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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. At the end of the third day, you will leave the scented lavender country to discover the historical forest surrounding Peyruis and its two chapels, “Sainte Magdeleine” and “Saint Donat”. The ride will end on the Plateau of Ganagobie and the charming village of Lurs, dominating the Country of Forcalquier and the Durance Valley, the gateway to the Plateau of Valensole, another important place for lavender, to be discovered next time!
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
Short Getaway
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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
5 riders
Max
8 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2019
Rates include*:
6 (or 3 or 2) nights standard accommodation in country guesthouses and inns, all meals with wine at lunch and dinner, 5 (3 or 2) riding days, transfers at pre set times
| A | 2019 | 7 day trip, AP | 7d / 6n | €1400 | $1680 |
| Single supplement | €250 | $300 |
| Discount for use of dormitories | (€100) | ($120) |
| B | 2019 | 3 day trip, AP- Part 1 (3 riding days) | 4d / 3n | €800 | $960 |
| Single supplement | €120 | $145 |
| Discount for use of dormitories | (€50) | ($60) |
| C | 2019 | 3 day trip, AP- Part 2 (2 riding days) | 3d / 2n | €650 | $780 |
| Single supplement | €120 | $145 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Rates Note:
** For 1 pax booking as willing to share: half single supplement rate will be applied if we don't have anybody to share with you
Transfer and Other Charges:
|
2019
|
Transfer from Marseille Airport or Aix-en-Provence Train Station included at set times
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€
0
|
$0
|
|
2019
|
Pick-up (part 1) or drop-off (part 2) from Marseille Airport, Aix-en-Provence center train station, or Aix-en-Provence TGV station included
|
€
0
|
$0
|
|
2019
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Drop-off (part 1) or pick-up (part 2) from Marseille Airport, one-way (3 day trip) (3-4 pax), per car
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
|
€
290
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$350
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2019
|
Drop-off (part 1) or pick-up (part 2) from Aix-en-Provence TGV station, one-way (3-4 pax), per car
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
|
€
280
|
$335
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|
2019
|
Drop-off (part 1) or pick-up (part 2) from Aix-en-Provence center train station, one-way (3-4 pax), per car
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
|
€
240
|
$290
|
|
2019
|
Non-rider -- 50% discount
|
€
0
|
$0
|
|
2019
|
** For 1 pax booking as willing to share: half single supplement rate will be applied if we don't have anybody to share with you
|
€
0
|
$0
|
|
2019
|
Upgrade accommodation of first and last night near the equestrian centre with simming pool, hammam, jacuzzi, dbl, pp
|
€
70
|
$85
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2019
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Upgrade accommodation of first and last night near the equestrian centre with simming pool, hammam, jacuzzi, single
|
€
370
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$445
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Arrival: Transfer from Marseille airport (5
p.m.), Aix-en-Provence TGV station
(5:30 p.m.) or Aix-en-Provence
central station (5:45 p.m.)
NOTE: PLEASE PLAN TO ARRIVE AT LEAST AN HOUR EARLIER TO THE TRAIN STATIONS THAN THE SET PICK UP TIMES TO ACCOUNT FOR ANY TRAIN DELAYS.
Departure: Drop off in Aix-en-Provence central
station (10:00 a.m., Aix-en-Provence
TGV station (10:30 a.m.) or Marseille
airport (11:00 a.m.).
Tour Dates for 2019
Check here for details and availability
|
| A |
2019
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06/23
- 06/29
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip, AP
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5
/8
|
Sold Out
|
| B |
2019
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06/23
- 06/26
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4d / 3n
|
3 day trip, AP- Part 1 (3 ri...
|
5
/8
|
Sold Out
|
| C |
2019
|
06/26
- 06/28
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3d / 2n
|
3 day trip, AP- Part 2 (2 ri...
|
5
/8
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2019
|
06/30
- 07/03
|
4d / 3n
|
3 day trip, AP- Part 1 (3 ri...
|
5
/8
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2019
|
06/30
- 07/06
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP
|
5
/8
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2019
|
07/03
- 07/05
|
3d / 2n
|
3 day trip, AP- Part 2 (2 ri...
|
5
/8
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2019
|
07/07
- 07/13
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP
|
5
/8
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2019
|
07/07
- 07/10
|
4d / 3n
|
3 day trip, AP- Part 1 (3 ri...
|
5
/8
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2019
|
07/10
- 07/12
|
3d / 2n
|
3 day trip, AP- Part 2 (2 ri...
|
5
/8
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2019
|
07/14
- 07/17
|
4d / 3n
|
3 day trip, AP- Part 1 (3 ri...
|
5
/8
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2019
|
07/14
- 07/20
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day trip, AP
|
5
/8
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2019
|
07/17
- 07/19
|
3d / 2n
|
3 day trip, AP- Part 2 (2 ri...
|
5
/8
|
Reserve
|
|
|
Rates do not include:
Beverages outside of mealtimes, gratuities
7-day Lavender Road and Wine Trail Route
Day 1 Sunday: 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». Overnight at Mas de Recaute.
Day 2 Monday: From 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.
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.
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.
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.
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. You leave Montbrun riding along a pleasant refreshing stream, then we start a climb through forests and lavender fields heading to the "Arles" pass, where we enter the Provence Drôme. You will ride down to the wonderful Mevouillon valley to reach your assistant for lunch breack. The afternoon, you will leave the valley riding towards the Pelleret hamlet going up to the "Bouvreges" pass where you will enjoy an amazing 380° view. Last canter through the forest to Saint Auban sur Ouvèze, where the truck and the minibus are waiting for your transfer back to Lauris, and Mas de Recaute.
Day 7 Saturday: End of the trip after breakfast. Transfers to Aix-en-Provence train stations and Marseille airport.
--Subject to changes--
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sample Itinerary - 3-day trip (Part 1)- Subject to changes
Day 1: Arrival
Pick-up from Marseille Airport (5:00 PM), Aix-en-Provence TGV Station (5:30 PM), or Center Station (5:45 PM) and drive to Mas Recaute for overnight.
Day 2: Lauris - 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.
Day 3: Buoux - 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.
Day 4: Rustrel - 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. You will be able to visit the village of Sault, lavender capital, do some shopping and visit a lavender distillery before your car transfer back to Lauris. The ride ends around 6:00pm.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sample Itinerary - 3-day trip (Part 2)- Subject to changes
Day 1: Arrival
Meeting at Cap Rando in Lauris at 5 pm. Car transfer to Saint-Trinit. Dinner and overnight in a nice accommodation with swimming pool.
Day 2: Saint-Trinit - 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.
Day 3: Montbrun les Bains - Saint Auban sur Ouvèze (near Buis les Baronnies).
This morning, you will follow the foot of the Giant of Provence: the Mount Ventoux. You leave Montbrun riding along a pleasant refreshing stream, then we start a climb through forests and lavender fields heading to the "Arles" pass, where we enter the Provence Drôme. You will ride down to the wonderful Mevouillon valley to reach your assistant for lunch breack. The afternoon, you will leave the valley riding towards the Pelleret hamlet going up to the "Bouvreges" pass where you will enjoy an amazing 380° view. Last canter through the forest to Saint Auban sur Ouvèze, where the truck and the minibus are waiting for your transfer back to Lauris, and Mas de Recaute.
Day 4: Departure
Transfer to the airport or train station.
Meeting:
Mas de Recaute
Airport:
Marseille
Train station:
Aix-en-Provence
Transfer:
Marseille
Distance:
45 miles
Arrival: Transfer from Marseille airport (5
p.m.), Aix-en-Provence TGV station
(5:30 p.m.) or Aix-en-Provence
central station (5:45 p.m.)
NOTE: PLEASE PLAN TO ARRIVE AT LEAST AN HOUR EARLIER TO THE TRAIN STATIONS THAN THE SET PICK UP TIMES TO ACCOUNT FOR ANY TRAIN DELAYS.
Departure: Drop off in Aix-en-Provence central
station (10:00 a.m., Aix-en-Provence
TGV station (10:30 a.m.) or Marseille
airport (11:00 a.m.).
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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:
|
|
Moderate - with walk, trot and canters, 5 riding hours per day
|
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
5 riders
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Max
8 riders
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You will ride an average of five
hours everyday. The pace will vary according to the terrain. In order to make the most of the
ride, we require riders to be at ease with walk, trot and canter, in
outdoor riding. Groups are made out of 5 to 12 riders. This limited
amount of riders – often rich of several nationalities – allows each
person to make the most of the trip.
Guides are certified, and are friends
who made a job of their passion. They apply themselves to share this
passion and the pleasure of trail riding. Whether on the Alpes or on
the beaches of Camargue, amongst odorant thym, rosmary and lavander,
our guides insure riders safety in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
All the guides speak English.
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.
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
|
May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
|
Sep
|
Oct
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Nov
|
Dec
|
|
Average High Temperature (°F)
|
50
|
52
|
59
|
64
|
72
|
80
|
85
|
83
|
77
|
68
|
57
|
51
|
|
Average Low Temperature (°F)
|
32
|
33
|
37
|
42
|
49
|
56
|
61
|
60
|
54
|
48
|
39
|
33
|
|
Average High Temperature (°C)
|
10
|
11
|
15
|
18
|
22
|
26
|
29
|
29
|
25
|
20
|
14
|
11
|
|
Average Low Temperature (°C)
|
0
|
0
|
3
|
6
|
10
|
13
|
16
|
16
|
12
|
9
|
4
|
1
|
|
Average Precipitation (days of rain)
|
5
|
4
|
4
|
5
|
4
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
4
|
5
|
5
|
4
|
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 |
|
|
| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
|
|
| 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 |
|
|
| 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 |
| |
| 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 |
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.
Room Options
Standard
Night 1 & 6: Le Mas de Recaute https://www.masderecaute.fr/
-Total of 5 rooms accommodating 1-3 people per room
-1 dorm room accommodating 20 people
-Double or single beds
-Shared bathrooms
Night 2: Auberge des Seguins www.aubergedesseguins.com
Night 3: Auberge de Rustreou www.rustreou-hotel-apt.fr or Le Chateau http://gitelechateau.pagesperso-orange.fr/
Nights 4 & 5: Le Petit Labouret www.petit-labouret.com
Upgrade first and last night
Night 1 & 6: Les Gargoulettes www.chambres-hotes-vaucluse-gargoulettes.fr/
-5 rooms total accommodating 1-2 people per room
-Double or queen beds
-Private bathrooms
-Air conditioning, WIFI, TV, kettle
-Pool, Jacuzzi, sauna
Please note that hotels and guesthouses are subject to change!
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
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 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.
|
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
5 riders
|
Max
8 riders
|
|
You will ride an average of five
hours everyday. The pace will vary according to the terrain. In order to make the most of the
ride, we require riders to be at ease with walk, trot and canter, in
outdoor riding. Groups are made out of 5 to 12 riders. This limited
amount of riders – often rich of several nationalities – allows each
person to make the most of the trip.
Guides are certified, and are friends
who made a job of their passion. They apply themselves to share this
passion and the pleasure of trail riding. Whether on the Alpes or on
the beaches of Camargue, amongst odorant thym, rosmary and lavander,
our guides insure riders safety in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
All the guides speak English.
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.
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.
|
|
|
|
Provence Lavender Road
Tour Code:
IT-FRPV04
7 days /
6 nights
~$1,680.00
Dates :
June-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. |
|