Day 1 - Monday

Transfer on Monday morning from the airport or train station to the riding center (except if you have chosen the 5 days/4 nights version in which case transfers are not included and you come directly to the riding centre). Presentation of the trail ride and lunch.

In the afternoon, you will be introduced to your horse and start the trip westward through the Luberon rolling hills, towards the beautiful perched village of Bonnieux. The houses, all made of stone, form a striking harmony of earth-toned colours and shapes with the landscape.
Some superb residences dating back to the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries remind you that Bonnieux was a wealthy village when this region was still a pontifical state (Comtat Venaissin). Several bishops also chosed to live here and as you ride through the village streets you will be amazed by the architecture and history on display.
After the picturesque village of Bonnieux, the trail goes down into the Valley of Aiguebrun river at the foot of high cliffs famous for climbers. Dinner and overnight in a nice Inn along the river. Depending on the date, exceptionally, you may be transfered back to the riding centre for the night.

Day 2 - Tuesday
Hills covered of nice pine forests, cherry orchards and vineyards will take you to the Calavon valley. You will meet our assistant at lunch who will have prepared a nice buffet under the pine trees, made with fresh local products. In the afternoon you will go by the hills among rosemary and thyme scents, before heading to Rustrel, riding in the bed of the Doa river. A cool and beautiful itinerary. You will spend the night in a small hotel in Rustrel and the horses will stay near the village. 

Day 3 - Wednesday Rustrel is the gateway to the “Provencal Colorado”. In the morning you will spend some time between amazing cliffs and hills of ocre. A colorful morning in an incredible landscape!

Heading back to the foothills of the Luberon, the itinerary will take you through the beautiful village of Viens. You will then ride down to the Calavon river.
You will spend the night in a guesthouse or in a hotel in Cereste.

Day 4 - Thursday After breakfast, chance to have a tour at the local street market. After preparing your horse, you will follow the foot of the Luberon mountains, ride along vineyards, and all kind of fruit trees: cherry, apricot, peaches all blooming in April and May. You will arrive at the Inn where you will able to enjoy the pool before the dinner.

Depending on the date, exceptionally, you may be transferred back to the riding centre guest house for the night.

Day 5 - Friday
You will ride down into the Aiguebrun canyon following the creek on a green path before going up first to the suspended village of Sivergues and continue to the crests of the Luberon mountains to discover an exceptional view of the Alps in the North, to the Mediterranean sea in the South.

Lunch picnic is near the village of Lourmarin where the writer Albert Camus lived and is buried. Lourmarin is a charming Provencal village that inspired the famous American writer, Peter Mayle, who is now living nearby.
You will then ride back to the riding center through olive trees and cherry orchards, with nice views on the Sainte Victoire mountain, “Cezanne’s mountain”. For those who chose the 5 days / 4 nights version, the program ends here. Possibility to get transfer to Lauris central bus station for 4:40 departure to Aix en Provence.
The rest of the group has the opportunity to visit Lourmarin and its small alleys, have a coffee at a terrace or visit the 12th century castle. Farewell dinner and overnight at the guesthouse.

Day 6 - Saturday
End of the trip after breakfast. Transfer to Aix en Provence train stations or Marseille airport.

*No single supplement for the dormitory version.

Our horses and required riding ability

Horses
Spanish or barb crossbreds, adapted to trail riding. Well balanced and willing, they live in a herd, outdoors, and are only used for trail riding. They are our guarantee for a relaxing and safe ride.

Tack
Our saddles are designed for trail riding and allow a laid back style of riding.

You will ride an average of five hours everyday. The pace will vary according to the terrain, there will be walk, trot and some canter, but this is not a fast ride.

In order to make the most of the ride, we require riders to be at ease with walk, trot and canter, in outdoor riding. For riders willing to discover the pleasures of trail riding in a more progressive way, we have created a Stationary Ride allowing guests to become more confident at all gaits step by step.

1 English speaking guide + 1 assistant following with a van, preparing lunches and transfering luggage.
Guides are certified, and are friends who made a job of their passion. They will share with you this passion and the pleasure of trail riding. Whether in the Alps or on the beaches of Camargue, amongst odorant thym, rosemary and lavander, our guides insure riders safety in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Accommodation
Rates are based on dormitory accommodation but you can also choose to upgrade into guesthouse rooms (2 or 3 beds) or single room with supplement.
We select our accommodation according to their beautiful settings and friendly atmosphere for riders to enjoy a pleasant stay.

Meals
At lunch, our assistant will prepare a substantial buffet. A “pastis” (a typical regional aniseed aperitif), a glass of red wine a barbecue by a mountain stream, a refreshing salad, a nap before leaving again: these small pleasures will add to the friendliness of our rides. In the evening everyone meets around a nice table, to discover the local food. We will have dinner in small hotels and guesthouses.

Optional 5 days/4 nights/4,5 days riding version:
Meeting on Mondays at 11:30am at the riding centre.
Transfers possibles from/to Lauris central bus station with connection for Aix en Provence Central station and shuttle for TGV station or Marseille airport or central station St. Charles
Times :

"Beautiful lanscapes and really sweet mare for totally safe trail." - Sophie C. (2013)

"Beautiful trail to recommend even to the less experienced riders, because it is an easy ride." - Mélanie S. (2013)