Discover the heart of Provence, South of France, from the Luberon Regional Nature Park to the foot of Mount Ventoux. This trail ride is filled with light and scents half-way between the Alps and the Mediterranean. Along the way, you will travel through ancient villages and along fields of lavender.
Day 1
Arrive at Mas de Recaute near to Lauris and settle into your accommodation. Later over a pre-supper aperitif meet your guide, have dinner and learn about the week ahead.
You should be an intermediate rider fit enough for between 4 to 6 hours in the saddle each day.
The following is the proposed itinerary but please note that changes are possible due to weather and local conditions.
Day 2
Today’s ride takes you from Lauris to Buoux.
Following the foothills of the southern side of the Luberon mountain range, you will reach Lourmarin, a famous village where Albert Camus the French novelist once lived and where his body now lies.
Picnic near to the village, before mounting the crests of the Luberon to discover a wonderful view, the peaks of the Alps to the north and the Mediterranean sea to the south.
Tonight will be in a stone auberge, deep in the heart of the Luberon.
Day 3
Today’s ride takes you from Buoux to Cereste.
You ride through the prehistoric sites of the “Gorges de l’Aigebrun”, passing through a very pretty provincial village to offer the horses a drink at the fountain.
Lunchtime is a picnic under the oaks, then you will follow bridleways though the perfumed garrigues to reach Cereste.
Tonight is at an inn in the heart of the village.
Day 4
Today you will ride from Cereste to Simiane-la-Rotonde.
After a pause to discover the priory of Carluc dating from the XI century, you will ride towards Oppedette. Cross through this superb village, typical to Haute-Provence, perched on the cliff.
Later there will be the opportunity for some faster canters on the way to Simiane.
Tonight is at a “chambre d’hotes” (bed and breakfast).
Day 5
Today’s ride takes you from Simiane-la-Rotonde to Saint-Trinit.
Lunchtime will be a picnic under the chestnut trees, their leaves used to wrap the delicious goats cheese a speciality from Banon, which you shall taste accompanied with a “Cote de Luberon” wine.
Later you will ride through fields of lavender and sage, before arriving at your “gîte” for the night.
Day 6
Today’s ride is from Saint-Trinit to Le Contadour.
The morning ride is your introduction to the Alpine views of Haute Provence. The change in the landscape is subtle and refreshing. From your horse, enjoy the sumptuous views over the Luberon Mountain Range and the Southern Alps, an area covered with Chestnut trees often used in local goat cheese recipes. You will appreciate your horses’ stamina and surefootedness as you climb to the Pas de Redortiers (alt. 3,800 feet). Here you will get a great view of the pre-Alps.
Later you will ride along the ridges of the Lure Mountain and discover the “Jas” and “bories”, dry-stone constructions used by shepherds and travellers. You will end up the ride on the hillside of the Mountain, in Le Contadour where Jean Giono the famous Provence writer used to live.
At the end of the day you will all transfer back to Mas de Recaute. Dinner and night at the Mas de Recaute.
Day 7
After breakfast transfer to Marseilles.
New Year Ride
A centre based ride to welcome in the New Year under the Provencal sun.
A mixture of day and half day rides in the Luberon Regional Nature Park, amongst the vineyards, olive and other fruit trees.
You will be based at the Gargoulettes guesthouse complete with swimming pool, jacuzzi and hamman.
The highlight will be a New Year Eve’s celebration featuring a Provencal dinner and party.
Day 1
You will meet at the «Gargoulettes» where you will be based for the next 6 days.
Later over a pre-supper aperitif, you will meet your guide, have dinner and learn about the week ahead.
The following is the proposed itinerary but please note that changes are possible due to weather and local conditions.
Day 2
The morning’s ride will be a hack around the hills around the Mas (Provincial farm). After lunch, you will ride for a further two hours in the afternoon, followed by a wine tasting tour of a cellar. This will allow you to experience the wines of “Cotes du Luberon”. Dinner will be prepared by the chef back at your accommodation.
Day 3
Today, you will ride to the Durance river bank for a lovely picnic lunch complete with aperitifs, cheeses, salads, local pies, local wines and coffee. Back in the saddle, you will ride downhill towards the Durance valley, and spy a glimpse of village of Lauris, perched high up on a cliff. You will have a gentle ride back through the surrounding farmland. The fertile soil means that this area is famous for its wine, asparagus, olives, truffles, cherries, apricots, melons, otherwise known as the Provence treasures.
Day 4
Today you can have a half day off or take a morning trip in the minibus around the Luberon regional nature park: Lauris, Lourmarin and its castle. In the afternoon, you will ride in the pine tree hills and alongside olive trees, vineyards and other fruit trees with a stop in a cave for a wine tasting.
Day 5
You will be transferred to Sivergues for a two day trail ride. Sivergues-Lauris: You will follow the Aiguebrun, single stream through the Luberon, a very pleasant trail along the clear waters sheltered by lush vegetation and stunning cliffs popular for climbers. You will ride to Bonnieux, beautiful perched village where all houses made of stone blend with the limestone cliffs at the foot of a plateau covered with almond trees and lavender. The buffet will await you close to the village. In the afternoon, you will ride down the Petit Luberon to the Mas de Recaute.
Day 6
On the second day trail ride Lauris-Sivergues: At the foot of the Luberon, you will reach the superb village of Lourmarin, rated «One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France». A buffet will be set up near the village for lunch. In the afternoon, you will ride up to the Grand Luberon to discover its landscapes, with a breathtaking view of the Alps in the north, to the Mediterranean off the south.
You will be transferred to your accommodation in the afternoon. Celebrate with a Provençal dinner on New Year’s Eve.
Day 7
After breakfast transfer to Marseille.
Perched Villages
This 5 night ride takes in the Luberon hills, which is one of the most exquisite places in Provence, and a regional parkland. With its forest of green and white oaks, its cliffs of limestone, and its typical drystone villages, the Luberon displays the authentic and picturesque landscape well described in the famous ‘A Year in Provence’ by Peter Mayles novel.
Day One
You should be an intermediate rider fit enough for between 4 to 6 hours in the saddle each day.
The following is the proposed itinerary but please note that changes are possible due to weather and local conditions.
Upon arrival you will meet your guide and have an introduction to the trail ride before lunch.
In the afternoon, you will be introduced to your horse and together you start your journey through the Luberon rolling hills, towards the beautiful perched village of Bonnieux. The houses, all made with stones, form a striking harmony of earth-toned colours and shapes. Some superb residences dating back to the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries serve as a reminder that Bonnieux was a wealthy village when this region, the Comtat Venaissin, belonged to the Popes. Several bishops also chose to live here and as you ride through the village streets you will no doubt marvel at the architecture and history on display.
Take a glimpse on Lacoste, the village of the infamous Marquis de Sade and ride past his historical castle.
After the picturesque village of Bonnieux, the trail goes down the Valley of the Aiguebrun River. Overnight in a nice Auberge along the river.
Day Two
From Buoux to Rustrel. Today you will ride through the undulating hills covered with pine forests, cherry orchards and vineyards towards the Calavon valley.
A picnic lunch awaits you under the pine trees, made with fresh local products. Later in the afternoon you will ride through the hills amongst Rosemary and Thyme scents, before heading to Rustrel, riding along the bed of the Doa river. You will spend the night at a hotel in Rustrel and the horses will stay near the village.
Day Three
From Rustrel to Cereste. Rustrel is the gateway to the “Provence Colorado”. In the morning you will ride among the amazing cliffs and hills the colour of ocher. Heading back to the foothills of the Luberon, the trail then takes you through the beautiful village of Viens.
Later you ride down to the Calavon river. You will spend the night in a guesthouse or in a hotel in Cereste.
Day Four
From Cereste to Saignon or Buoux. After breakfast you might be lucky enough to visit a local street market.
Later, on horseback you will follow the foot of the Luberon, riding along the vineyards, and all kind of fruit trees: cherry, apricot, peaches all blooming in April and May. Passing through another charming perched village, Auribeau, you then descend down to the Aiguebrun river before arriving to a typical stonebuilt guesthouse in the heart of the Luberon mountain.
(NB on some weeks, you might overnight at the same accommodation as Monday night)
Day Five
From Saignon or Buoux to Lauris. Today you will ride up to the crests of the Luberon to discover the stunning views of all Provence, with the Alps to the North, and the Mediterranean to the South. Then, you will ride down to Lourmarin.
After a lunchtime picnic you can visit the village with its 12th century castle. This is a charming Provencal village that inspired the famous American writer, Peter Mayle, who is now living near the village. You will then ride back to Mas de Recaute through the olive trees and cherry orchards, with nice views on the Sainte Victoire mountain, “Cezanne’s mountain”.
Day Six
After breakfast transfer to Marseilles.
The Lavender Ride
Discover the heart of Provence, South of France, a trail rich in Provence fragrances and colours, from the South Luberon to Provencal areas, famous for their lavender production. This trail takes you to the Plateau of Claparèdes, the Plateau of Albion, through the Country of Banon, to the foot of the Giant of Provence , the Mount Ventoux. A perfumed ride amongst Provence herbs.
Day One
Arrive at Mas de Recaute near to Lauris and settle into your accommodation. Later over a pre-supper aperitif meet your guide, have dinner and learn about the week ahead.
You should be an intermediate rider fit enough for between 4 to 6 hours in the saddle each day.
The following is the proposed itinerary but please note that changes are possible due to weather and local conditions.
Day Two
Today’s ride takes you 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. You are rewarded for your climb with a nice view of the Mont Ventoux (locally called «the giant of Provence») and the Lure Mountain.
A dense green oak forest will then guide you towards the Plateau of Claparèdes, famous for its lavender production. Lunch will be in the hills.
During the afternoon, you will ride down to the Aiguebrun Gorges, the border between Small Luberon and Big Luberon.
Tonight you stay at a charming Inn situated down the cliffs.
Day Three
Today’s ride takes you from Buoux to Rustrel.
This morning you are riding back up on the Plateau of Claparèdes, following lavender fields, dry stone walls and » bories » (small shepherds’ pens). You will stop in the perched village of Saignon to water the horses at the fountain, before your 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 by horseback this interesting site before reaching your hotel in the village of Rustrel.
Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse.
Day Four
Today’s ride is from Rustrel to Saint Trinit.
This mornings ride will take you quietly into a valley shaded by oak trees and onto the Albion Plateau, which will offers great opportunities for canters and more and more fields of lavender.
Picnic near a chapel before browsing the plateau. This is a former nuclear missiles site for the French nuclear force (between 1971 to 1996). Your ride will take you among the lavender and sage fields with a break at a distillery where your guide will explain the production process for the perfume manufactures.
Later you will arrive at your guesthouse where you can relax and possibly take a swim in the pool before visiting the village of Sault, the lavender capital, where you can do some shopping and visit the lavender distillery.
Day Five
Today’s ride takes you from Saint-Trinit to Montbrun-les-Bains.
After breakfast, you will be driven to visit Sault the Provence capital of lavender. Then ride in direction of Saint-Trinit.
In the afternoon, you will ride in the direction of Aurel, charming medieval village at the foot of the Mount Ventoux. The colours of the lavender, the fields of cereal and the shadows of the Mount Ventoux may explain why so many numerous painters fell in love with this region.
You end today in the late the afternoon near Montbrun-les-Bains, which is surrounded with green hills and dominating plains of perfumed lavenders. Possibly one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Day Six
Today’s ride is from Montbrun les Bains to Saint Auban sur Ouvèze.
This morning, you follow the foot of the Giant of Provence, the Mount Ventoux. Leaving Montbrun by walking along a pleasant refreshing stream, you start a climb through the forests and lavender fields heading to the «Arles» pass, where you enter the Provence Drôme.
Before lunch you descend into the wonderful Mevouillon valley to reach your picnic spot.
This afternoon you leave the valley riding towards the Pelleret hamlet, going up to the «Bouvreges» pass where the views are stunning.
Later enjoy your last canter through the forest to Saint Auban sur Ouvèze, where the horsebox and minibus are waiting to transfer you back to Lauris, and Mas de Recaute.
Day Seven
After breakfast transfer to Marseilles.
The Wine Tour
This trail ride is in the heart of Provence, taking you through the Luberon national regional park to the Rhone valley, at the foot of the Mont Ventoux.
This is a country basked in sunshine making it superb wine country. You can discover the “Cotes de Luberon”, the “Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, the “Cotes du Ventoux, as well as the famous “Cotes du Rhone” such as the Beaumes-de-Venise and Gigondas, where the trail ride ends.
Day One
Arrive at Mas de Recaute near to Lauris and settle into your accommodation. Later over a pre-supper aperitif meet your guide, have dinner and learn about the week ahead.
You should be an intermediate rider fit enough for between 4 to 6 hours in the saddle each day.
The following is the proposed itinerary but please note that changes are possible due to weather and local conditions.
Day Two
Today’s ride takes you from Lauris to Merindol. You will follow the vines, sheltered by the southern side of the Luberon. On the way you will enjoy your first wine tasting at a “Cave de Vins”.
A picnic lunch is provided in a pine grove. Later in the evening, dinner and night spent in an auberge, or return to the “Mas de Recaute” in the minibus (on certain dates).
Day Three
Today’s ride takes you from Merindol to Oppède. You will ride through pine forests with wonderful views of the Durance valley and it’s orchards.
In the afternoon, you ride through landscapes of cliffs where eagles and other birds of prey nest, finally arriving at Oppède where the horses will stay for the night. You will be transferred to Coustellet where your guesthouse is for the night.
Day Four
Today’s ride is from Oppède to Venasque.
Today, you enter into the “Côtes de Ventoux” producing area, via the Vaucluse mounts. Later you reach the “mur de la peste” a wall constructed in 1720 to protect the populations from the plague that spread from Marseille. Overnight near Venasque a historical village.
Day Five
Today’s ride takes you from Venasque to Crillon le Brave. This is the countryside of rolling hills, and you will ride through pine forests and cherry trees, facing the “Mont Ventoux” called the «Giant of Provence».
Before lunch you will wine taste at the Domaine des Anges.
Later in the afternoon, you will arrive at the Moulin d’Antelon or other guesthouse near the village Crillon le Brave. The village takes its full name of Crillon-le-Brave from the most legendary of its dukes: Louis des Balbes de Berton de Crillon or «Le Brave Crillon» (1541–1615). He was one of Henri IV’s fiercest and most valiant generals during the French Wars of Religion in the late 16th century. The same Crillon family also gave its name to the famous Hôtel de Crillon in Paris.
Day Six
Today’s ride is from Crillon le Brave to Gigondas. You will ride through villages, with the “Mont Ventoux” in the background.
Your lunchtime picnic is near the Barroux village and chateau. In the afternoon you will discover the “Dentelles de Montmirail”, these short, steep mountains have a distinctive rocky ridge that has needle thin spikes and ridges (“dentelle” means lace).
Later you will get to wine taste at Domaine de Cassan, in the heart of this beautiful range and you end the ride at Gigondas, where you are all transferred back to Lauris.
Day Seven
After breakfast transfer to Marseilles.
, se mere info om Rideerfaring
Omtaler
Det er ingen omtaler ennå.