Provence Explorer Ride Provence France 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 tour begin at in Lauris, 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 to the foot of Mount Ventoux. Progressive Ride (no camping) Short Getaway Family Vacation Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Meeting: Lauris Airport: Marseille Transfer: Marseille Airport or Aix-en-Provence Train Station Riders: Min 6 riders Max 8 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Rates Note:

For 1 pax booking as willing to share: 25% off single supplement rate will be applied if we don't have anybody to share with you
It is possible to book extra nights before or after the tour - please inquire

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up / drop-off for this trip is available from Aix-en-Provence TGV train station, Aix-en-Provence central train station or Marseille airport.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Cereste

Day 4 (Wednesday): Cereste to 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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a B&B in Simiane

Day 5 (Thursday): Simiane to Le Revest du Bion
After breakfast, we can go for a walking tour in Simiane before leaving with the horses. We will stop for picnic under the chestnut trees. Chestnut tree leaves are used to wrap delicious goats cheese - a specialty from Banon, which you shall taste accompanied with a “Cote de Luberon” wine.
In the afternoon, ride through fields of lavender and sage, before arriving at the guesthouse.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Le Revest du Bion

Day 6 (Friday): Le Revest du Bion to Montbrun les Bains
Today's trail goes through moors and forests. We will enjoy our picnic near Sault.
After lunch, we set off on horseback towards Aurel, a charming medieval village at the foot of the Mont Ventoux. This afternoon, the colors of the lavender (cut in July), fields of cereals and the shadows of the foothills of Mont Ventoux will perhaps make you want to imitate the many painters who have fallen in love with this region.
Arrival at the end of the afternoon in Montbrun-les-Bains, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Transfer of riders by minibus, horses by truck, to return to Lauris for the last night.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Lauris

Day 7 (Saturday): Departure
Transfer to the airport and train station after breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast



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.

                                                Lourmarin area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	50	52	59	64	72	80	85	83	77	68	57	51
Average Low Temperature (°F)	32	33	37	42	49	56	61	60	54	48	39	33
Average High Temperature (°C)	10	11	15	18	22	26	29	29	25	20	14	11
Average Low Temperature (°C)	0	0	3	6	10	13	16	16	12	9	4	1
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	5	4	4	5	4	2	1	2	4	5	5	4

Source: NOAA
 

Seasons
Thanks to its position in the South of France, the Provence region enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. The region benefits from warm summers and mild winters.

Summer
The hot summer days are broken up by the evening sea breezes which provide a cooling break 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 the rain is associated with thunder. Sunshine is plentiful - up to 11/12 hours a day in summer and around 5 in midwinter.

Winter
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

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

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

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

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

Luggage is limited to 1 piece per person. It can be a regular suitcase or a bag but dimensions should not exceed 70cm x 40cm x 40cm and 15kg!
If you wish to bring an extra luggage, please advise us, as we may need an extra vehicle, and a supplement may be asked.

Average ratings from 5 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date yui wang 9/30/2018 anne simon 9/23/2013 lisa troutman 10/17/2009 pamela van horn-beagle 7/5/2009 joy paterson 5/9/2009

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so you will be staying in different locations during the trip.

Description
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. There are no laundry facilities while on trail. Most accommodations have WIFI.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Les Gargoulettes in Lauris
Night 2: Auberge des Seguins in Buoux  
Night 3: Hostellerie L'Aiguebelle in Céreste
Night 4: La Fontaine in Simiane-la-Rotonde
Night 5: Le Petit Labouret in Revest du Bion
Night 6: Les Gargoulettes in Lauris


Les Gargoulettes in Lauris
Your host welcome you in their lovely country house. Each room has its own theme and decor with air-conditioning, a TV, free Wi-Fi access and ensuite facilities. There is an outdoor swimming pool, a Jacuzzi and a sauna that guests are welcome to use.

Auberge des Seguins in Buoux
This 16th-century stone house building offers a total of 27 rooms plus a dormitory that can host up to 20 people. The rooms are simple but comfortable and all come equipped with heating and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms can be private or shared depending on the room. There is a garden and an outdoor pool where guests can relax and enjoy the view. There is no cellphone coverage here. 

L'Aiguebelle in Céreste
This charming hotel offers 12 simply decorated bedrooms (double or triple) each fitted with a TV, free Wi-Fi access and a private bathroom.

La Fontaine in Simiane-la-Rotonde
This lovely country house offers 8 bedrooms (3 doubles, 1 triple, 2 quadruple and 2 quintuple) each featuring warm colors and a Provençal decor. Some rooms have private bathrooms while others have shared bathrooms. Free WiFi is available in the common areas. Guests are welcome to make use of the outdoor swimming pool and garden with terrace.

Le Petit Labouret in Revest du Bion
This guesthouse provides accommodation in private bedrooms featuring antique furniture and private bathrooms. There is a garden and an outdoor swimming pool where guest can relax and free Wi-0Fi access is available anywhere on the property.

Room Occupancy
Triple occupancy is available at most accommodations.
If you are willing to share a bedrooms and there is no one to share, the single supplement will be charged.



Meals
All meals are included in your package and typical Provençal meals are on the menu.

Breakfast will be provided by the accommodations we stay in and feature bread, jams, honey and cereals.
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.

Wine is included at lunch and dinner.

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

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

Tack:		Trail Saddles
Horses:		Spanish or barb mix
Pace:		Moderate - with walk, trot, canter and gallop, 5 riding hours per day | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(3.5 to 4 out of 5)    Good Intermediate
Age:		Min 12	Max 80
Weight:		Max 220 lbs
Riders:		Min 6 riders	Max 8 riders

Riding Level
In order to make the most of the ride, we require riders to be comfortable at all 3 gaits (walk, trot and canter) in an outdoor setting.

Pace
This program includes 5 riding days. You will ride an average of 5 hours every day (about 2-3 hours in the morning and again 2-3 hours in the afternoon). The pace will vary according to the terrain.

Horses
Most of our horses are Barb and Spanish crosses. They have been trained for trail riding and are sure-footed. They live together as a herd, all year long.
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.

Riding Group
Groups are made out of 5 to 8 riders. This limited amount of riders, often including several nationalities, allows each person to make the most of the trip.

Staff
Two members of staff will accompany you on your trip: 1 guide on horseback who speaks English and French and 1 person in charge of transporting luggage and setting up the lunch buffets.
Guides are certified, and friendly. They made a job out of their passion and enjoy sharing their passion with guests. Whether on the Alpes or on the beaches of Camargue, amongst odorant thym, rosmary and lavander, our guides are here to keep riders safe. All 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.