Mont Blanc Ride Savoy France Long before welcoming skiers from all over the world to its resorts, the Tarentaise valley and its alpine passes were frequented by men from the Neolothic, and perhaps even by Hannibal during his crossing of the Alps with his elephants in 218 AD. This region was strategic for the Roman Empire and it was also the birthplace of the illustrious Savoy house, which gave its first king to Italy. We will walk in the footsteps of the Celts who, from the Neolithic exploited the precious minerals of the mountains, as well as the illustrious Romans, who built and designed beautiful baroque chapels in this region. The Tarentaise valley is also the setting of the Vanoise National Park, and numerous peaks over 3000 m. Nature lovers will particularly enjoy this ride as we will delight in the sight of vibrant living mountains, covered by rocks, ice, forests and plants and inhabited by a rich wildlife, including: eagles, gyapetes, ibex, marmots...and many more! Progressive Ride (no camping) Meeting: Peisey Nancroix Airport: Geneva Transfer: Geneva airport or Landry train station Riders: Min 4 riders Max 10 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

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Transfer and Other Charges:

Transfers can be arranged from/to Geneva airport. Pick-up is scheduled for 4pm from Geneva airport, on Day 1 of your trip. Alternatively, we can pick you up at Landry train station and drop you off at Bourg Saint Meurice train station.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
After arriving at Geneva airport or at the Landry train station, we will transfer you to your accommodation.  
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel de la Vanoise in Peisey Nancroix

Day 2 (Monday): Ride to Rossaix
Start of the ride from La Chenarie. We take the Carroz Blanc forest path, from where we have a sublime view of the Bellecôte massif. Then we discover the beautiful open landscape of the Rossaix pastures. There, we will see lovely little Tarine cows and we will visit alpine pastures where the Beaufort cheese is produce.
After enjoying lunch on site, return to La Chenarie by the Carroz Blanc forest path.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel de la Vanoise in Peisey Nancroix

Day 3 (Tuesday): Ride to Silver Mines of Peisey & Rosuel
The silver veins of Peisey, renamed the "Silver Mount", were discovered in 1644, but mining did not really begin until the early 18th century. The Ecole Pratique des Mines, was first established in Peisey, before being transferred to Paris, in 1815 at the fall of Napoleon and the Sardinian restoration in Savoy.
We visit the site on horseback then ride in the Rosuel valley.
We will stop for a traditional lunch at "Chez Felix".
In the afternoon, enchanting ride in the Vanoise National Park, discovering its high peaks, waterfalls, forests and wildlife: marmots, vultures including the very rare Gyapète, eagles, chamois, ibex ...
Visit with a naturalist guide from the Vanoise National Park. Dinner at the Rosuel refuge in the heart of the Park and overnight at the Vanoise hotel.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel de la Vanoise in Peisey Nancroix

Day 4 (Wednesday): Baroques churches on the way to Landry
Savoy baroque art is at the heart of the reconquest of souls during the counter reform. A true social project, the church reflects life in the mountains; it honors the saints invoked against the disease of men and cattle, accidents, avalanches, climatic hazards. Visiting these sites then becomes an exciting story, suitable for both amateurs and laymen. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the faith of the inhabitants and the talent of local, Piedmontese and/or French artists populated the valleys with masterpieces.
From La Chenarie we will ride to Parcompuet, to see the Baroque chapel of Vernettes.
We will visit the Chapel and then descend into the valley to Nancroix, where we enjoy lunch in a typical restaurant "Ancolie".
After the break, we ride along the Ponthurin to the village of Moulin then Peisey Nancroix, which we cross on horseback, before descending into the Tarentaise valley to visit the Baroque church of Landry, located at the foot of the Roman road.
Transfer to Angèle's farm, a charming Savoyard chalet in Seez. Visit of the baroque church of Montrigeon.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Angele's farm

Day 5 (Thursday): St Germain & Petit Saint Bernard Mountain Pass
From Seez, we will take the Roman road to Saint Germain, until we reach the Petit Saint Bernard mountain pass. The pass marks the border between the "Cromlech" and the Colonne Joux (Columna Jovis). The construction of the road that passes through the mountain pass (In Alpe Graia) probably dates back to the period of Julius Caesar around 45 BC. It was completed around the year 2 or 3 AD. It was the main road that linked Milan to Vienna, in the Rhône valley.
We will stop for lunch at the mountain pass and visit the Petit Saint Bernard hospice museum.
Once back in the saddle, we will go for a loop ride to discover the Roman ruins.
Transfer by minibus to the Pré Saint Didier thermal baths from where we have a sublime view of the Mont Blanc chain.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Pré Saint Didier

Day 6 (Friday): Sightseeing Day (no riding)
This morning, we go on a sightseeing tour to Aosta, in Italy, by minibus.
The new colony of Augusta Praetoria Salassorum (Aosta) was founded in 25 BC. J.-C, at the very place of the headquarters (praetorium) of the old fortified camp, at the crossroads between the road of Grand-Saint-Bernard (Mons Jovis or Mont Joux), and that of Petit-Saint-Bernard (Columna Jovis or "Colonne de Joux", or Alpis Graia). We visit the Arc de Triomphe, the numerous Roman remains of Aosta, as well as its medieval buildings.
We stop for lunch in Aosta.
This afternoon, we visit the medieval and renaissance castles of Fénis and Issogne, and discover their magnificent frescoes.
Then transfer to the Chambres du Soleil guest house, in the Chapieux valley, at the foot of the Aiguille des glaciers, peek from Mont Blanc chain.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Chambres du Soleil, in the Chapieux Valley

Day 7 (Saturday): Ride to Col de la Seigne
We start our ride in the Chapieux Valley and then climb toward the Seigne mountain pass, at the border with Italy. From the pass, we have an astonishing view on Mont Blanc itself.
In the afternoon, descent by the same path, but with a totally different point of view on the wonderful Chapieux valley: Mont Tondu, pointe de la Terrasse, pointe du Terrassin, pointe de Pralognan ...
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Chambres du Soleil, in the Chapieux Valley

Day 8 (Sunday): Departure
Breakfast and transfers to Geneva airport or Bourg Saint Maurice train station.
Meals included: Breakfast

Please note this itinerary may be changed in small amounts due to weather and seasonal conditions.



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.

                                                    Seez area 

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	41	45	54	59	68	75	79	78	71	62	49	42
Average Low Temperature (°F)	25	27	32	38	45	51	54	53	48	41	32	27
Average High Temperature (°C)	5	7	12	15	20	24	26	26	22	16	10	5
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-4	-3	0	3	7	10	12	12	9	5	0	-3

Source: NOAA


Seasons
This ride only takes place during the summer. The mountains are still covered with snow at high altitude, but we only cover trails where the snow is completely gone.
The weather is usually quite sunny. However, as it is the case in mountainous areas, weather can change rapidly and temperatures can drop so it is best to come prepared and dress with layers.

The general atmosphere is relaxed during your ride. Please bring some smart casual clothes for dinner.

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)

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

Pyjama

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

Handkerchiefs

Adapter for electric appliances

Camera and enough extra film and batteries

Belt pack

Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!)

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

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

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights are spent in different locations.

Description
You will sleep in hotels and B&Bs along the way. Accommodations are located in the heart of the mountain.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Nights 1, 2 & 3: Hotel de la Vanoise in Peisey Nancroix
Night 4: Angele's Farm in Seez
Night 5: Hotel in Pré Saint Didier
Nights 6 & 7: Chambres du Soleil in the Chapieux Valley



Hotel de la Vanoise in Peisey Nancroix
This small mountain hotel offers ensuite accommodation and is decorated in typical Savoy style. There is free Wi-Fi available and guests can enjoy their relaxation area: sauna, hammam and pool. From the patio you have a great view on the surrounding peaks.

Angele's Farm in Seez
This charming farmhouse was originally built in 1830. Today, the chalet still displays beautiful stonewalls, a slate roof and wooden balconies. It has 6 beautifully decorated bedrooms, each equipped with private facilities and free Wi-Fi access. In the evening, you can relax in the hot tub or enjoy the view from the terrace.

Hotel in Pré Saint Didier
This modern hotel offers splendid views of the Mont Blanc. The rooms are comfortable and equipped with all necessary amenities: ensuite bathroom, free Wi-Fi and TV. Guests are also able to access the beautiful spa to relax after a long day's ride.

Chambres du Soleil in the Chapieux Valley
This family hotel first opened its doors in 1856 and remained in service for over 150 years before having to close down. The hotel opened its door again in 2009, and your hosts now welcome you in the renovated hotel for a comfortable stay in one of the 8 guestrooms. Each room has its own bathroom and features a simple and modern decor. There is no Wi-Fi access from this property.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory if we are unable to find another rider to share.



Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8. 

On this ride, you will have the opportunity to taste the local gastronomy, convivial dinner... We do our best to give you the best experience in our beautiful mountains.

You will taste and experience the French art de vivre. All gourmet meals with 2 glass of wine included.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions given prior notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		English
Horses:		Henson breed
Pace:
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)    Intermediate +
Weight:		Max 210 lbs
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 10 riders

Horses
The choice of our horses has been motivated above all, by the strong desire to make you enjoy your trip in total safety. Our horses are quiet and generous. Your trail companion is chosen for you according your level, height and weight. For this ride, horses are Henson breed, experienced and trained for the trail riding in mountains.

Some advice:
Before you leave: If possible, prior to your trip try to ride a horse 3 or 4 times to train your muscles for a long time on horseback. Review your knowledge (tying knot, groom, saddle, adjust and put the bridle...)
During the ride: Pay attention to the given instructions, respect the schedule and keep reasonable distances from other riding, and enjoy yourself !

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.