A Taste of Provence Provence France A trail ride in the heart of Provence, country of sunlight and fragrances, at the time of year painters and all artists prefer. Come discover all the landscapes painted by Cezanne. A week dedicated to trail riding in the beautiful Provence landscapes and villages, tasting the Mediterranean food with the local people who have more time to share with you. This is an introduction to the Luberon Regional Nature Park, combined with some interesting sight-seeing and gourmet days. The discovery of these beautiful landscapes and friendly faces make beginners' fears soon disappear. The kindness of the horses allows a rapid development of the rider in all gaits suitable for trail riding (walk, trot and canter). French language Course: If you are interested, you will receive two hours of formal French lessons each day, and every effort will be made to speak French with you throughout each day and evening. Total immersion in riding, language and culture! Family Vacation Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Center-based ride Ride with Western Tack Meeting: Lauris Airport: Marseille Transfer: Marseille Airport or Aix-en-Provence Train Station Riders: Min 4 riders Max 8 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Rates Note:

It is possible to book extra nights before or after the tour - please inquire

Transfer and Other Charges:

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.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Please, note that the 5-day program starts on Monday morning  (meeting at 9am in Lauris) and ends on Friday after the ride (around 5pm).

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
After airport or train collection, riders will gather at your lovely French Farm House late in the afternoon. Introduction to your accommodation, an aperitif in front of the fire place, and a presentation of the ride will mark the start of your week in Provence.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Les Gargoulettes in Lauris

Day 2 (Monday): Introductory Trail Ride
In the morning, meet your equine partner and “get acquainted” on an introductory trail ride in the vineyards surrounding the Farm. Enjoy a French lunch on the grounds of the Farm. In the afternoon the group leaves for another one hour and a half hour ride into the rolling hills of the Luberon Mountain range. You will see White Oaks, olive trees and the great perfume filled countryside of Provence. This area was home to the shooting of two very famous Provencal movies of French culture, "Jean de Florette" and "Manon de Sources" adapted from the novels of the famous author, Marcel Magnol.  The movies will be played at the farm after the dinners during the week if you wish to view. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Les Gargoulettes in Lauris

Day 3 (Tuesday): Luberon & Durance
Morning ride between the Luberon and Durance mountains: along vineyards, fields of olive trees, almond trees, cherry trees, peach trees ...
We will go back to the equestrian center for lunch. In the afternoon, we ride in the scented trails of the Luberon, among thyme, sage, rosemary.
Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Les Gargoulettes in Lauris

Day 4 (Wednesday): Durance River Ride
Today, you will ride to the Durance river bank for a lovely picnic lunch with aperitif, cheeses, salads, local pies, local wines and coffee. Riding down the hills, you will discover the entire Durance Valley, and take a glimpse at the village of Lauris, perched on the cliff. The ride back will be an easy ride through lovely agricultural landscape. You will discover the rich soil that permits this area to have the best production of wine, asparagus, olives, truffles, cherries, apricots, melons, and many other of the Provence treasures! 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Les Gargoulettes in Lauris

Day 5 (Thursday): Luberon Ridges
This morning, we head to the Luberon ridges. We will stop for a picnic lunch in a beatiful cedar forest. You will be able to enjoy views over the "mont Ventoux", called the "Giant of Provence" as well as the Southern Alps.
Return through a valley to the equestrian center. Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Les Gargoulettes in Lauris

Day 6 (Friday): Lourmarin Visit & Wine Tasting Ride
This morning you will visit the famous Provencal village of Lourmarin, This is where Peter Mayle – the Author of “A Year in Provence”, used to live.
After your free lunch (not included) in the village, you will go on your last ride to a local cellar producing “Cotes du Luberon”. This little family cellar has been promoted by Robert Parker, the famous American Wine Writer. Don’t drink too much, just enjoy the tastes, before once again riding through the nice pine tree forests and bringing your horse home to the pasture in the woods, where they will have a weekend rest. 
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Les Gargoulettes in Lauris

Day 7 (Saturday): Departure
After breakfast, around 9:30 am transportation to train station or airport is organized. 
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.

                                                Lourmarin area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	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 (some helmets are available at the stables- bring your own for best fit!) You may sign a waiver on arrival if you wish to ride without a 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

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.

Average ratings from 7 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date francisca galvez 7/4/2013 deborah windsor 3/6/2013 lauren sevrin 8/1/2012 alaine diann neal 11/12/2011 marilyn bowie 11/5/2011 susan paddock 9/13/2010 rose marie hendrick 4/13/2009

Accommodations 
This is a stationary ride, so you will be staying in the same location each night.

Description
Your host welcome you in their lovely country house in Lauris. 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.

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 and we don't find anyone to share, then the single supplement will apply.



Meals
Most meals are included in your package (check itinerary for more details) 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 barbecue by a mountain stream or a refreshing salad followed by a nap before leaving again. If there are less than 5 riders, lunch will be taken with you in saddle bags.
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. Wine is not included with dinner for the luxury 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:		Western saddles
Horses:		Camargue
Pace:		Moderate - with walk, trot and some canters, 3 to 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 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.