Our rides

Choose your ride

Why ride with us ?

EQUESTRIAN HOLIDAYS IN A CASTLE IN ALLIER...

Discover the charm and abundant history of the Bourbonnais region at the Castle, located only three hours south of Paris. Its hilltop position provides encompassing views of the estate's 40 hectares including the lake, forests, fields and typical "bocage". The heart of this Eden is the beautiful, romantic 19th century mansion, completely renovated and managed with refinement. Each of the 16 comfortable guestrooms contains complete modern bathrooms, tasteful decoration and antique furnishings of the period. The Chateau offers guests in search of a change of scenery a delightful country experience highlighted by fine gourmet dining in an atmosphere of relaxation and culture.

At the Chateau, guests are welcomed with warmth and attention and quickly feel at home amidst the splendour of the chateau and tranquil grounds.
Equipped with wonderful stables for horses, you'll have there a great time of horse riding and relaxing...

RIDE ITINERARY

A unique and natural environment, unspoiled and largely unchanged from historical times. Experience the traditional bourbonnaise country side in its true sense - the characteristic bocage, herds of Charollais cattle, flocks of sheep, horses, and, of course, the friendliness of the bourbonnaise people themselves. A private estate of 100 acres containing cool woods, green pastures and a pond, all carefully maintained with the well-being of the guests in mind. Walking paths wind through wood and field, while the pond provides fish for the angler and a row boat for the boater. Peace and tranquility are a priority at the Castle.

The double French doors of the entrance open to a large foyer which provides access to the different reception rooms on this floor. The style is predominantly Directoire, as evidenced by the ornate golden coloured wood paneling, the mahogany paneling, and the monumental original chandelier.
The Grand and the Middle salons are furnished with your comfort in mind. The comfortable seating and pleasant music provide a perfect setting for enjoying aperitifs and refreshments.
The mahogany-paneled library, containing books and parlor games, opens onto the grounds via large, floor-to-ceiling windows.


Day 1
Meeting point at the Castle during the afternoon. Relax at the Castle (outdoor swimming pool, trekking in the estate's 40 hectares, bicycle, sauna, jacuzzi).
Diner (discovery menu) and night at the Castle.

Day 2
After breakfast, you will enjoy 2 hours lessons in the morning on the beautiful outdoor arena of the Haras. Evaluation of riding abilities, dressage, jumping depending on what you prefer.
Lunch at the Castle (Rider menu).
During afternoon, a one hour trail riding in the park and around will let you discover better the castle and its wonderful environment.
Dinner (Gourmet menu) and night at the Castle.

Day 3
Departure in the morning for a 2 hours trail ride in the bocage and into one of the majestic forests of the country (Tronçais or Gros Bois).
Lunch at the castle's restaurant (Rider menu).
Check out at 1.00 pm.

HORSES, TACK AND RIDING EXPERIENCE

Horses

Horses are balanced and willing : French saddle horses, spanish horses. The Haras is very close to the Castle.

Tack

English saddles.

Recommended riding experience

You'll ride a total of 5 hours. You need to be comfortable at all gaits.
Each day, you'll have the choice between trails and horse riding lessons in the outdoor area with a competent teacher.

To know
Non riders are welcome on this destination, there are many possibilities at the castle (hammam, swimming pool, jacuzzi, mountain bike...).
Helmet is compulsory on this destination.
Accompagnied children are welcome from 16 years if they have the required level.

YOUR GUIDES

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation

3*NN hotel. For your comfort, the Chateau has 16 renovated rooms, each with complete bathrooms and furnished with unique antiques and artwork. Each room also has a direct phone line, modem hook-up and satellite television.
You have the choice between 4 types of room :

	Standard rooms Northern exposure small window or roof window, 140 cm bed, bath or shower.
	Comfort rooms Southern exposure, biggest as the standard rooms, 160 cm bed.
	Superior rooms Southern exposure, biggest rooms as the standard ones. Beautiful view onto pastures and the pond.
	DeLuxe rooms Very big rooms, different exposure, 5 big windows, huge bathroom.

Meals

Gourmet restaurant with roots deep in the Bourbonnaise tradition. Experience the diversity and flair of local cuisine, and rediscover the taste and health of produce from the Chateau gardens, neighbouring farms, or local markets. Meals are served in the hunter's dining room, the more intimate Directoire Salon, or outside, on the inviting terrace
A wine cellar containing nearly 3000 bottles of France's finest selections, especially those of Bourgogne and Cote du Rhone. Come share our passion for wine.

DATES AND RATES

This 3 days / 2 nights stay can be scheduled all year long except in january and february.
Possibility to book during the week, except on monday because of the weekly closure (except in july and august).

Extra day (including night, lunch (rider menu), 2 hours of horse riding) : from 190 € to 250 € depending to the category of room and period choiced.

Extra riding : 26€ / hour. In that case, you must arrive early afternoon on day one, to have the time to ride your extras.

- 5 hours horse riding per person as describe, with English / French speaking guide,

- Free acces to castle equipment : outdoor swimming pool (from May to September depending the weather conditions), sauna, jacuzzi...,
- 2 nights in a double room in Castle,
- Full board : 2 breakfasts + 2 lunches + 2 diners (drinks not included),
- Total and unlimited financial guarantee (APS) of all payments made to us (see "why ride with us ?"),

- Protection of the French Law for travel consumers who book through French travel agencies (see "why ride with us ?").

- transport to the meeting point,

- drinks,

- extra riding, or extra day,

- optional activities at the Castle as golf, balloon, any other service or optional visit entries, personal expenses...,
- tips,

- a tour to discover other regions of France before or after the trail (castle life, golf training, thalassotherapy spas...), see our "after ride proposals".
- optional insurances.

BOOKING - MORE INFORMATION

Contact Céline, the specialist for this horse riding tour...

GENERAL INFORMATION

HEALTH

There are no specific health formalities and emergency medical treatment is as widely available in the country.

ENTRY FORMALITIES

A valid passport is required of all foreigners entering France, except people living from a Schengen agreement country for who a valid ID card is enough.

All foreign citizens who wish to come to France must be able to present regulatory proof of the purpose of their stay, means of support and accommodation. In some cases, they need a visa to enter France. Visas must be applied for before leaving for France at a French consular office.

France is a member of European Union. No visa is required for citizens of other EU states.

No visa is required for US visitors staying less than 3 months.

Please check these informations at your local French embassy.