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Provence Lavender Road
Provence
France
A Unique Trail in Provence - On the Road of Lavender
A trip itinerary rich in fragrance and color, from the South Luberon to Provencal areas famous for their production of lavender: Plateau of Claparèdes, Plateau of Albion, the Country of Banon, and the foothills of the Lure Mountain.
A perfumed trail ride among the lavender, but also sage, widely cultivated in the region. We will ride in the garrigue filled with herbs of Provence. This is a colorful horse riding trip: the white limestone cliffs of the Luberon, the greenery of the pine and oak forests, the ochres of the Provence Colorado, the blue of the sky and lavender... Varied landscapes from Mediterranean Provence to the upper Provence, as far as the foot of the Giant of Provence: the Mont Ventoux.
Please, note that the peak of the lavender bloom is around mid-July. Harvests generally start mid July. Later, this riding trip remains beautiful, but with less and less blooming lavender fields as the summer progresses.
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
Short Getaway
Family Vacation
Suitable for riders over 210 lbs
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Meeting:
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Mas de Recaute
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Airport:
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Marseille
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Transfer:
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Marseille
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
8 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2022
Rates include*:
7-day trip: Standard accommodation, All meals with wine for lunch and dinner, Transfer from/to Marseille Airport or Aix-en-Provence Train Station at set times & 5 riding days
| A | 2022 | 7 day trip, AP | 7d / 6n | €1550 | $1860 |
| B | 2022 | 7 day trip, AP post-harvest | 7d / 6n | €1550 | $1860 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
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:
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2022
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Free transfer from/to Marseille Airport or Aix-en-Provence Train Station at set times for 7-day trips
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€
0
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$0
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|
2022
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Non-rider -- 50% discount
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€
0
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$0
|
|
2022
|
** 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
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€
0
|
$0
|
|
2022
|
Taxi transfer from/to Marseille airport, one way, per car (3-4 pax)
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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€
150
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$180
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|
2022
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Taxi transfer from/to Aix-en-Provence TGV station, one way, per car (3-4 pax)
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
|
€
130
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$155
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|
2022
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Taxi transfer from/to Aix-en-Provence central train station, one way, per car (3-4 pax)
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
|
€
110
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$135
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2022
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Single supplement
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€
300
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$360
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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.
Rates do not include:
7-day trip: Beverages outside of mealtimes & Gratuities
Note:
Due to COVID-19 Corona virus pandemic and certain travel restrictions we are applying some temporary policy changes to some of our tours.
For Provence Lavender Road (IT-FRPV04):
In the event that you cannot go on your trip due to the pandemic and if you have not subscribed to a cancellation insurance covering this risk, you will receive a voucher valid for 18 months, to be used for the same program at a later date.
Protocols: all accommodations respect the specific regulations.
Horse riding: we limit groups to 8 riders, riders must keep a distance of 2 meters when riding (in fact the usual safety distance), they must have their own helmet, tack disinfected at the end of each ride.
Masks are not mandatory as long as people can keep a 1 meter distance. May be mandatory in some shops. Mandatory in transports. Mandatory to circulate inside a restaurant. Mandatory for the moment (may change) in minibus transfers. People must have their own masks.
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx
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Please, note that the peak of the lavender bloom is around mid-July. Harvests generally start mid July. Later, this riding trip remains beautiful, but with less and less blooming lavender fields as the summer progresses.
Sample Itinerary: Provence Lavender Road - subject to changes
Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
Meeting at Marseille airport or Aix-en-Provence train station, or directly at Mas de Recaute.
Welcome aperitif and presentation of the trail ride. You will be introduced to your guide and spend a first friendly dinner at he «host’s table».
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Les Gargoulettes in Lauris
Day 2 (Monday): Lauris to Buoux
The ride starts on the southern side of the small Luberon. A small rocky trail will take you up on the hills of the Luberon. Nice view on the Mont Ventoux (localy called "the giant of Provence") and the Lure Mountain. We will reach the Plateau of Claparèdes, famous for its lavender production. Lunch in the hills. On the afternoon, you will ride down to the Aiguebrun Gorges, the border between Small Luberon and Big Luberon. Your charming Inn is down the cliffs.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Auberge in Buoux
Day 3 (Tuesday): Buoux to Rustrel
This morning you are riding up on the Plateau of Claparèdes, follow lavender fields, dry stone walls and " bories " (small shepherds' pen). You will ride down towards the Valley of Apt on ancient paved trails. After lunch, you will ride down to the "Colorado Provençal" old ocher mines. You will visit on horseback this exceptional site before leaving your horse and reach your hotel in the village of Rustrel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Auberge in Rustrel
Day 4 (Wednesday): Rustrel to Saint Trinit
You quietly get into a valley shaded by oak trees, onto the Albion Plateau, high spot for lavender. Picnic near a chapel before browsing the plateau, former nuclear missiles site for the French nuclear force from 1971 to 1996. Ride among the lavender and sage fields with a break at a distillery where your guide will explain the production of basis for the perfume manufactures. Arrival at the guesthouse where you can relax and take a swim in the pool before visiting the village of Sault, lavender capital, do some shopping and visit the lavender distillery.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse near Saint Trinit
Day 5 (Thursday): Saint Trinit to Montbrun-les-Bains
This morning, you will ride in direction of Saint-Trinit. The lunch will wait for you in the shade near Sault. In the afternoon, you will leave in the direction of Aurel, charming medieval village at the foot of the Mount Ventoux. In the afternoon, the colors of lavenders, fields of cereal and the shadows of the Mount Ventoux may tempt you to imitate the numerous painters who felt in love with this region. You will arrive the afternoon near Montbrun-les-Bains, surrounded with green hills and dominating a plain of perfumed lavenders: one of the most beautiful villages of France.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Reilhanette
Day 6 (Friday): Montbrun-les-Bains to Saint Auban sur Ouvèze (near Buis les Baronnies)
This morning, you will follow the foot of the Giant of Provence: the Mount Ventoux. We follow the Toulourenc, a pleasant refreshing stream, cross some typical villages, and enter the Drôme Provencale (wooded hills and lavender fields). In the afternoon, we head to Mévouillon, where the truck and minibus await us, for the transfer back to Lauris.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Les Gargoulettes in Lauris
Day 7 (Saturday): Departure
End of the trip after breakfast. Transfers to Aix-en-Provence train stations 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.
Meeting:
Mas de Recaute
Airport:
Marseille
Train station:
Aix-en-Provence
Transfer:
Marseille
Distance:
45 miles
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.
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Tack:
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Trail Saddles
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Horses:
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Arab/Spanish cross
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Pace:
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Moderate - with walk, trot and canters, 5 riding hours per day
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
12
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Max
80
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Weight:
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Max
220 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
8 riders
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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.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
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 NoteFranc. more
Lourmarin area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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50
|
52
|
59
|
64
|
72
|
80
|
85
|
83
|
77
|
68
|
57
|
51
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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32
|
33
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37
|
42
|
49
|
56
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61
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60
|
54
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48
|
39
|
33
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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10
|
11
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15
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18
|
22
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26
|
29
|
29
|
25
|
20
|
14
|
11
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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0
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0
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3
|
6
|
10
|
13
|
16
|
16
|
12
|
9
|
4
|
1
|
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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5
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4
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4
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5
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4
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2
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1
|
2
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4
|
5
|
5
|
4
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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 |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so you will be staying in different locations during the trip. You will be staying in 4 different locations total.
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. All accommodations have WIFI.
Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Les Gargoulettes in Lauris
Night 2: Auberge des Seguins in Buoux
Night 3: Auberge de Rustreou or Le Chateau in Rustrel
Night 4: Le Petit Labouret in Revest du Bion
Night 5: Le Mas de Reilhanette in Reilhanette
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.
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.
Auberge de Rustreou in Rustrel
This old relay station dating back to the 18th century now offers 7 bedrooms equipped with a TV, free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom. Guests can also relax on the outdoor patio.
Gite Le Chateau in Rustrel
This beautiful 17th-century castle has recently been renovated to offer dormitory style bedrooms (2, 5 and 6 beds in each dormitory) with shared bathrooms. There is free Wi-Fi access in some parts of the Gite.
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-Fi access is available anywhere on the property.
Le Mas de Reilhanette in Reilhanette
This charming stonewall farmhouse offers 5 recently renovated bedrooms. Each bedroom has its own bathroom, air conditioning, a TV and free Wi-Fi access. There is a beautiful garden with some trees, providing the perfect environment to relax.
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 with lunch and dinner for the standard accommodations.
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:
|
|
Arab/Spanish cross
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate - with walk, trot and canters, 5 riding hours per day
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
to
3
out of 5) 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.
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Provence Lavender Road
Tour Code:
IT-FRPV04
7 days /
6 nights
~$1,860.00
Dates :
July
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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