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. On the third day you will follow in the footsteps of Cezanne by minibus. You will enjoy a nice view of the Montagne Sainte-Victoire, painted many times by Cézanne, and visit his studio. You will then spend the rest of your morning in the famous Aix-en-Provence street market - the best place to buy local products and handcrafts. The morning of the fifth day is dedicated to the discovery of all the famous local produce. You will thus exercise your palate at the Mas, around a good fire. You will taste olive oil and olives, honey, grilled chestnuts in the fireplace, and everyone will be able to participate in preparing a wonderful Provence lunch. We will make the famous truffle omelet together that you will then share for lunch with delicious local wine! 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). A two day trail at the end of the stay (only during high season) will give you a taste of traveling long distance on horseback. 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! Progressive Ride (no camping) Family Vacation Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Center-based ride Meeting: Mas de Recaute Airport: Marseille Transfer: Marseille Airport or Aix-en-Provence Train Station Riders: Min 2 riders Max 6 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

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:

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: A Taste of Provence (Stationary) - subject to changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
After airport or train collection, riders will gather at your lovely French Farm Home 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): Cezanne Sightseeing Tour & Optional Afternoon Ride
This morning you will follow in the footsteps of Cezanne by minibus. You will discover the most famous places painted by Cezanne in the Montagne Sainte-Victoire and around the great city of Aix-en-Provence, and visit his work studio. You will then spend the rest of your morning in the famous Aix-en-Provence street market: the best place to buy local products and handcrafts! You will be free to have lunch in one of the numerous café or restaurants in Aix, before meeting everyone again and being driven back to the Farm. Optional ride in the afternoon, to keep exploring the surrounding area, among all the quintessential Provence herbs: thyme, rosemary, savory, sage, wild lavender. Dinner and a restful evening at the Farm are the perfect ending to the day.
Meals included: Breakfast & 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! 
After taking care of the horses, you will be able to taste olive oil and olives, honey, and, if you want, participate in preparing a good Provence dinner and making the famous truffle omelet that you will then taste, with local wine. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Les Gargoulettes in Lauris

Day 5 (Thursday): Rousillon Visit & Afternoon Ride
This morning is dedicated to the discovery of the village of Roussillon, classified as one of the nicest villages in France, it is a typical perched village. The afternoon hosts a half day ride up to the crests of the Luberon with a very nice view on the surrounding hills and the valley. Beautiful limestone cliffs looking down on you and plateau of cedar forest, will follow you on your ride. You will get back to the the guesthouse in the afternoon and will be able to relax in the covered pool, jacuzzi or hammam before dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Les Gargoulettes in Lauris

Day 6 (Friday): Provencal Village & Wine Tasting Ride
This morning you will visit Provencal villages such as Lauris and Lourmarin, Cezanne’s local market and where Peter Mayle – the Author of “A Year in Provence”, is now living. In the afternoon enjoy 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, transportation to train station or airport is organized. 
Meals included: Breakfast 



Sample Itinerary: A Week in Provence (Progressive) - subject to changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
Meeting in Marseille and transfer to the farm. You will meet your guide, your chef and all the team and enjoy your first dinner.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Les Gargoulettes in Lauris

Day 2 (Monday): Introductory Ride
The week will start with explanations on how to take care of your horse. After tacking, you will get more acquainted with your horse on a short hack (1 hour in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon) in the surrounding area. After lunch discover the hills of the « Small Luberon », covered in a dense oak tree forest.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Les Gargoulettes in Lauris

Day 3 (Tuesday): Durance River Ride
A whole day ride today! You will leave in the morning through a pine tree forest, and make your way down towards the Durance valley. Discover the Durance river and its clear waters bordered by olive trees, fruit trees and vineyards. The riverbanks will be ideal for small canters, and will soon lead you to a beautiful lunch, prepared and brought by your chef in a nice shady area, right by the river! Before leaving again, enjoy a well deserved nap under a tree or take a swim with your horse ... The choice is yours ! The afternoon ride will take you back to the accommodation through forests, vineyards and cherry orchards.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Les Gargoulettes in Lauris

Day 4 (Wednesday): Visit of Lourmarin & Half Day Ride
This morning, the horses rest and we go to Lourmarin for a visit of "one of the most beautiful French villages". In the afternoon, we ride among olive trees and pine trees and stop in a cave for wine tasting before heading back to the farmhouse.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Les Gargoulettes in Lauris

Day 5 (Thursday): Ride to Buoux
Today you are off for a two-day ride in the Luberon Nature Park. The morning ride will take you towards Lourmarin through Provencal landscapes of olive trees, cherry orchard and Mediterranean forests. Lunch by Lourmarin and nap before leaving again in the afternoon to climb up the hills of the « Big Luberon ». Breathtaking panorama on top oft he hill to the Alps on the northern side, and the Mediterranean sea on the southern side. Accommodation tonight will be in an Inn in the heart of the Luberon hills.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Auberge in Buoux 

Day 6 (Friday): Ride back to Lauris
You will head back following the Aiguebrun stream, the only permanent water course of the whole of the Luberon hills. On the way, admire the perched village of Bonnieux. After a good lunch, your horse will take you through rolling hills to admire beautiful views on the Durance valley and the surrounding hills, such as the Montagne Sainte Victoire: Cezanne’s mountain. You will arrive late afternoon and take good care of your horse before letting him loose for a well deserved rest. Dinner party for your last night !
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Les Gargoulettes in Lauris

Day 7 (Saturday): Departure
End of the trip and departure after breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast



Sample Itinerary: NYE in Provence (Stationary) - subject to changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
Meeting in Marseille and transfer to your accommodation. You will meet your guide, your chef and all the team and enjoy your first dinner.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Gargoulettes

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 Mas (Farm). After lunch at the farm, you go back in the saddle and ride towards a winery where you will enjoy a conducted tour of a cellar and a tasting of wines of “Cotes du Luberon”. You will ride approximately 4 hours total (2 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon). Back at your accommodation, you will enjoy a rest in front of the fireplace before your dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Gargoulettes

Day 3 (Tuesday): 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 its cliff. The ride back will be an easy ride through agricultural landscape. You will discover the rich soil that permits this area to get the best production of wine, asparagus, olives, truffles, cherries, apricots, melons ... the Provence treasures !
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Gargoulettes

Day 4 (Wednesday): Lourmarin Visit & Half-Day Ride
This morning, visit of Lourmarin with its castle and local market. It is a famous village classified as "one of the nicest village in France". Here, Albert Camus, a French novelist, had a house in this village and he is buried there. Free lunch in the village. Afternoon ride in the pine tree hills and along olive trees, vineyards and other fruit trees with a stop in a cave for a wine tasting.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Gargoulettes

Day 5 (Thursday): Ride to Buoux
Today you are off for a two-day ride in the Luberon Nature Park. The morning ride will take you towards Bonnieux, a beautiful perched village where all houses are made of stone blend with the limestone cliffs at the foot of a plateau covered with almond trees and lavender. The buffet will be prepared close to the village. The afternoon, you will follow the Aiguebrun stream through the Luberon to Buoux. A very pleasant trail along the clear waters sheltered by lush vegetation and stunning cliffs popular for climbers. Horses stay in field, riders transfer back to your accommodation in Lauris.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Gargoulettes

Day 6 (Friday): Ride back to Lauris
After breakfast, transfer back to the horses near Buoux. You will ride to the crests of the Luberon to discover a wonderful view: the snow peaks of the Alps to the North and the Mediterranean sea to the South. A nice picnic will be prepared near the village of Lourmarin. The afternoon ride will follow the foothills of the southern side of the Luberon, with nice views on the Sainte Victoire mountain painted by Cezanne. Once back in Lauris, you will enjoy a Provençal dinner and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Gargoulettes

Day 7 (Saturday): Departure
After breakfast, 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 
A Taste of Provence: This is a stationary ride, so you will be staying in the same location each night.
A Week in Provence: This is a progressive ride, so you will be staying in different locations during the trip. You will be staying in 2 different locations total.

Description
Accommodations during the trail will be in guesthouses and country inns. They are basic, but clean.  We select our accommodation based on their environment and friendly atmosphere, for riders to enjoy a pleasant stay. There are no laundry facilities while on trail. Almost all accommodations have WIFI.

Taste of Provence Accommodation Options - subject to changes based on availability
- Standard & New Years Eve: Les Gargoulettes
- Luxury: Hotel Domaine de Fontenille

A Week in Provence Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1,2,3 & 4: Les Gargoulettes in Lauris
Night 5: Auberge des Seguins in Buoux
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.

Hotel Domaine de Fontenille in Lauris
This charming Provencial bastide from the 18th century has been recently restored in order to provide guest with a comfortable stay. It is surrounded by a lovely park and vineyards. Each of the 18 bedrooms feature a mix between rustic charm and modern facilities (safety box, TV, free Wi-Fi and private bathroom). The surrounding park includes an outdoor swimming pool, a hammam and a fitness center.

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. 

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
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.
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:		Trail Saddles
Horses:		Arab/Spanish cross
Pace:		Moderate - with walk, trot and some canters, 3 to 5 riding hours per day | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(2 to 3 out of 5)    Low Intermediate
Age:		Min 12	Max 80
Weight:		Max 220 lbs
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 6 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.