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!

Date:  Not on offer in 2024 – but stay tuned in early 2024 for our 2025 date!

Included

  • 6 nights accommodation (double room)
  • 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 for both of you
  • 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 along the way we pass by (and stop for photographs at the Germany battery from WWII.

PM - about 2 hours on horseback-
Get ready for your first 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 hotel La Marine*** in Port en Bessin.

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 Hostellerie Saint Martin, a charming and nicely appointed hotel that is made of old Market halls from Creully, built from the 13th to the 16th century/

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. We have time to visit the buildings and possibly see special clinics by a show jumping French rider

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 twice daily. 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.

Day 8: Breakfast and departure.

France-Normandy-map