Voyage à cheval - Randonnée équestre organisée par Randocheval
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FRANCE ON HORSEBACK

Horse riding tours and equestrian holidays in France

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PROVENCE / ALPILLES - Weekend horse riding vacation

« When God created the sun, the earth, the mountains and the waters, and organized them, he took a piece of everything and made a heaven: the Alpilles ».

To ascertain this idea, come to ride in the heart of the Alpilles regional natural park! A riding tour that Provencal landscapes, wild nature and large spaces lovers will appreciate.

Let’s ride and enjoy the sun, the azure sky, the unique colorful landscapes, the singing cicadas, the hills punctuating the horizon, olive tree fields as far as the eye can see...

 

For every riding tour, the itinerary is different depending on the season, the duration of the riding tour and the guide’s mood! We suggest you various star formula riding tours to discover the Bauxites lakes, the Alpilles ridges, the Baux de Provence Castle, Maussane, Aureille and the Marguerite valleys.

The welcome of the riders is always at 9:30am at the ranch, and the departure is late zfternoon on the last day.

Our different riding itineraries

  • On the romans' steps

Hidden between the limestone cliffs, the Caisses de Jean-Jean offer one of the most remarkable landscapes of the Alpilles. Between nature and heritage, the path will reveal a frame of the Alpilles, of which the geology, the flora and the fauna, the agricultural and natural landscapes and, more importantly, the ruins of a Gallic oppidum (ancient city in western and central Europe), make of it a must-see site. At lunch time, we will take a break at the shade of the pine trees to eat a delicious meal prepared with olive oil from the mas. Back in the saddle, we cross the "Plaines de Marguerite" and their silver ocean of olive trees. There, depending on the season, we will meet olive growers busy with the traditionnal harvesting of the olives or the trimming of the trees. Dinner and night at the Mas.

  • The wolf's step

We take the path that leads to the ridge lines overlooking the entire valley of Les Baux de Provence. This highest point offers a breathtaking 360° view over the whole region! Depending on the weather, Bonelli's eagles can be seen. We ride with the famous castle of Les Baux de Provence in our sights. There, we set foot on land to enjoy a meal that smells of Provence, before setting off again and following a refreshing river in the foothills of the Alpilles.

  • Maussane-les-Alpilles

Today, we're off to the olive "capital"! Nestled on the southern side of the Alpilles, where the sun shines brightly and warmly for more than 300 days a year, Maussane is bathed in the tranquillity and gentle Provencal way of life. The fields of olive trees stretch as far as the eye can see, here and there are cypress alleys leading to superb mas and traditional oil mills. On the way, I suggest that you compete in the Oliviades and beat the record held by others! I won't tell you more... it's a surprise! At noon, lunch in the countryside or meal in the saloon

  • Aureille

Today, our hooves bing us to the heart of the massif des Alpilles. Enchanting landscapes, dazzling colors and heady smells. At lunch, we stop at Aureille, small, calm and charming village and eat our meal at the foot of its castellas (small medieval castle). A nap while lazing around before leaving again for a ride cadenced by the southern accent. Dinner and night at the Mas.

  • Bauxites Lake

The broom flowers fragrance or the magestic flight of the Bonelli eagle lead us to a magical place. We arrive in a whole red colored landscape: this is Bauxite! Suddenly, we are in the corner of the path and we can perceive a turquoise water lake, a stark contrast! We stop into this spectacular setting to have a strong and delicious picnic lunch. Then, we ride again through lovely shadowed paths punctuating our trip and offering us unforgettable panoramic views. Dinner and night at the Mas.

  • Peïroou Lake

Today, our hooves take us to the heart of the cauldron! Following the magnificent white rock cliffs, we ride between garrigue and pine forests to reach the Lac des Peïroou. Peïroou is the Provençal name for the cauldron and the natural cavities dug into the rocky ground by erosion. At midday, we have a picnic in the shade of the pine trees. Back in the saddle, pleasant shady paths mark out our hike and offer beautiful panoramas

Individual departure of the riders from late afternoon.

Voyage à cheval - Randonnée équestre organisée par Randocheval

This program is available from April to October, excluding the summer season.
Dates and prices for 2024 will be available at the end of January 2024.

Other departure dates can be arranged for 4 riders or more, subject to availability, except from mid-June to mid-September. Please contact us for further information.

Weekend in Provence, in lodge- 2024
Dates coming soon

For groups already formed with at least 4 riders, please contact us now to arrange a departure date immediately.

Weekend in Provence, bivouac- 2024
Dates coming soon

For groups already formed with at least 6 riders, please contact us now to arrange a departure date immediately.

 

Included:

- the trail ride as described in full board basis
- drinks with meals (water, wine, aperitizer)
- 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 ?")

 

Not included:

- transportation to and from the riding centre
- extra night to pay on the spot
- Booking fees 15€/person
- any other services or optional visit entries, personal expenses
- tips
- optional insurances

 

 

 

 

Our horses and required riding ability

Horse breeds

We have different types of horses. Criollos, Quarter horses, Paints, Appaloosas or Spanish Pure Breeds, Merens, Camargues...

Saddles

We use australian, Mac lellan or western saddles. Saddlebags are not provided but you can bring yours to carry your personal equipment during the day.

Recommended riding ability

To join this trail, you have to be comfortable at the three gaits in open spaces, and to be able to ride outdoor in various grounds.
It can be your first time outdoor riding over several days, but novice riders are not accepted.
We ride 5 to 6 hours per day. We travel 20 to 30 km per day and the stony ground can sometimes be steep.

Good to know
Each rider is responsible for his horse: feet, detection of small scratches, brushing, and saddle.
Accompanied children are allowed from 10 years old if they are good riders and from 12 years old if they are alone.

Maximum weight : 100kg
Maximum size : 1m90

The local team

This trail is guided by experienced and qualified guides. Sébastien, the main guide is both France and Europe champion of team roping and will propose an introduction to his passion over the week-end.

Logistic
An assistance and safety vehicle provides us with lunch and dinner on a daily basis.

Accommodation

Dates in bivouac version: an old fire truck converted into a logistics vehicle, to transport tipi tents, mess tents and shower cabins. Dry toilets.
The accommodation remains very comfortable (hot shower!).

Date in lodge version: accommodation is provided on the site of the equestrian center, either in a gîte with a dormitory for 6 people, or in a mobile home. Shared bathroom and toilet.
Single rooms are not available.

This equestrian farm holds the French label "Bienvenue à la ferme", a guarantee for quality, and also beneficiates from the other French equestrian label "Cheval Etape FFE".
When there is a lack of availability in the Mas, we will propose you to sleep in another inn or guesthouse

As an option and subject to availability, a couple can request a comfortable gypsy caravan in a garden overlooking the olive groves (private bathroom, double bed, kitchenette). Cost: €70/night (payable on site).

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Meals

The logistics vehicle brings us delicious hot or cold meals for lunch. You will have a pastis or rosé wine glass, bruised olives and tapenade made in the Mas, a ratatouille with olive oil and vegetables from the garden, and finally you will have a "pénéquet" (a Provencal rest!) before riding again… Enjoy!
The dinners in the Mas are a family and Provencal cuisine. 
The basic product is olive oil made in the Mas!

Languages spoken by the guide: French, ENglish and Italian

Group size: From 2 to 10 riders

Arrival airport / train station:

Meeting at the riding centre at around 9am.

The closest airports are Marseille or Nimes, and the closest train stations are Avignon and Arles. Transfers by taxi.

If you come by train, plan your arrival on the day before the beginning of the trail. You can also stay one extra night after the end of the riding tour.

 

Our riding consultant's report

Provence scents, colors, and friendly encounters make this riding trip a memorable experience.

Riding guest reviews

"Very pleasant place, the supervision is great, the horses are all in good condition, it was a great experience. We'll be back with pleasure." - Emi C. (2022)

"If you want to go for superb horseback rides or randos in a magnificent location with an exceptional team and above all in horse paradise. This is the best address in the region!" - Vivi M. (2022)

"Very nice ride in the heart of the Alpilles supervised by Maryline, a very pleasant and attentive guide." - Sandrine R. (2022)

"A place cut off from the world and in connection with nature and especially with horses. Sumptuous rides, a real breath of fresh air. Not to mention the very warm welcome." - Christelle F. (2021)

"Really good experience! Excellent on every point. I strongly recommend the ranch and without a doubt, I will come back! The atmosphere is friendly and you can feel it as soon as you arrive. The well-being of the horse is a priority, the horses are mentally balanced. The team is professional and really sweet. Thank you for everything." - Marina Z. (2020)

"Everything was exceptional! A really great few days. " (Dan K. 2018)

"I wanted top thank you for Estelle's stay, she really loved it and she had a few surprises on the spot as well (a birthday cake and a night in the gypsies caravan)! Thank you again, she will keep an unforgettable memory of her 20th birthday weekend!" - Estelle M. 's mother (2017)

"A very warm welcome, outstanding landscape, confident horses... This riding tour was a great success with real professionals who love their job. I definitely recommend it!" (Béatrice M. 2013) 

"Everything is made for us to feel at home. Very good meals, homemade of course. Really a perfect experience!" (Virginie J. 2013)

Why you will love this trail

Next departure in 2024

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2 days / 1 night - 2 days riding

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