Ride Overview

This week-long horseback riding holidays in the heart of Provence is ideal if you don’t feel ready to go directly on a week progressive Inn to Inn horseback ride, to prepare yourself for the practice of traveling on horseback ! while discovering the beauty of the nature of the Natural Park of the Luberon.

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. It’s the area that captivated both Cezanne and Picasso with its contrasting landscapes – the dazzling white of the limestone cliffs, the azure blue of the Mediterranean, the dense and green pine forests – a true natural palate.

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 for a warm homemade Provencal dinner served with wonderful French wine and the traditional Pastis.

2027 Dates:  July 19-24, July 26-31, Aug. 2-7, Aug. 9-14, Aug. 16-21, Aug. 23-28,
2027 Rates:  $2,938.00 USD (or 2,350€) per person in a shared room.  Single Supplement:  $250.00 USD (or 200€)

Included

  • 5 nights accommodation
  • 5 days of riding (2 days & 3 half days)
  • Horse and all tack
  • All meals
  • Wine with meals
  • Airport/train station transfers at pre set time
  • Luggage transfers
  • Support Staff
  • Guiding services on the trail rides
  • All local taxes

Not Included

  • Airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Beverages outside of meals
  • Visits or tips not outlined in the itinerary
  • Gratuities for the team at the end of the stay

Day 1: Monday

Arrival at 12:00 PM at the La Fontaine guesthouse in Simiane-la-Rotonde, Haute-Provence. Paid transfers available from Marseille Airport (10:00 AM) or Aix-en-Provence TGV station (10:30 AM). Meet your guide and receive an overview of the horseback riding tour. Settle in and have lunch at the guesthouse. Set out on a ride of approximately 12 km around La Fontaine (about 3 hours in the saddle). Return to La Fontaine, then chance to visit the village of Simiane and the surrounding area (guided tour available at an extra cost). Picnic lunch packed in saddlebags.

Day 2: Tuesday

A horseback ride to the village of Lagarde-d’Apt, passing through the village of Simiane-la-Rotonde and across the Albion Plateau to the Chapel of Notre-Dame de Lamaron. A full lunch served at tables and chairs at the foot of the chapel, facing Mont Ventoux.

Day 3: Wednesday

Horseback ride to the Colorado Provençal. The Colorado itself is no longer accessible on horseback, but the GR trail skirting it offers a view from above (25 km, 6 hours in the saddle). Picnic lunch from the saddlebags.

Day 4: Thursday

Another superb ride today to the spot known as Le Saut du Moine, where you can swim in a stream (approximately 4 hours in the saddle). Lunch at La Fontaine.

Day 5: Friday

Ride around the lavender fields of Simiane (approx. 3 hours on horseback). Picnic lunch (carried in saddlebags).

Day 6: Saturday

Saturday: Departure or paid transfer at 9:00 AM to Marseille Airport or the Aix-en-Provence TGV station.

* Indicative itinerary, subject to change if necessary (due to weather, extreme fire risk, accommodation availability, or other compelling reasons).

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