Sample Itinerary - s
ubject to changes
Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
After arriving at Geneva airport or at the Landry train station, we will transfer you to your accommodation.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel de la Vanoise in Peisey Nancroix
Day 2 (Monday): Ride to Rossaix
Start of the ride from La Chenarie. We take the Carroz Blanc forest path, from where we have a sublime view of the Bellecôte massif. Then we discover the beautiful open landscape of the Rossaix pastures. There, we will see lovely little Tarine cows and we will visit alpine pastures where the Beaufort cheese is produce.
After enjoying lunch on site, return to La Chenarie by the Carroz Blanc forest path.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel de la Vanoise in Peisey Nancroix
Day 3 (Tuesday): Ride to Silver Mines of Peisey & Rosuel
The silver veins of Peisey, renamed the "Silver Mount", were discovered in 1644, but mining did not really begin until the early 18th century. The
Ecole Pratique des Mines, was first established in Peisey, before being transferred to Paris, in 1815 at the fall of Napoleon and the Sardinian restoration in Savoy.
We visit the site on horseback then ride in the Rosuel valley.
We will stop for a traditional lunch at "Chez Felix".
In the afternoon, enchanting ride in the Vanoise National Park, discovering its high peaks, waterfalls, forests and wildlife: marmots, vultures including the very rare Gyapète, eagles, chamois, ibex ...
Visit with a naturalist guide from the Vanoise National Park. Dinner at the Rosuel refuge in the heart of the Park and overnight at the Vanoise hotel.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel de la Vanoise in Peisey Nancroix
Day 4 (Wednesday): Baroques churches on the way to Landry
Savoy baroque art is at the heart of the reconquest of souls during the counter reform. A true social project, the church reflects life in the mountains; it honors the saints invoked against the disease of men and cattle, accidents, avalanches, climatic hazards. Visiting these sites then becomes an exciting story, suitable for both amateurs and laymen. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the faith of the inhabitants and the talent of local, Piedmontese and/or French artists populated the valleys with masterpieces.
From La Chenarie we will ride to Parcompuet, to see the Baroque chapel of Vernettes.
We will visit the Chapel and then descend into the valley to Nancroix, where we enjoy lunch in a typical restaurant "Ancolie".
After the break, we ride along the Ponthurin to the village of Moulin then Peisey Nancroix, which we cross on horseback, before descending into the Tarentaise valley to visit the Baroque church of Landry, located at the foot of the Roman road.
Transfer to Angèle's farm, a charming Savoyard chalet in Seez. Visit of the baroque church of Montrigeon.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Angele's farm
Day 5 (Thursday): St Germain & Petit Saint Bernard Mountain Pass
From Seez, we will take the Roman road to Saint Germain, until we reach the Petit Saint Bernard mountain pass. The pass marks the border between the "Cromlech" and the Colonne Joux (Columna Jovis). The construction of the road that passes through the mountain pass (In Alpe Graia) probably dates back to the period of Julius Caesar around 45 BC. It was completed around the year 2 or 3 AD. It was the main road that linked Milan to Vienna, in the Rhône valley.
We will stop for lunch at the mountain pass and visit the Petit Saint Bernard hospice museum.
Once back in the saddle, we will go for a loop ride to discover the Roman ruins.
Transfer by minibus to the Pré Saint Didier thermal baths from where we have a sublime view of the Mont Blanc chain.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Courmayeur
Day 6 (Friday): Sightseeing Day (no riding)
This morning, we go on a sightseeing tour to Aosta, in Italy, by minibus.
The new colony of Augusta Praetoria Salassorum (Aosta) was founded in 25 BC. J.-C, at the very place of the headquarters (praetorium) of the old fortified camp, at the crossroads between the road of Grand-Saint-Bernard (Mons Jovis or Mont Joux), and that of Petit-Saint-Bernard (Columna Jovis or "Colonne de Joux", or Alpis Graia). We visit the Arc de Triomphe, the numerous Roman remains of Aosta, as well as its medieval buildings.
We stop for lunch in Aosta.
This afternoon, we visit the medieval and renaissance castles of Fénis and Issogne, and discover their magnificent frescoes.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Courmayeur
Day 7 (Saturday): Departure
Departure after breakfast. You can go visit Courmayeur if you want or we can transfer you to Geneva airport for an extra fee.
Meals included: Breakfast
Note: it is possible to add an extra overnight to the program, in that case, the end of the itinerary would be as follows:
Day 7 (Saturday): Relaxing Day
Choose between of the following options.
Option 1: Easy hike with mountain guide
You join a 4-hour guided hike with breathtaking views of a dazzling series of ridges, peaks, glaciers,... Lunch on the way in a mountain refuge or picnic according the weather conditions.
Option 2: Electric bike ride
Take a 4-hour self-guided electric bike ride around Val Ferret. It is also possible to ask for a guide to join you for an extra fee. Lunch included in one of the restaurant of the valley or picnic.
Option 3: Pointe Helbrooner in cable car
This morning, you have some free time to go shopping in Courmayeur. Then, take the cable car to Pointe Helbronner (11371ft), to enjoy lunch in the Bistrot, with panoramic views.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Courmayeur
Day 8 (Sunday): Departure
Departure after breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast
Please note this itinerary may be changed due to weather and seasonal 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.