In the heart of a region famous for its historic villages, gourmet cuisine and unique cultural discoveries, your stay will allow you to appreciate the many facets of the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park.
There are two options for this hike: experience the full 7-day itinerary to take full advantage of the hikes, discoveries and moments of relaxation at the Mas, or choose the 5-day version for a shorter getaway while still enjoying the same highlights on horseback and the same unique atmosphere of the stay.
Highlights
- The comfort of the farmhouse with its swimming pool
- Visits and cultural activities
- Equestrian centre with ‘animal welfare’ certification
Itinerary
Meet at the Mas in the late afternoon. After a tour of the property and an initial meeting with our horses, we will share a drink and then dinner. Overnight stay at the Mas.
After breakfast, we set off on our first horse ride to discover the caselles, these iconic dry stone structures built in the past by shepherds.
After this ride, we return to the Mas for lunch, before setting off again in the afternoon towards the Bélinac menhir. This megalith, over three metres high, is one of the last remaining traces of the rituals practised by the peoples who once occupied this territory. At the end of the day, we return to the Mas for a moment of relaxation, followed by dinner together.
Breakfast at the Mas. Departure for a day of horse riding with a tasting of local wines and a pleasant picnic of local produce before continuing towards the valley and returning to the Mas at the end of the afternoon.
On your return to the Mas, relax and enjoy a gourmet dinner.
Breakfast at the Mas. We then return to our horses for our third day of riding. After descending into the valley and passing through the authentic village of Corn, we ride past the mysterious Bual spring and through peaceful woods on the Way of St James. A well-deserved lunch break awaits us at the Espagnac priory. This ride offers us an incredible diversity of landscapes and wonderful sensations on horseback. We end the day with dinner at the Mas.
Option only available on the 7-day version: Instead of this day on horseback, Jérémy, your passionate local guide, suggests heading to the spectacular Gouffre de Padirac: a descent 103 metres underground before boarding a small boat for a magical crossing, where light effects and rock formations create an absolutely unforgettable setting. After a well-deserved lunch at a restaurant, the afternoon continues in Rocamadour, one of the most beautiful villages in France, built right on the cliff. You will explore its sanctuary, steeped in history and legends, while savouring the anecdotes that have made the place famous. Return to the Mas at the end of the afternoon for a moment of relaxation, followed by a convivial dinner prepared on site.
For those who have chosen the short version: Departure after breakfast.
For the other participants: While our horses enjoy a well-deserved day of rest, we have the morning free: we can relax on the estate or go for a short walk to enjoy the peace and quiet.
After lunch, we set off on a real journey back in time: we follow in the footsteps of Cro-Magnon man to the Pech Merle cave. There we admire superb prehistoric frescoes, over 29,000 years old. We then head to the medieval village of Saint-Cirq Lapopie, one of the most beautiful villages in France, perched above the Lot. A pure marvel!
Dinner at a restaurant in the heart of the village, then return to the Mas.
Breakfast at the Mas. We then return to our horses to make the most of our last full day in the saddle. We head for the Causse, a spectacular area where wide open spaces, traditional architecture and absolute tranquillity offer a total immersion in the authenticity of the countryside. Between pastures, forest paths and open panoramas, this stage promises some wonderful moments on horseback. Lunch will be an opportunity to discover local expertise at a goat’s cheese producer’s, a gourmet and convivial break. For our last evening, we will share a dinner in a local restaurant, ideal for ending the trek with a good meal and enjoying the atmosphere of the stay one last time.
Breakfast at the Mas, end of your stay.
Important: The above itineraries are provided for information purposes only and our guide reserves the right to modify them depending on availability, road conditions and seasons.
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- the equestrian holiday as described, including visits
- accommodation at the Mas
- full board (from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day)
- non-alcoholic drinks and wine with meals
Excludes
- optional transfers to/from Toulouse airport or Figeac or Cahors railway stations
- Booking fee: €15/person
- Personal expenses
- Optional travel insurance
Horses and riding
Horses
Of various sizes and breeds, they are all trained with respect for their nature and personality, using a behavioural approach. On the day of your arrival, we will give you a tour of the farm so you can meet all our animals and your future riding companion!
Saddles
We use English saddles.
Recommended equestrian experience
To take part in this trip, you must be comfortable riding at all three gaits outdoors. The pace of this trek is dynamic when the terrain allows, and will vary from day to day.
Minors aged 12 and over are welcome if accompanied by an adult (subject to sufficient riding ability).
Maximum weight: 90 kg
Non-riders are also welcome on this trek. Apart from the riding, they share the same programme of activities and visits. Our local partners offer a wide range of alternative activities.
Supervision
Since 2021, the centre has been certified as an Equestrian Tourism Centre with a ‘Animal Welfare’ rating by the French Equestrian Federation.
The trip is supervised by a riding instructor, behaviourist and long-distance rider with more than 8,000 km of independent riding experience.
Her partner is a professional equine photographer.
Having fallen in love with the Célé valley a few years ago, they welcome you for a unique experience to discover the Lot, its gastronomy and its tourist sites, each more surprising than the last.
Lodging and meals
Accommodation
Set on a 50-hectare estate, the Mas where we are staying for the week is a comfortable guest house in the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park. On the ground floor, there is a lounge area with a view of the garden and a dining area with a large table and a traditional inglenook fireplace. Three double bedrooms are located on the first floor with a shared bathroom. Outside, there is a large swimming pool with a wooden terrace.
Meals
We use fresh, often local produce for many regional specialities.
For those who wish, a ‘vegetarian/vegan menu’ option is available. Please indicate this when making your booking, in the ‘special dietary requirements’ section of your rider profile.
FAQs
Please come directly to the Mas at the end of the afternoon on the first day.
Transfers to and from the SNCF train stations in Cahors, Montauban, Capdenac and Figeac or Toulouse airport can be arranged according to your train/flight schedule.
Details on how to book these services will be provided in your travel booklet.
On horseback
– Riding breeches or loose-fitting jogging bottoms (avoid synthetic underwear and jeans)
– Shirts, T-shirts or polo shirts made from breathable fabric (preferably long sleeves for better protection from the sun) + light jumper or fleece
– Boots or walking shoes + mini-chaps
– Rainwear (waterproof jacket or parka) that can be worn over a T-shirt or fleece depending on the temperature + windbreaker
– Riding gloves
– Helmet compulsory (available to borrow on site, but we recommend you bring your own)
– A pair of laces (to attach your rainwear to the saddle)
Clothing for the stage or during visits
– Comfortable clothing and shoes for the evening (jumper, trousers, etc.)
– Walking shoes for visits
– Swimsuit
– Cap or hat
Hygiene/Health
– Toiletries
– Lip balm
– Sun cream
– Sunglasses
– Mosquito repellent
– Spare glasses if you wear contact lenses
– Personal first aid kit according to your habits and tolerance to certain medications
Equipment
– Camera and spare battery
For added comfort
– A waist belt or multi-pocket vest to keep your camera handy
– A sheepskin or saddle cover
Documents
– Identity card
– Repatriation assistance certificate if you have not taken out insurance with Randocheval
Do not bring
– Sleeping bag or sheets
– Towels
Overall Trip Rating:
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Verified Purchase
By Guylaine M. 28/09/2025 Wonderful memoriesBack from my ride, I return home with lots of wonderful memories. A huge thank you to Gladys for her excellent horses, especially KETAL, thank you to Jeremy for his delicious meals and warm welcome, and finally thank you to Apolline for her kindness and generosity towards the ‘grannies’. I promise to come back for more adventures.
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Verified Purchase
By Aurelie L. 21/09/2025 A wonderful experience in an exceptional place with fabulous peopleThank you to Jérémy for his hospitality, kindness, friendliness and delicious cooking. Thank you to Gwladys for her advice, extraordinary stories and joie de vivre. Thank you to Apolline for the magical rides, sharing her knowledge, her kindness and our discussions. And thank you to King Créole, this magnificent young Minorcan horse, for the hours spent on his back, his reliability and his calmness. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
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Verified Purchase
By Thierry L. 22/06/2025 Perfect to disconnectIf you want to disconnect from everyday life for a while and forget everything, Le Mas is the ideal place. You will receive a warm welcome from Gladys and Jérémy. The cottage is fantastic and it feels more like staying with friends than an organised holiday. The rides are exceptional, accompanied by Apolline who knows the region and its history inside out. The horses, which live outdoors all year round, are well trained and will reassure less experienced riders. I miss my little Cassiop every day. Thank you again.
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Verified Purchase
By Pauline R. 25/08/2024 A real pleasureA wonderful stay at Le Mas with Jérémy and Gwladys! They took great care of us in this charming, traditional cottage in the Lot region. Apolline, the equestrian guide, ensured our safety during the ride and explained the region's unique features throughout the day. It was a real pleasure to discover this region in this way.
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Verified Purchase
By Laurent I. 22/05/2022 Exceptional weekI really had, we all had an exceptional week in the company of our attentive, charming and friendly hosts and their horses.
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Verified Purchase
By Amandine F. 10/10/2021 Very interesting conceptThe concept behind this holiday is very interesting, as it combines horse rides with visits to the region. I highly recommend this holiday!
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Verified Purchase
By Patrick V. 19/09/2021 It has been too short!My fellow riders and I were delighted with this holiday, which allowed us to enjoy horse riding in ideal locations without encountering any cars, in superb and varied landscapes. The horses were well-behaved and trained in ethology, which allowed us to discover this new aspect of horse riding. Our hosts really spoiled us!!! Excellent supervision and advice during the rides and an outstanding chef!!!!! They made the week seem too short.
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Verified Purchase
By Julie L. 18/07/2021 Great programmeA ride that's a little different from the usual ones. I can only recommend it to all riders like me who find it a bit too much to spend 5-6 hours a day on horseback for a week. Staying in a very comfortable farmhouse and having sessions that increase in intensity over the course of the week, while visiting the region and enjoying superb local cuisine, is a great compromise for riders who want to enjoy themselves on horseback without killing themselves physically. The format is great, as are the horses, the setting and, of course, the hosts, who are fantastic and very dedicated. The week was filled with good laughs, good gallops and good visits. Rides for all levels, don't hesitate!
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Verified Purchase
By Stéphane R. 10/05/2020 Felt like a luxury hotelTwo very friendly guides who are professional, well organised and always attentive to our requests. A wonderful horse that is very friendly, safe and endearing. A well-organised English-style tack room with equipment in excellent condition. Excellent meals, carefully prepared and beautifully presented. It felt like being in a luxury hotel. Even the picnics were of a high standard.