Ride Overview
This is one of our most epic horseback rides – the history is incredibly rich. It’s not just about the lovely, lush and peaceful landscapes of Normandy, it’s about the deep, poignant and historic events that occurred here and all along the D-Day beaches.
The ride gives you the amazing first hand experience of that fateful time as well as introduces you to the more ancient history – the famed Bayeux Tapestry, that tells the story of William the Conqueror. And as a wonderful treat, you end the week with the amazing ride on the beach and to visit Mont Saint Michel. An incredible week of riding, to be sure!
2025 Date: Sept. 21-27 (FULL) and Sept. 27-Oct. 3
Rate: $5,450.00 USD (or 4,548€), Single Supplement: $825.00 USD (or 650€)
Included
- 6 nights accommodation (shared)
- 5 days of guided trail riding
- Horse and all tack
- Guiding services
- All luggage and personal transfers on the itinerary
- All meals
- Wine with meals (2 glasses each)
- Visits listed in the itinerary
- All local taxes
- Gratuities for all hotel and restaurant staff
Not Included
- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- Drinks outside of meals or beyond the allotment
- Gratuities for the riding staff
- Transfers to/from the meeting and departure points
- Visits or tips not outlined in the itinerary
France’s Normandy Beaches and Mont Saint Michel Itinerary
* INDICATIVE ITINERARY *
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at chateau de Bellefontaine in Bayeux. Cabs can easily be found in town or directly at the train station and it's a short 5 minute ride. Enjoy a briefing on the ride, dinner and night at chateau de Bellefontaine in Bayeux.
Day 2: Colleville Sur Mer - Omaha Beach
AM - about 2 hours on horseback
We begin the ride on the historic cliffs of Omaha Beach, and in the surrounding countryside. There are ample changes for long trots and canters and a nice beach canter! Lunch in a lovely local restaurant.
PM - about 1.5 hours on horseback
Get ready for your second fun ride on the beach- the surf, and fresh air await! Time will be according to the tide. After the ride, we go to visit of the American Cemetery. You'll have ample time to stroll the grounds and pay homage to the souls that rest here.
Gourmet dinner and night at Chateau Bellefontaine.
Day 3: Omaha Beach - Arromanches
AM - about 2 hours on horseback
This morning we again begin our ride by the beach or on the cliffs overlooking the beach - it's according to the tide. But you'll have a fun ride in and around this historic area, with great and long canters.
PM - about 2 hours on horseback
The ride continues on the cliffs overlooking the beach and the Artificial Harbor - with a spectacular view of Arromanches and its famous Mulberry port - weather and tied permitting, we'll have a fun canter on the beach!
Dinner and a second night at hotel La Marine *** in Arromanches, with a wonderful view on the sea.
Day 4: Arromanches - Ryes - Creully
AM - about 2 hours 30 on horseback
We have the wonderful chance again to begin the ride by the beach according the tide, then move into the hilly landscape of Normandy. It's amazing to think of the history that was made in this tranquil countryside.
Lunch in typical restaurant in Ryes, and visit of the church from the XI and XIII century.
PM - about 2 hours on horseback
Ride through the countryside we arrive on horseback into the old city of Creully. The horse wait for us as we visit the medieval chateau of Creully, famous because it was the location where the BBC broadcasted news of the Normandy battle in 1944.
Gourmet dinner and night at La Marine.
Day 5: Vist of Bayeux and Saint Lo
AM - visit of Bayeux cathedral, a famous structure from medieval times and the XVIIIth century. We will also visit the famous Bayeux tapestry made in the 11th century, and listed as a “Memory of the World” by UNESCO. It tells the story of William the Conqueror.
Lunch at Hotel de Bellefontaine.
PM - Transfer by vehicle to Haras de Saint Lo, the heart of famous Selle Français breed and the not just the equestrian school but the breeding center.
Afterward, we transfer by car to Manoir du Brion in Mont Saint Michel Bay ; Gourmet diner and night in this fantastic (and privately owned) chateau. Here, you really are directly in the footsteps of royalty - Manoir de Brion, was where the French kings stayed on their pilgrimage to the abbey Mont saint Michel.
Day 6: Riding in the bay of Mont Saint Michel
Today’s ride is a long morning one of about 4 hours on horseback. Ride in fabulous Mont Saint Michel Bay with its commanding views of the city - unique as it is cut off from the mainland when the tide arrives.
Afterward, you’ll enjoy lunch in a local and typical creperie and enjoy a few hours to shop or relax. A gourmet dinner awaits you on your final night in this magical part of France.
Night in Manoir de Brion.
Day 7: Departure or optional extra day
Breakfast and departure.
OR - Today is a perfect day to visit (on your own) the city of Mont Saint Michel. Transfer (not included) to Avranches or TGV Rennes station.
Cindy B.
I Am Still on Cloud 9!!!
What a Fantabulous, Spectacular, Jam-Packed Equestrian Adventure in Normandy, France!!! I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat!!!
Thank You!!! Thank You!!! Thank You to Stacey Adams/Active Riding Trips our US Coordinator/Hostess, to Anne-France our Fabulous French Equestrian Guide & Hostess, to Jen-Michel & His Cavy of Horses as we Enjoyed Clip-Clopping our way through the French Countryside, Villages & Cantering on Omaha Beach!!! Visiting the American Cemetery & getting to glimpse the Rich History, The Cathedral at Bayeux & the William the Conqueror Tapestry at the Museum, The French Hospitality, The Chateaus for Lodging, The Meals & Wine, Were All Exquisite!!! Riding the beach of Mont St Michel Bay was a treat of its own!!!
Perhaps I would make the National Stud farm an afternoon by taxi because of the busy traffic and include the stay at Mont St Michel as part of the package somehow…but other than that, it was completely dreamy!!!!
And I really enjoyed the beach rides (my 1st ever)