Introduction
Provence France
Ride across the heart of Provence, through the Luberon natural regional park up to the Rhone valley, at the foot of the Mont Ventoux. This is an area basked in sunshine and a famous wine region.

During this tour, you can discover the “Cotes de Luberon”, the “Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, the “Cotes du Ventoux, as well as the famous “Cotes du Rhone” such as the Beaumes-de-Venise and Gigondas, where the trail ride ends.

Accomodation

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 1-2: Les Gargoulettes in Lauris
Night 3: Hotel in Coustellet
Night 4: Guesthouse in Venasque
Night 5: Guesthouse in Crillon le Brave
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.

Hotel in Coustellet
This eco-responsible 3-star hotel offers comfortable rooms equipped with private bathroom, air conditioning, a TV and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Guesthouse in Venasque
This charming guesthouse offers great views on the surrounding mountains. The rooms feature private facilities, central heating, fan and free Wi-Fi access.
In the evening, guest can relax in the small garden or go for a swim in the outdoor pool.

Guesthouse in Crillon le Brave
This former watermill has been completely refurbished in order to welcome overnight guests. The rooms all have a TV, ensuite bathrooms and internet access. There is a small pool where guests can cool off in the evening.

Room Occupancy
Triple occupancy is available at most accommodations.
If you book in shared bedrooms and if there is no other rider to share bedrooms with you, the single supplement will be applied.

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, butter, jams, cereals and fruit juice.
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.

Riding

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

Pace
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 4 to 8 riders (plus the guide). 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.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
Meeting in Lauris at 7 p.m. Free transfer possible from Marseille airport (5 pm), Aix en Provence tgv train station (5:30 pm) or Aix en Provence center train station (5:45 pm).
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Lauris

Day 2 (Monday): Lauris to Merindol
You will follow the vines, sheltered by the southern side of the Luberon. On the way, we might stop for wine tasting visit in a “Cave de Vins”.
Picnic in a pine grove: a copious buffet prepared by our assistant. In the evening, horses stay in Merindol and riders are transfered to the accommodation in Lauris.
For dinner, a pleasant meal accompanied by a “Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence”.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Lauris

Day 3 (Tuesday): Merindol to Oppède
After breakfast, transfer back to the horses in Merindol. Ride through pine forests with wonderful views of the Durance valley with orchards, whose fruits you will taste during the picnic.
In the afternoon, landscapes of cliffs where eagles and other birds of prey nest. We then arrive in Oppède, where the horses will stay for the night.
For the riders transfer to Coustellet. Dinner at the restaurant and night at the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Coustellet

Day 4 (Wednesday): Oppède to Venasque
Today, we enter the “Côtes de Ventoux” producing area, via the Vaucluse mounts. We will reach the “mur du peste” a wall constructed in 1720 to protect the populations from the great epidemic that spread from Marseille.
Night near Venasque, a historical village.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Venasque

Day 5 (Thursday): Venasque to Crillon le Brave
Countryside of rolling hills, through pine forests and cherry trees, facing the “Mont Ventoux” called the "Giant of Provence". Before lunch, wine taste at the Domaine des Anges.
In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the Moulin d'Antelon or other guesthouse near the village of Crillon le Brave. The village takes its full name of Crillon-le-Brave from the most legendary of its dukes: Louis des Balbes de Berton de Crillon or "Le Brave Crillon" (1541–1615). He was one of Henri IV's fiercest and most valiant generals during the French Wars of Religion in the late 16th century. The same Crillon family also gave its name to the famous Hôtel de Crillon in Paris. Before dinner you can enjoy the swimming-pool.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Crillon le Brave

Day 6 (Friday): Crillon le Brave to Gigondas
You will ride through villages, with the “Mont Ventoux” in the background. Picnic near the Barroux village and chateau.
In the afternoon you will discover the “Dentelles de Montmirail”, needle thin spikes and ridges (“dentelle” means lace). Wine tasting at Domaine de Cassan, in the heart of this beautiful range.
End of the ride at Gigondas and transfer to Lauris.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Lauris

Day 7 (Saturday): Departure
End of the trail after breakfast. Free transfer to Aix en Provence train stations or Marseille airport (departure at 9:30 am).
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.

Other Info
Meeting: Lauris
Airport: Marseille
Transfer: Marseille Airport or Aix-en-Provence Train Station

Provence Hills & Wine

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Packages and Options

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