Old Stones and Lot Villages

Introduction
Dordogne France
Located in the heart of France's southwest between Auvergne and Périgord, the Lot is surrounded by the Massif Central mountains to the east and the plains of the Garonne to the west and south.
 
Also known as the ancient province of Quercy, the Lot is a land full of wonderful surprises including steep villages with brown tiles, wilderness of the Causse and opulence of its rivers (Lot and Dordogne).
On this ride, you will get the chance to discover Rocamadour (the sacred city), the Saint-Sauveur basilica and the Saint-Amadour crypt, classified as World Heritage by UNESCO. Other highlights include the local wines and gastronomy as well as wonderful horses!

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights are spent in different locations.

Description
Accommodation is in B&B or hotels. Double or Twin room, possibility of single but with supplement.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Day 1:  Hotel in Puy l’évêque
Day 2:  B&B in Marminiac
Day 3:  B&B in Le Vigan
Day 4:  B&B in Rocamadour
Day 5:  B&B in Rocamadour
Day 6:  B&B in Souloumes
Day 7:  Hotel in Puy l’évêque


Room Occupancy
We try our best to match you with a roommate, but if this is not possible you may be placed in single room with a supplement to be paid.



Meals
All meals are included.

Continental breakfasts served at your accommodation.
The lunches are buffets with a wide choice (adapted to particular diets) with wine.
Dinner in the bed and breakfast, restaurant or hotel (wine not included for dinner, and other extras).

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

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding Ability
This ride is open to riders who are comfortable and in control at all 4 paces (walk, rising trot, canter and gallop in a forward seat) on varied terrain, in open spaces and practice a regular habit of riding. There are certain sections of the trail where we need to lead the horses. It is recommended that you be in good physical condition in order to participate. Previous experience of trail rides over a number of days would be beneficial but is not required.

Pace
The pace is varied depending on the terrain, with long periods of walk and plenty of opportunities to canter and gallop.

Horses
Most of our horses were born on the farm. They live in herds in a 70 acre field and this is what makes them strong. This social lifestyle is very close to their ideal living conditions, which is a natural environment.
Every horse has its own character, but all are gentle, balanced, and multi-talented.
The horses are a mixture of purebred Arabian and Paint horses as well as Arabian/Paint crossbreds and Thoroughbreds.
The relationship with the riders and our horses is crucial. Above all, we place attention on the welfare and education of our horses.

Tack
Our saddles are a French trail saddle (JMS brands), which blend the best of English and western styles to make the perfect trail saddle. Horses will work in bridles with Myler bits. Helmets are not mandatory but are strongly recommended.
Our team will take care of tacking up the horses during this ride.

Logistics
There is a support van for the transport of luggage and riders. It is possible for a rider or a non-riding companion to follow along the horse riders in the van.
We ask the riders to have only one suitcase (size 69x47x27) and one handbag.

Group Size & Staff
Riding groups have a minimum of 5 and maximum of 10 riders, plus the Guide and the Translator.
David (GTE/ BPJEPS TE) is a certified Equestrian Tour Guide. He creates the routes and leads all the riding tours. He is also a trainer of apprentice instructors in Equestrian Tourism.
Britta is your riding companion and translator (English, Dutch, German, and Spanish). She is always available to facilitate any language concerns.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

The itinerary may be modified at any time for security reasons, meteorological or other events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes, and local holidays. We will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.

Important note: The specific level required is the "confirmed rider level".
As a qualified professional of equestrian tourism in France, it is important for the safety of the groups of riders we receive that everyone has the required riding level (see description below).
A person, who doesn't have the required level, causes difficulties for the staff and other participants, with consequences on the good progress of the stay for everyone.
Therefore, we will test riders on horseback on the 1st day before departure on the trail.
If from the first day we judge that a rider doesn't have the required level for horseback riding, he/she will not continue on horseback. They will continue their stay with the logistics team. They will be able to make all the scheduled visits, and eat with the riders for lunch and dinner.
This decision will be made without any refund on the stay.
If, due to poor physical condition, riders ask to stop riding, they are still liable for the 300 euros we charge for transporting the horse.

Our rides are for the experienced rider who has mastered all 4 paces (walk, rising trot, canter/gallop in a forward seat) on varied terrains and in open spaces. The experienced rider rides regularly, has good physical fitness, has good soft hands, a good attitude, and self-confidence. He controls the speed and direction of the horse in all circumstances. He can ride long distances including gallops of several minutes in open terrain.
Participants need to have experience riding on English-style saddles.  They need to know how to ride in balance: two point position.


Day 1: Arrival
Riders with vehicles may arrive in the late afternoon to the first night accommodation. Riders arriving by train will be collected in the late afternoon at the SNCF train station of Monsempron-Libos.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Puy l’évêque

Day 2: Ride to Cazals
After breakfast, riders are introduced to their horses. We will begin our trek around 10am, making our way to Frayssinnet-le-Gelat Lake, where we stop for lunch. Our afternoon ride brings us to Cazals, an ancient fortified village founded in 1319 by the Seneschal of the King of England: Guillaume de Toulouse or Tolza. This village is characterized by a vast central courtyard around which many houses were built to accommodate the clientele of the numerous friars and the teams driving animals with their drivers. The bastide, or fortified village, was largely destroyed in 1588 when the Marshall of Biron, the Seneschal of Quercy, shot down the village walls.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a B&B in Marminiac

Day 3: Cazals to Le Vigan
In the morning we resume our trek on the road to Le Vigan, near the confluence of the Bleou and Seguy rivers, right in the heart of Haute Bouriane. Our picnic is waiting for us at the foot of the ruins of L'Abbaye Nouvelle, a Cistercian abbey. Our afternoon trail takes us to Le Vigan, originally called Carbonnac until the 11th century. The ending “ac” dates this settlement back to the days of the Celts or at least to the Gallo-
Romans. In this village we discover a magnificent and impressive church abbey from the 13-14th centuries.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a B&B in Le Vigan

Day 4: Le Vigan to
After breakfast, we continue our ride towards the Cougnaguet Mill, which was strengthened by Cougnaguet in the 13th century. We will have our picnic break here. The construction of the mill was conducted by Cistercian monks and lasted for 50 years. We journey on after lunch to travel through limestone plateaus, crops, and oak forests.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a B&B in Rocamadour

Day 5: Rocamadour
Today, we ride to Rocamadour, a small but exceptional village. In the heart of the Parc Naturel Regional des Causses du Quercy, the medieval city of Rocamadour challenges the laws of gravity. Towers, houses, and dungeons cling to the limestone cliffs composing a haughty picture of Christendom. We enjoy our picnic at our guesthouse which leaves us the afternoon to explore the village.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a B&B in Rocamadour

Day 6: Rocamadour to Souloumes
Today we leave Rocamadour behind as we climb the heights to Carlucet, where our picnic lunch awaits. We then take the trail to Labastide Murat. This ancient fortified village is situated on the limestone plateau of Gramat. We overnight in Souloumes.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a B&B in Soulomes

Day 7: Souloumes to Saint Denis Catus
After breakfast, we follow the valley of le Vers to arrive at the mill of Maquefave where we will have our picnic lunch. We conclude our ride in the village of Saint Denis Catus.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Puy l’évêque

Day 8: Departure
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, riders may depart by car or will be transferred to the train station.
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.

Rates and Dates for Old Stones and Lot Villages

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Puy L'eveque
Airport: Bordeaux Airport
Transfer: Monsempron-Libos train station

Climate:
                                            Rocamadour area