Ride itinerary - Horses, tack & riding experience
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Day 1 - Sunday
Meeting at Marseille airport or Aix-en-Provence train station, or directly at the departure point of the ride.
Introduction to your accommodation, an aperitif in front of the fire place, and presentation of the ride and French lesson program will mark the start of your week in Provence. Dinner at the host’s table begins with learning a French toast.

Day 2 - Monday: Vineyards and Luberon + French lessons In the morning, meet your equine partner and “get acquainted” on an introductory trail ride in the vineyards surrounding the Farm. Enjoy a French lunch on the grounds of the Farm.

In the afternoon the group leaves for one hour and a half to ride the rolling hills of the Luberon Mountain range. You will see White Oaks, olive trees and the great perfume filled countryside of Provence.
Two hours of French lessons follow your ride, in main dining room. A wonderful dinner and accommodation at your French Farm Home end your first full day in this wonderful area of France.

Day 3 - Tuesday: Following Cezanne's footsteps + French lessons
This morning you will follow in the footsteps of Cezanne by minibus.
You will discover the most famous places painted by Cezanne in the Montagne Sainte-Victoire and around the great city of Aix-en-Provence, and visit the place where he used to paint. You will then spend the rest of your morning in the famous Aix-en-Provence street market : the best place to buy local products and handycrafts !
You will be free to have lunch in one of the numerous café or restaurant in Aix, before meeting everyone again and being driven back to the riding centre.
Optional ride in the afternoon, to keep exploring the surrounding area, among all the quintessential Provence herbs: thyme, rosemary, savoury, sage, wild lavender.
Return for your next French lessons. Dinner and a restful evening at your French Farm Home are the perfect ending to this day.

Day 4 - Wednesday: Full day ride to the Durance river + French lessons Today, you will ride to the Durance river bank for a lovely pic-nic lunch with aperitif, cheeses, salads, local pies, local wines and coffee. Riding down the hills, you will discover the entire Durance valley, and take a glimpse at the village, perched on its cliff. The ride back will be an easy ride through agricultural landscape.

You will discover the rich soil that permits this area to get the best production of : wine, asparagus, olives, truffles, cherries, apricots, melons... the Provence treasures ! French lesson after the ride and taking care of the horses, and another wonderful Provencal dinner.

Day 5 - Thursday: Cooking lesson + ride + French lessons
This morning is dedicated to the discovery of all the famous local products. You will thus exercise your palate at the guesthouse, around a good fire. You will taste olive oil and olives, honey, grilled chestnuts in the fireplace, everyone will be able to participate in preparing a good Provence lunch and making all together the famous truffle omelette that you will then taste for lunch, with local wine…!
The afternoon hosts a half day ride up to the crests of the Luberon with a very nice view on the surrounding hills and the Valley. Beautiful limestone cliffs looking down on you, and hosting the plateau of the cedar forest, will follow you on your ride.
You will get back to the riding centre late in the afternoon, on time for your 4th French lesson of the week.

Day 6 - Friday: Provencal villages + vineyards + French lessons This morning you will visit Provencal villages, Cezanne’s local market and where Peter Mayle – the Author of “A Year in Provence”, is now living.

In the afternoon enjoy your last ride to a local cellar producing “Cotes du Luberon”.
This little family cellar has been promoted by Robert Parker, the famous American Wine Writer. Don’t drink too much, just enjoy your taste, before riding through nice pine tree forests and bring your horse to the pasture, in the woods, where they will have a week-end rest. Last French lesson, and last dinner in Provencal friendly atmosphere.

Day 7 - Saturday
End of the trip after breakfast. Transfers to train stations and airport.

Horses

Our travel companions ! We will live at our horses’ pace ! Our horses are Spanish or barb mix, adapted to trail riding. Well balanced and wilful, they live in a herd, outdoors, and only trail ride. 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.

Riding experience

Suitable for beginners who are already confident in walk, trot and little bit in canter. Intermediate and advanced riders are also welcom (group of level will be made).

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 on the Alpes or on the beaches of Camargue, amongst odorant thym, rosemary and lavander, our guides insure riders safety in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

All our guides speak English.

Accommodation
We plan the accommodation in dormitories but you can also choose to be accommodated in double or single room with supplement. We select our accommodations according to their beautiful setting and friendly atmosphere, for riders to enjoy a pleasant stay.

7 days 6 nights - 4 days of riding, 2 half days of visits

Groups of 2 to 12 riders. This limited number of riders – often rich of several nationalities – allows each person to fully enjoy the ride.

First day
Sunday evening at the riding center at 6 p.m.
Optional transfer from Marseille airport (5 p.m.), Aix-en-Provence TGV station (5:30 p.m.) or Aix-en-Provence central train station (5:45 p.m.).

Last day
End of the stay on Saturday morning.
Optional transfer drop off at Aix-en-Provence central station (10:15 a.m.), Aix-en-Provence TGV station (10:30 a.m.) or Marseille airport (11 a.m.).

Provence is blessed with mild weather throughout most of the year, particularly those areas along the coast. It isn't all sunshine though, as the winter months can be quite cold when the Mistral wind begins to blow.
In general though, the climate in Provence is fairly moderate and is often what draws people to the area.