
Day 7: Lanloup to Paimpol
For our last riding day, we follow the Trieux River to Paimpol.
Then, it is time to say goodbye. A group transfer to the train station in Saint Brieux is possible. If you want, you can extend your holiday individually. An extra night can be arranged so that the trip home would be one day later after breakfast - please inquire.
Riding approx. 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Meeting:
Saint Samson sur Rance
Airport:
Rennes
Train station:
Saint Malo
Transfer:
Saint Malo
Pick-up is available from Saint Malo train station at 7:00 pm (no extra fee) on Day 1. If you do not choose to take the transfer, you will need to make your own way to Saint Samson sur Rance on Day 1.
On the last day of the trip, you can choose to be transferred to Saint Brieuc train station for no extra fee.
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Tack:
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English
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Horses:
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Anglo Arab
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Pace:
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Fast paced ride
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(5
to
5
out of 5) Advanced
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Weight:
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Max
195 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
6 riders
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Max
12 riders
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Riding helmets are mandatory for this ride.
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If you prefer not to wear a riding helmet, you can sign a waiver form.
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Horses
We know that the key to a horse trip is the horses. That is why we have chosen and breed our own. They are all born in the Morvan region and they have lived all their life in the same region. They are calm, well in their heads but when need be or when requested, they are fast and generous. They are capable of anything, they will surprise you and they will allow you to experience a unique riding trip.
Pace
We will cover about 30 to 40 mile journeys every day with long and frequent canters and, at times, abrupt downhill sections.
Riding Experience
Riders need to be confident and in control at all paces on varied terrains. You also need to be physically fit, as this is a demanding ride.
You should have ridden regularly for more than 5 years and also feel comfortable trotting and galloping for a long time.
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
Lanloup area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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48
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48
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51
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53
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58
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62
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67
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67
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64
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59
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53
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49
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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40
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40
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42
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44
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48
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53
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57
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57
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55
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51
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46
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42
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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9
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9
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10
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11
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14
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17
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19
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20
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18
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15
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12
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10
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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5
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4
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6
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6
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9
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12
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14
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14
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13
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10
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8
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6
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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14
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11
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10
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8
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8
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6
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6
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7
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5
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11
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14
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14
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
Brittany benefits from an Oceanic climate allowing for mild temperatures year round.
Wear layers of clothing so that you are ready for cooler mornings and hotter afternoons. Waterproof outer layers are wise on longer day trips if the weather forecast is changeable.
Preferably, you will carry several small bags, not exceeding 10 kg each. Please no large, hard shell suitcases. Saddlebags are provided.
| This list is only a guideline for you |
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| Hidden Trails Travel Documents and Trip Voucher (contains important local tour contact info.) |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Riding pants or Jodhpurs |
| Riding boots (short) + Minichaps |
| Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection |
| Lightweight Rain coat |
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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 |
| Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
| Swimsuit |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for an emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Torch/ Flashlight |
| Adapter for electric appliances |
| Camera and extra film or batteries |
| Belt pack |
| Address book and pen (for postcards!) |
| Sun glasses with strap |
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.
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Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so you will be staying in different locations during the trip.
Description
The accommodations are very diverse and include rural hotels as well as quaint-cozy guesthouses.
Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel near Dinan
Night 2: Hôtel in Matignon
Night 3: Gite in Erquy
Night 4: Hotel in Hillion
Night 5: Hotel in Binic
Night 6: Gite in Lanloup
Hotel near Dinan
This typically Breton 18th century farmhouse welcomes you in one of its 24 freshly renovated rooms featuring recent bedding (box spring and mattress), private bathrooms completely redone in 2017, flat-screen TV and free WiFi.
Hôtel in Matignon
This small hotel offers 12 comfortable and quiet bedrooms equipped with a TV, an ensuite shower room with WC and hairdryer, as well as free unlimited high speed WiFi.
Guests are welcome to relax in the garden.
Gite in Erquy
This gite was built in 1993, using pink sandstone (typical of the region). It has bedrooms of varying size (twin, double, triple...). Each bedroom has its own bathroom. Please, note that there are no TV in the bedrooms; however there is a TV lounge is the common room.
If the weather is unfavorable, a chimney fire and / or the pellet stove will be lit in the common room.
Wi-Fi is available at the property.
Hotel in Hillion
This charming hotel with 14 bedrooms is located only 5 minutes walk away from the sea. All rooms have free Wi-Fi access, a TV and ensuite facilities.
Hotel in Binic
This 3-star hotel has 40 modern and spacious bedrooms equipped with King size or twin beds, a private bathroom with shower, a telephone, a hairdryer, free Wi-Fi internet access and a flat screen TV. Among those rooms, 4 are adapted for people with reduced mobility and 20 are connecting rooms.
Gite in Lanloup
This beautiful 15th century stonehouse cottage offers 5 cozy bedrooms, each with its own decor, free Wi-Fi access and private facilities. There is a lovely garden where guest can relax and smell the flowers. There is also a swimming pool and a tennis court that guests are welcome to use.
Room Occupancy
Single rooms are available based on availability but a single supplement fee applies. The single supplement fee does not apply if we cannot find another rider to share a room with you.
Meals
All meals are included with this trip.
Evening meals and breakfasts will be taken at the hotel.
The lunch break is a gastronomic 3-course menu with freshly prepared ingredients and a cheese platter. It is usually served in the middle of nature but always include a long table with chairs.
In the evening you will be spoiled with French cooking. Try the local seafood or the famous Breton lobster.
Alcoholic beverages are not included with this trip but you can purchase your own at the local restaurants.
Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.
|
Tack:
|
|
English
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Anglo Arab
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Fast paced ride
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(5
to
5
out of 5) Advanced
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
195 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
6 riders
|
Max
12 riders
|
|
Horses
We know that the key to a horse trip is the horses. That is why we have chosen and breed our own. They are all born in the Morvan region and they have lived all their life in the same region. They are calm, well in their heads but when need be or when requested, they are fast and generous. They are capable of anything, they will surprise you and they will allow you to experience a unique riding trip.
Pace
We will cover about 30 to 40 mile journeys every day with long and frequent canters and, at times, abrupt downhill sections.
Riding Experience
Riders need to be confident and in control at all paces on varied terrains. You also need to be physically fit, as this is a demanding ride.
You should have ridden regularly for more than 5 years and also feel comfortable trotting and galloping for a long time.
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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Brittany Explorer
Tour Code:
PG-BRT9
7 days /
6 nights
~$1,965.00
Dates :
July
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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