Ride Overview
Provence is situated in the sun-blessed southeast corner of France, edged to the south by the Mediterranean. Formerly it was, to the French, a place of indolent country folk. To tourists, it was an idyllic spot, but one reserved for the rich or artistic. Today, it is, more than any other region, where the French would choose to live and work.
Provencals are the most generous and warmest hosts and there is an all pervading “Frenchness”, which means that people are polite and punctual. Traditions are important to the people and local crafts are not hobbies but well respected and time honored occupations. Relationships span generations in Provence.
Some of the most attractive architectural features of Provence are the perched villages. They rise like jagged summits on the hilltops where they were built for safety in the political turmoil of the Middle Ages. They kept vigil over the hinterland as well as the coast. They were built around castle keeps and wrapped in thick ramparts, a huddle of cobbled streets, steps, alleys and archways.
You will enjoy long trots and canters through the countryside that inspired Cezanne and Van Gogh and each day return to the mas for a warm homemade Provencal dinner served with wonderful French wine and the traditional Pastis.
Dates: Available in October and November, weekly, on request. Price does not include drinks and 2 lunches.
Rates: $1,650.00 USD per person (Single Supplement: $455.00 USD)
$380.00 USD per person supplement for 3 riders
$760.00 USD per person supplement for 2 riders
$1,500.00 USD per person supplement for 1 rider
There are two other itinerary options as follows:
Including a 2 day progressive ride Thursday and Friday:
Dates: April 1-Oct. 31, 2021 weekly
Rates: $1,890.00 USD per person (Single Supplement: $455.00 USD)
$380.00 USD per person supplement for 3 riders
$760.00 USD per person supplement for 2 riders
$1,500.00 USD per person supplement for 1 rider
Including a luxury gastronomic tour:
Dates: Year round weekly, on request
Rates: $3,150.00 USD per person (Single Supplement: $2,550.00 USD)
Included
- 6 nights accommodation
- 5 days of riding
- Horse and all tack
- All meals
- Wine with meals
- Luggage transfers
- Support Staff
- Guiding services
- All local taxes
Not Included
- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities for the team at the end of the stay
- Beverages outside of meals
- Visits or tips not outlined in the itinerary
Day 1
After pick up at the airport or train station, riders will gather at your lovely French guesthouse late in the afternoon. You will have an introduction to your accommodation, an aperitif in front of the fireplace, and presentation of the ride followed by a gourmet dinner.
Day 2
In the morning, you will 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 after which, in the afternoon the group leaves for a one and a half hour ride in the rolling hills of the Luberon Mountain range. You will see White Oaks, olive trees and the great perfume filled countryside of Provence.
A wonderful dinner and accommodation at your hotel end your first full day in this wonderful area of France which was also the shooting place for two famous provencal movies, part of the French culture: “Jean de Florette” and “Manon des Sources”, movies adapted from the novels of famous writer Marcel Pagnol. These two movies will be shown for you in the evening.
Day 3
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 his work studio (http://www.atelier-cezanne.com/aix-en-provence.html).
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 handmade crafts such as homemade soaps, fresh lavender and many textiles showcasing the wonderful colors of Provence. You will be free to have lunch independently in one of the numerous cafés or restaurants in Aix, before meeting everyone again and being driven back to the guesthouse.
Day 4
Today is a whole day ride into the area of Provence! Leaving in the morning through a pine tree forest, you make your way down towards the Durance valley to discover the Durance River and its clear waters. You enjoy a nice rest and a lovely picnic lunch with aperitif, cheeses, salads, local pies, local wines and coffee on the Durance river bank.
The river banks will be ideal for small canters, and will soon lead you to a beautiful lunch, prepared and brought by your chef in a nice shady area, right by the river! Before riding out after lunch, enjoy a well deserved nap under a tree or take a swim with your horse ... The choice is yours! The afternoon ride will take you back to the Mas through forests, vineyards and cherry orchards.
Those interested are welcome to participate in preparing a good Provence dinner and making all together the famous truffle omelette that you will then taste, with local wine!
Day 5
This morning is dedicated to the discovery of the village of Roussillon, classified as one of the nicest villages in France, a typical perched village with its ocre color scheme. It’s a leisurely program allowing plenty of time for exploring at your own pace.
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 look down on you, and host the plateau of the cedar forest below - this is what will follow you on your ride.
You will get back to the the guesthouse in the afternoon and will be able to relax in the covered pool, jacuzzi or hammam before dinner.
Day 6
This morning you will visit Provencal villages such as Lauris and Lourmarin, 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 bringing your horse to the pasture, in the woods, where they will have a weekend rest.
Day 7
After breakfast, transportation to train station or airport is organized.
Kate
We had a fabulous time. The people were so nice, the rides were so beautiful, and the food was amazing. Again, the trip was wonderful, and I would certainly go again. Thank you so much for your help. We are already planning another sister riding trip! Best wishes to you.