Provence Explorer Ride Provence France We are happy to offer several new itineraries in Provence this year. 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 rides begin at Mas de Recaute, 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 into the Upper Provence. From the Luberon to Upper Provence: From Luberon Nature Park to the foot of Mount Ventoux, discover the heart of Provence. A trail ride filled with the enchanting lights and scents between the Alps and the Mediterranean. Along the way, you will travel through ancient villages and along the fields of lavender. This ride deserves a special mention for the quality of the cuisine and lodging! Progressive Ride (no camping) Short Getaway Family Vacation Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Meeting: Mas de Recaute Airport: Marseille Transfer: Marseille Airport or Aix-en-Provence Train Station Riders: Min 4 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 Saint-Trinit
Picnic under the chestnut trees, their leaves used to wrap the delicious goat cheese, a specialty from Banon, which you shall taste accompanied with a “Cote de Luberon” wine. Ride through fields of lavender and sage, before arriving at the “gîte”.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Gite

Day 6 (Friday): Saint-Trinit to Lauris
The Lure Mountain. The morning ride is your introduction to the Alpine views of Haute-Provence. The change in the landscape is subtle and refreshing. From your horse, enjoy the sumptuous views over the Luberon Mountain Range and the Southern Alps, an area covered with Chestnut trees often used in local goat cheese recipes. Riders will appreciate their horses’ stamina and surefootedness as the horses climb to the Pas de Redortiers (alt. 3,800 feet). From there, appreciate a great view of the pre-Alps. The weather is cooler, the view outstanding and there is grass for your horse. You will ride along the ridges of the Lure Moutain and discover the “Jas” and “bories”, dry-stone constructions used by shepherds and travelers. You will end up the ride on the hillside of the Moutain, in Le Contadour where Jean Giono famous Provence writer used to live. Transfer to Mas de Recaute with minibus. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Mas de Recaute (standard)

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



Sample Itinerary: Provence Explorer Ride (Part 1) - subject to changes

Day 1 (Monday): Lauris to Buoux
Meeting at 9 am at the Mas de Recaute in Lauris.
Following the foothills of the southern side of the Luberon mountain range, you will reach Lourmarin, a famous village where Albert Camus the French novelist once lived and where his body now lies. Picnic near to the village, before mounting the crests of the Luberon to discover a wonderful view: the peaks of the Alps to the north and the Mediterranean sea to the south. Night in a stone auberge, lost in the heart of the Luberon.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Auberge in Buoux

Day 2 (Tuesday): Buoux to Cereste
Through the prehistoric sites of the “Gorges de l’Aigebrun”. Pass through a very pretty provincial village to offer the horses a drink at the fountain. Picnic under the oaks, then follow bridleways though the perfumed garrigues to reach Cereste. Night in an inn in the heart of the village.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Cereste

Day 3 (Wednesday): Cereste to Simiane-la-Rotonde
After a pause to discover the priory of Carluc dating from the XI century, you will ride towards Oppedette. The ride will stop near Simiane la Rotonde, typical Provence village, perched on the cliff. Opportunities for some great gallops on the way to Simiane. Rides finishes around 6:00pm.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch



Sample Itinerary: Provence Explorer Ride (Part 2) - subject to changes

Day 1 (Wednesday): Arrival
Meeting in Lauris at Mas de Recaute at 5 pm. Transfer to Simiane la Rotonde. Dinner and night in a guesthouse.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at a B&B in Simiane

Day 2 (Thursday): Simiane-la-Rotonde to Saint-Trinit
Picnic under the chestnut trees, their leaves used to wrap the delicious goats cheese a speciality from Banon, which you shall taste accompanied with a “Cote de Luberon” wine. Ride through fields of lavender and sage, before arriving at the “gîte”.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Gite

Day 3 (Friday): Saint-Trinit to Lauris
The Lure Mountain. The morning ride is your introduction to the Alpine views of Haute Provence. The change in the landscape is subtle and refreshing. From your horse, enjoy the sumptuous views over the Luberon Mountain Range and the Southern Alps, an area covered with Chestnut trees often used in local goat cheese recipes. Riders will appreciate their horses’ stamina and surefootedness as horses climb to the Pas de Redortiers (alt. 3,800 feet). From there - appreciate a great view of the pre-Alps. The weather is cooler, the view outstanding and there is grass for your horse. You will ride along the ridges of the Lure Moutain and discover the “Jas” and “bories”, dry-stone constructions used by shepherds and travelers. You will end up the ride on the hillside of the Moutain, in Le Contadour where Jean Giono famous Provence writer used to leave. Minibus transfer to Mas de Recaute.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch 





Sample Itinerary: Spring Transhumance - subject to changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
Meet at Marseille airport, Aix en Provence TGV train station, or directly at “Mas de Recaute” in Lauris. Welcome drink and presentation of your trip. Overnight at the Mas. (“Mas” means farmhouse in the local traditional dialect)
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Mas de Recaute (standard)

Day 2 (Monday): Peyruis (herd winter pastures) to Cruis
Transfer by minibus (about 1h30) to the horse pasture in upper Provence. Gathering the herd, preparing the horses, checking the gear... Our assistant will prepare a pleasant buffet for us. After lunch, we leave, riding south of the Lure mountain to join our guesthouse near Cruis. It has stunning views of the lavender fields.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Grand Champ in Cruis

Day 3 (Tuesday): Cruis to Simiane-la-Rotonde
Early departure for a relatively long day (about 7 hour riding) through the lavender fields with the Lure mountain in the background. Nice mid-stop lunch break before heading back to Simiane-La-Rotonde through green oak forests. Arrival at your pleasant guesthouse at the foot of a village, for a lively meal at the host table.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at La Florentine or Hostellerie L'Aiguebelle in Céreste

Day 4 (Wednesday): Simiane-la-Rotonde to Céreste
Departure to Oppedette among the lavender fields, crossing the beautiful village, typical of the upper Provence. Our assistant will wait for us with a pleasant Provencal meal (a ratatouille) at the edge of the Oppedette Canyon, at the entrance of the Luberon nature park. We ride to the Carluc Priory, of the 11th century where we take a break before joining the accommodation where our friend Olivier awaits us for an aperitif. We enjoy a festive dinner and night in a bed and breakfast or in a small hotel in the heart of the village.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at La Florentine or Hostellerie L'Aiguebelle in Céreste

Day 5 (Thursday): Céreste to Buoux
Breakfast and departure on trails through the fragrant Provencal scrubland, with its thyme and rosemary scents. Then we will join a very pretty Provencal village and take a break at the fountain of the village. Lunch break under oak trees. We reach the prehistoric sites of the Gorges de l'Aiguebrun and join our accommodation, nestled at the foot of the impressive cliffs along the Aiguebrun stream: a peaceful haven in the heart of the Luberon !
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Grand Champ in Cruis

Day 6 (Friday): Buoux to Lauris
We ride on the crests of the high Luberon from where we discover a superb point of view on a clear day: from the alpine peaks in the north, to the Mediterranean in the south! Picnic near Lourmarin, classified village where Albert Camus is resting. The return to Mas de Recaute is along the foot of the Luberon. The trails are pleasant, in the pine forests and along vineyards and orchards of peach, apricot, cherry and almond trees that are already blooming. We enjoy great views over the Durance valley and the Sainte Victoire mountain, so dear to Cézanne. Last festive evening and night in our bed and breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Mas de Recaute (standard)

Day 7 (Saturday): Departure
End of your trip after breakfast. Free transfer to Aix en Provence center, TGV train station or Marseille airport.
Meals included: Breakfast



Sample Itinerary: Autumn Transhumance  - subject to changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
Meet at Marseille airport, Aix en Provence TGV train station, or directly at “Mas de Recaute” in Lauris. Welcome drink and presentation of your trip. Overnight at the Mas. (“Mas” means farmhouse in the local traditional dialect)
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Mas de Recaute (standard)

Day 2 (Monday): Lauris to Buoux
After breakfast, we choose the horses and start riding along the foot of the Luberon. The trail is pleasant, going through pine forests and along vineyards and orchards that take their fall colors. We have great views over the Durance valley, ant the beautiful Sainte Victoire mountain, so dear to Cezanne. Picnic near Lourmarin, classified village where Albert Camus (famous French writer) lived and was burried. Then, we ride to the Luberon crests from where we discover a superb point of view on a clear day: from the alpine summits in the north, until the Mediterranean in the south. Then, we godown in the Aiguebrun canyon where we reach the Auberge des Seguins, nestled at the foot of the impressive cliffs : a peacefull haven in the heart of the Luberon !
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Grand Champ in Cruis

Day 3 (Tuesday): Buoux to Cereste
After breakfast we go discovering the prehistoric sites of the Aiguebrun Gorges on a pleasant trail along the only stream crossing the Luberon: the Aiguebrun. Then we will join a beautiful Provencal village and take a break at the fountain of the village. Lunch break under the oaks. Later, we leave on trails through the fragrant Provencal scrubland, with its scents of thyme, rosemary ... to join our accommodation near Cereste. Dinner and party with our friend Olivier.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at La Florentine or Hostellerie L'Aiguebelle in Céreste

Day 4 (Wednesday): Cereste to Simiane-la-Rotonde
Departure for the 11th century Carluc Priory where we take a break before joining Oppedette. We leave the Luberon nature park among lavender fields, crossing beautiful villages, typical of upper Provence. Our assistant will be waiting for us with a pleasant Provencal meal, (a ratatouille) at the edge of the Oppedette Canyon. After lunch, we leave to join our evening accommodation: a beautiful guest house in the middle of the lavender fields at the foot of Simiane la Rotonde. Aperitif and dinner at the host table and overnight in charming bedrooms.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at La Florentine or Hostellerie L'Aiguebelle in Céreste

Day 5 (Thursday): Simiane-la-Rotonde to Cruis
Departure for a relatively long day (about 7 hour riding) through the lavender fields with the Lure mountain in the background. Pleasant mid-stop lunch break before heading to Cruis through the evergreen oak forests. We reach the guesthouse and its pleasant guestrooms near Cruis, overlooking the lavender fields. Dinner at the host table.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Grand Champ in Cruis

Day 6 (Friday): Cruis to Peyruis (herd winter pastures)
Departure on horseback south of the Montagne de Lure to join the horse winter pastures around noon. Here, a pleasant buffet prepared by our assistant awaits. After this break, we release the horses. Riders are then transferred by minibus to Lauris. Aperitif and festive evening at Mas de Recaute.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Mas de Recaute (standard)

Day 7 (Saturday): Departure
End of your trip after breakfast. Free transfer to Aix en Provence center, TGV train station, and Marseille airport.
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.

Provence Explorer Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Mas de Recaute (standard option) or Les Gargoulettes (upgrade) in Lauris
Night 2: Auberge des Seguins in Buoux  
Night 3: La Florentine or Hostellerie L'Aiguebelle in Céreste
Night 4: La Fontaine in Simiane-la-Rotonde
Night 5: Le Petit Labouret in Revest du Bion
Night 6: Mas de Recaute (standard option) or Les Gargoulettes (upgrade) in Lauris

Transhumance Ride Accommodation Itinerary (Fall - Spring is the same but reverse) - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Mas de Recaute (standard option) or Les Gargoulettes (upgrade) in Lauris
Night 2: Grand Champ in Cruis
Night 3 & 4: La Florentine or Hostellerie L'Aiguebelle in Céreste
Night 5: Grand Champ in Cruis
Night 6: Mas de Recaute (standard option) or Les Gargoulettes (upgrade) in Lauris



Mas de Recaute in Lauris
Your accommodation is a simple and lovely guesthouse inn at the heart of Provence - Luberon with excellent cuisine! Set in a beautiful natural surrounding, this old farm has been restored and operates as guesthouse accommodations with the option to choose between private bedrooms (5 rooms) and beds in a dormitory. The rooms are simple but comfortable. The dormitory is quite basic and can accommodate up to 12 people. Bathrooms are private or shared depending on the room.

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. 

La Florentine in Céreste
La Florentine offers accommodations in guestrooms (double or triple) and dormitory style rooms. Some rooms have their own bathroom and others have shared bathrooms. There is free Wi-Fi access.

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.

Grand Champ in Cruis
This Provencial house offers 5 bedrooms with private bathrooms. There is a beautiful garden with a swimming pool and lavender fields. Free Wi-Fi is available at this property.

Room Occupancy
Triple occupancy is available at most accommodations. If not available, we can book one double and a single without the supplement.
If traveling as a single rider willing to share: half single supplement rate will be applied if we don't find anyone to share.



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.
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 4 riders	Max 8 riders

Riding Level
In order to make the most of the ride, we require riders to be at ease with walk, trot and canter, in outdoor riding.

Pace
This program includes 2/3/5 riding days depending on the option you choose. 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.