Cadre Noir and Loire Ride Loire France Come experience this exceptional and unique tour in the heart of France! The National Riding School was created to provide education and teaching for riding in France and to improve riders to top qualified competitors and performers. The National Riding School is founded on the knowledge and experience of the riding masters of the Cadre Noir. Their mission is to develop horse training, instruct riding, and teach equestrian professions. Each riding master is an expert in their own discipline and aims to pass on their technical and theoretical knowledge. You'll get the privilege to explore the riding school, see the horses, and be instructed by a riding master. In this tour you will discover the soul of French equitation. You will also have the opportunity to ride along the countryside of Saumur and experience the beauty of the Loire Valley. You'll visit churches, Romanesque arts, villages, and more. The Cadre Noir and Loire Ride offers an amazing opportunity to improve your riding in French equitation and sightseeing Saumur!   Riding Clinic Family Vacation Center-based ride Meeting: Saumur Airport: Paris Transfer: -- Riders: Min 5 riders Max 10 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

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Transfer and Other Charges:

Meet in Saumur for Day 1

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
In the afternoon, arrival at your hotel, a IVX century building in Saumur. Visit Saumur's Castle. Briefing & dinner in Saumur.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Saint Pierre in Saumur

Day 2: Saumur Castle & Cadre Noir
Beginning of the ride in front of Saumur's Castle to the heights of Saint Hilaire Saint Florent, where prestigious Cadre Noir and sumptuous installations of Ecole Nationale d'Equitation (French national riding school aka ENE) is located. Lunch in Ecole Nationale d'Equitation.
In the afternoon, private ride inside ENE and special authorization to discover on horseback the eventing fences of Hippodrome de Verrie where International 3 days events are organized. Private guided visit of the stables of Cadre Noir and Ecole Nationale d'Equitation. Apéritif in Bar le Canter, place of rendez-vous of riders and champions. Dinner in Saumur.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Saint Pierre in Saumur

Day 3: Chenehutte & Trèves Churches
In the morning, private clinic with an ecuyer of Cadre Noir de Saumur which will explain to us the Traditional French Equestrian, and its application on the preparation and the progression of a dressage horse. Lunch in Ecole Nationale d'Equitation.
In the afternoon, ride in the country side and get a spectacular view on the Loire. Visit of Romanesque churches of Chenehutte and Trèves. Dinner in Saumur. 
Riding approx. 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Saint Pierre in Saumur

Day 4: Notre Dame de Cunault
Start of the ride to Prieuriale of Notre Dame de Cunault, a masterpiece of the Romanesque art. Visit of Prieuriale of Notre Dame de Cunault. Lunch in a local restaurant.
After lunch, ride along several megaliths, traces of the settlement to the Neolithic era. Aperitif and dinner on a traditional boat of the Loire from Chenehutte to Saumur.
Riding approx. 4-5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Saint Pierre in Saumur

Day 5: Ride to Marson & Parc miniature Pierre et Lumière 
Start of the ride from Ecole Nationale d'Equitation to Marson by wonderful sandy alleys. This village is inhabited since before JC ; we discover remains of troglodyte habitations, the old romanesque chapel, and have a look on the private chateau. Lunch in troglodyte caves in Marson. We ride first in the forest, then in the countryside to underground sculptures Pierre et Lumière, and museum of mushrooms.
Visit of underground sculptures Pierre et Lumière, and museum of mushrooms. Evening gala of the famous Cadre Noir de Saumur. Gourmet diner in Saumur. 
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Saint Pierre in Saumur

Day 6: Departure
Breakfast and departure.
Meals included: Breakfast

Note: Program may be changed according to the season and weather conditions.



Non Riders
Non-riding companions are welcome to join this trip. It is best to have a car in order to do some sightseeing while the rest of the group explores on horseback.

                                                Saumur area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	46	49	55	62	67	74	78	76	72	63	54	48
Average Low Temperature (°F)	35	34	37	41	46	52	56	54	50	45	40	35
Average High Temperature (°C)	8	10	13	17	20	23	25	25	22	17	12	9
Average Low Temperature (°C)	1	1	3	5	8	11	13	12	10	7	5	1

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The climate is mild most of the year. The Loire is often the line of demarcation in France's weather, between the Northern climate and the Southern. It is a climate considered the most pleasant of northern France, with warmer winters and rarely exceeding 38 °C in the summer (100 °F). The oceanic influence moderates slightly the summer extremes and raises the temperatures of the winter. The average temperature of the Loire Valley is 11 ° C throughout the year.

Saumur also benefits from a special location meaning it receives very little rainfall. The annual rainfall recorded in Saumur is of the order of 570 mm on average over 10 years. It rarely rains from June to September, but you should come prepared, just in case.

The general atmosphere is relaxed during your ride. Please bring some smart casual clothes for dinner.

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)

Riding boots (short) + Minichaps

Riding helmet  (recommended for all trips)

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection

Lightweight Rain coat

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pyjama

Bag for dirty clothes

Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes

Swimsuit

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for an emergency)

Sewing kit

Handkerchiefs

Adapter for electric appliances

Camera and enough extra film and batteries

Belt pack

Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!)

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so all nights are spent in one location.

Description
The Hotel Saint Pierre has 14 rooms and 1 suite. The air-conditioned rooms all come with personalized decor and private bathrooms. WIFI is available onsite. Laundry is not available.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory if we are unable to find another rider to share.


Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6.

We offer you a taste of genuine gastronomy from Heart of France: picnics with foie gras, traditional food of the region, and gourmet dinners in private chateaux. You will taste and experience the French art de vivre.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions given prior notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		English
Horses:		Mixed breed horses trained for trail rides
Pace:		Fast - 4 riding days from 4h to 6h per day in the saddle | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3.5 to 4.5 out of 5)    Strong Intermediate
Age:		Min 10
Riders:		Min 5 riders	Max 10 riders

Horses
The choice of our horses has been motivated above all, by the strong desire to make you enjoy your trip in total safety. Our horses are quiet and generous. They are mixed breed horses trained for the trail riding. Your trek companion is chosen for you according your level, height and weight.

Pace
Strong intermediate or experienced required. You ride different types of horses, in all gaits. You can manage your self and your horse, are comfortable with riding in different terrain and you enjoy a good canter or a fast gallop.

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.