Normandy Highlights Normandy France This sporty discovery ride lets you explore all of the most famous Normandy sights! The trip starts north of Barfleur and goes down the East coast of the peninsula of Cotentin, via the D-Day landing beaches. On the way, you will discover the charming rocky coast, seashores, moors, marshes and harbors of Normandy. Around the middle of the trip, we will transfer from the East Coast to the West Coast of Cotentin in order to reach Coutances, from where we will go to the beautiful Bay of Mont Saint-Michel, ending by a guided visit of this impressive monastery! Progressive Ride (no camping) Meeting: Cherbourg Airport: Cherbourg Transfer: Cherbourg train station Riders: Min 6 riders Max 12 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

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Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up is available from Cherbourg train station at 7:00 pm on Day 1. If you do not choose to take the transfer, you will need to make your own way to the first night accommodation on Day 1. On the last day of the trip, you can choose to be transferred to Caen train station at no extra fee.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival in Cherbourg. From there, group transfer at 7:00 pm or individual arrival by car to the first night accommodation. During the welcome dinner, you will get to know your fellow riders and the riding guide and discuss the forthcoming riding tour.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hôtel in Cosqueville or Barfleur

Day 2: Cosqueville to Réville
In the morning, we set off for our first riding day along the northeastern coast, between Cosqueville and Réville. Experience rocky coastlines and white beaches, the headland in Barfleur, the ports of Flicmare and Crabec and the small and shallow Bay of Brevy. At noon you take a break by the seashore. The horses spend the night in a riding center while the riders will spend the night and dinner at a hotel.
Riding approx. 28 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hôtel in Réville

Day 3: Réville to Saint Martin de Audouville
Today's ride is a true journey of discovery in one of the little-known areas of beautiful Normandy between Réville and Saint Martin de Audouville. After a typical French breakfast, we go on a our day ride, mainly along the eastern coast of Cotentin. You can expect beautiful landscapes and typical Norman villages. You will also ride on the beaches of the tip of Saire & the Cul du Loup with its famous shellfish. The ride then continues through forests and rocky shores. Here, seafood is served fresh, a true treat.
Riding approx. 30 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse in Saint Martin de Audouville

Day 4: D-Day Landing Beaches Ride
Today's route goes along the beaches of the D-Day landing, where the Allies of France landed during WWII. Once the tide permits, enjoy a gallop on the beach and let a fresh breeze blow over you. This is where the well-known trotters train for the next races.
We end the day by a 1 hour transfer in car / van to the West coast of Cotentin.
Riding approx. 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hôtel in Montchaton

Day 5: Montchaton to Bréhal
After breakfast, we get in the saddle and ride from Montchaton to Bréhal, along the west coast. Discover the varied landscape of Salines, the Havre de la vanlée with its harbor and the beach of Hauteville.
Riding approx. 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Gite in Bréhal

Day 6: Bréhal to Saint Jean le Thomas
White coastlines and the typical landscape of the Bocage of the French Northwest accompany you and are also the backdrop for the lunch break.
Riding approx. 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in a Guesthouse in Saint Jean le Thomas

Day 7: Last Ride and Departure
Today, an early stage (depending on the tide) to Bec d'Andaine awaits. The highlight of the day will be crossing the Bay of Mont Saint Michel, the site of the famous landmark of France!
Enjoy a gallop against the backdrop of Mont Saint Michel, on which lies the abbey of the same name. It was inhabited by Benedictines monks until the 1960s. Located in the Wadden Sea of Normandy, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
Then, we go to Vains, where we have lunch together before the farewell approaches. A group transfer to Caen Train Station is possible.
Extra night possible in the same accommodation as the previous day (surcharge - please, inquire).
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

                                                Cosqueville area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	47	47	51	54	60	65	68	68	65	59	53	49
Average Low Temperature (°F)	39	39	41	43	48	53	56	57	54	50	44	41
Average High Temperature (°C)	8	8	11	12	15	18	20	20	18	15	12	9
Average Low Temperature (°C)	4	4	5	6	9	12	13	14	12	10	7	5
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	13	10	10	8	7	6	6	6	8	11	14	13

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Due to its location on the coast, Normandy usually benefits from a mild climate year-round.

Wear layers of clothing so that you are ready for cooler mornings and hotter afternoons. Waterproof outer layers are wise on longer day trips if the weather forecast is changeable.

Preferably, you will carry several small bags, not exceeding 10 kg each.  Please no large, hard shell suitcases. Saddlebags are provided. 
 

This list is only a guideline for you

Hidden Trails Travel Documents and Trip Voucher (contains important local tour contact info.)

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Riding pants or Jodhpurs

Riding boots (short) + Minichaps

Riding helmet  (recommended for all trips)

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection

Lightweight Rain coat

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pyjamas

Bag for dirty clothes

Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes

Swimsuit

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for an emergency)

Sewing kit

Torch/ Flashlight

Adapter for electric appliances

Camera and extra film or batteries

Belt pack

Address book and pen (for postcards!)

Sun glasses with strap

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

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

Description
You will sleep in rural hotels and guesthouses.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hôtel in Cosqueville or Barfleur
Night 2: Hôtel in Réville
Night 3: Farmhouse in Saint-Martin-d'Audouville
Night 4: Hôtel in Montchaton
Night 5: Gite in Bréhal
Night 6: Guesthouse in Saint-Jean-le-Thomas

Hôtel in Réville
This small hotel offers 19 rooms, all equipped with a TV, Wi-Fi access and ensuite facilities (with hairdryer and toiletries). Thanks to its proximity to the coast, you can easily walk to the beach to enjoy some fresh ocean breeze. There is also a lovely garden with some chairs where guests can relax.

Farmhouse in Saint-Martin-d'Audouville
This charming stonehouse is surrounded by a beautiful garden. It has 2 guest rooms (1 double and 1 triple), both equipped with private bathrooms.
There is also a common room with a TV and a fireplace.

Gite in Bréhal
Tonight, you will stay in a lovely gite equipped with comfortable bedrooms, a shared bathroom and a common room where you can relax. There is also a private terrace with garden furniture and free Wi-Fi access at the property.

Guesthouse in Saint-Jean-le-Thomas
Beautiful 19th century family house with an exceptional view of the sea and the Bay of Mont Saint Michel. The villa has 5 charming bedrooms, each with a private bathroom and a TV. There is Wi-Fi access in public areas.
In the morning, breakfast is served in a beautiful veranda overlooking the garden.


Room Occupancy
Single rooms are available based on availability and a single supplement fee applies. The single supplement fee does not apply if we cannot find another rider to share a room with you.


Meals
All meals are included with this trip.

The lunch break is a culinary delight. It is freshly prepared every day and includes several courses as well as a cheese platter. We usually have our lunch break in the middle of nature, comfortably installed at the long table with chairs.
In the evening, you will be spoiled with French cooking and get a chance to try the local specialties.

Alcoholic beverages are not included with this trip but you can purchase your own at the local restaurants.

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

Tack:		English
Horses:		Anglo Arab
Pace:		Fast paced ride | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(5 to 5 out of 5)    Advanced
Weight:		Max 195 lbs
Riders:		Min 6 riders	Max 12 riders

Horses
We know that the key to a horse trip is the horses.  That is why we have chosen and breed our own. They are all born in the Morvan region and they have lived all their life in the same region.  They are calm, well in their heads but when need be or when requested, they are fast and generous.  They are capable of anything, they will surprise you and they will allow you to experience a unique riding trip.

Pace
We will cover about 30 to 40 mile journeys every day with long and frequent canters and, at times, abrupt downhill sections.

Riding Experience
Riders need to be confident and in control at all paces on varied terrains. They also need to be physically fit, as this is a demanding ride.
You should have ridden regularly for more than 5 years and also feel comfortable trotting and galloping for a long time.

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.