The Agriates Desert is one of Corsica’s most surprising and untamed regions. Despite its name, it is not a true desert, but a vast, wild territory shaped by wind, sun, and the sea. Located in the north of the island, between mountains and the Mediterranean, the Agriates offer wide open spaces, rolling hills, fragrant scrubland, and some of the most unspoiled beaches in Corsica.
Exploring the Agriates on horseback is a rare and powerful experience. You ride along ancient shepherds’ tracks, through rocky paths and endless maquis, with the scent of immortelle and myrtle in the air. The landscape feels remote and timeless, opening suddenly onto breathtaking views of white sand and crystal-clear water.
Highlights
- Wild Corsica
- Cantering on the beach
- Land of sunshine and olive trees, full of the scents and colours of the maquis
Itinerary
Welcome at the airport and transfer to the equestrian centre in the Corte region (approximately 1 hour’s drive). Check-in at the mobile home.
Welcome drink, presentation of the trek and dinner.
Important: If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the ride will depart on the 6-day Couleurs Corses route.
The itinerary is provided for information purposes only and may be modified without notice for reasons of safety, weather or accessibility. However, we will make every effort to maintain the interest of the itinerary if changes have to be made.
Meet at 9am at the stables to get to know your horse and get kitted out. We begin this first day on horseback through the Corsican maquis, before reaching the high mountain plateaus around the villages of Corte in the afternoon. At the end of the day, we ride back to the equestrian centre where everyone returns to their mobile home for a moment of relaxation before dinner.
Night in a mobile home on site.
After breakfast, we transfer the horses by van (about an hour’s drive) to our starting point, near the amazing ‘Chez Karine’ inn. In the afternoon, we descend into the scrubland opposite the isolated village of Novella, with its large facades and typical porches, before reaching the Ostriconi valley. Dinner and overnight stay in a mobile home at the campsite.
Departure for the gates of the Agriate Desert. This region of nearly 16,000 hectares is desert-like in name only: it was once considered a breadbasket. Today, it still retains its many small, low dry-stone houses, which were used for accommodation, storing wheat and tools, and sheltering livestock. We take the coastal path with a picnic stop at Pagliaghji di Guignu. Then we head for Saleccia beach.
We have dinner and spend the night in a gîte.
After a hearty breakfast, we enjoy the fabulous Saleccia beach and swim with the horses if conditions allow. We can then admire magnificent panoramic views of the Gulf of Saint-Florent, its golden sandy beaches and turquoise waters. In the afternoon, we ride along the customs officers’ path to reach Saint-Florent and spend the night in a mobile home in the pine forest of the campsite.
This morning, we will relax and visit Saint-Florent and its beach. In the afternoon, we will resume our ride across the Padula plain, a surprising landscape that varies between vineyards, green pastures and terraced crops. At the end of the day, we will head back up to the village of Pieve, nestled at the foot of the Nebbiu mountains. Dinner and overnight stay in a gîte.
This morning, we saddle up for our last day on horseback. We set off and begin the ascent to Bocca di Tenda, which rises to 1,219 metres. From this pass, we will have a panoramic view of the Corsican mountains. With a bit of luck, we will be able to see herds of horses roaming free. We will then descend to the train station in the village of Pietralba to retrieve the vehicles that will take us to the equestrian centre.
After a hearty breakfast, we will leave for the airport at around 9:30 am.
Dates & Rates
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Available Available PackagesSaturday04/04/2026Saturday11/04/2026$1,926
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Available Available PackagesSaturday18/04/2026Saturday25/04/2026$1,926
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Guaranteed Available PackagesSaturday09/05/2026Saturday16/05/2026$1,926
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Not Available Available PackagesSaturday23/05/2026Saturday30/05/2026$1,926Sold Out
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Guaranteed Available PackagesSaturday26/09/2026Saturday03/10/2026$1,926
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Available Available PackagesSaturday10/10/2026Saturday17/10/2026$1,926
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- The ride as described, supervised by qualified professionals
- Full board accommodation, with wine during meals
- Transfers to and from Bastia airport at fixed times
- Transfers to and from Corté railway station if required
Excludes
- Transport to Corsica
- Transfers from/to Bastia outside fixed times
- Accommodation and meals before and after the trail
Horses and riding
Horses
Our riding base is also an equestrian school, which ensures that you have access to well-trained horses all year round.
These are mainly Corsican horses, which are robust and strong.
Their great reliability helps you to navigate even the most rugged terrain.
Saddles
We use ‘officer’ style saddles, which are similar in structure to English saddles but much more practical and comfortable, particularly when it comes to attaching accessories.
Saddlebags are available so you can carry your equipment for the day.
Recommended riding experience
This trail ride is suitable for riders who are comfortable riding at all three gaits outdoors, although given the terrain, the basic gait will remain walking.
We cover an average of thirty kilometres per day, which equates to approximately five hours in the saddle. Good general physical condition is therefore necessary. During difficult passages, you will be asked to dismount.
Supervision
This itinerary is led by qualified equestrian guides: an equestrian tourism guide (GTE) or an equestrian tourism leader (ATE). As the establishment is also a training centre, trainees may be required to supervise treks or stays independently or with a qualified supervisor. Based in Corsica all year round, our team has been riding in these landscapes for many years. They will help you discover the secrets of the Isle of Beauty in complete safety.
Support vehicle
A logistics vehicle joins us every evening and sometimes at lunchtime.
Luggage must be carefully planned to allow for all eventualities due to the weather, and is limited to 20kg per person.
Lodging and meals
Accommodation
We are equipped with three mobile homes, one with six places, one with four places, and two studios with two to four places. We have an extension with four to eight places for the summer.
This ride takes place in a particularly wild environment, but with the comfort of guesthouses (dormitories with two to four places) in mid-season. In July and August, we plan to camp for this ride. In all cases, the first and last nights are spent in mobile homes at the equestrian centre or in guesthouses in Corte.
The sanitary facilities are always shared in the lodgings and during the camps, a water point is always available for you to wash.
Please bring your own sleeping bag; mattresses are provided. 1- and 2-person tents are used for camping in summer.
Single rooms are not available. In order to best plan for sleeping arrangements, please let us know if you are travelling as a couple, with friends, with family, etc.
Meals
At lunchtime, we take our picnic out of our saddlebags.
In the evening, we enjoy cooked meals with our hosts in a Corsican atmosphere (cold meats, Corsican cheeses and local liqueurs).
FAQ
Bastia Airport
First day: Meet between 5pm and 6pm at Bastia Airport for the shuttle departure.
Last day: Departure of riders for Bastia Airport between 9am and 10am (plan for a flight departing after 12pm).
For horse riding
– Comfortable riding trousers (avoid synthetic underwear, tight jeans and leather boots)
– Walking shoes + chaps or mini-chaps (long chaps recommended)
– Helmet mandatory (can be borrowed on site)
– Riding gloves
– Shirts, T-shirts or polo shirts made from breathable technical fabric (preferably long sleeves for better sun protection)
– Rainwear and windbreaker that can be worn over a simple T-shirt or parka, depending on the temperature
– Warm jumpers or fleeces, depending on the season
Clothing for stops or during visits
– Comfortable clothing/shoes for the plane and evenings (shorts, light cotton trousers, etc.)
– Cap, hat
– Swimsuit and towel depending on the season
Hygiene/Health
– Toiletries bag
– Towel
– Lip balm
– Sun cream (high protection)
– Mosquito/insect repellent spray or bracelet
– Personal first aid kit according to your habits and tolerance to certain medications
– Sunglasses
– Earplugs
Equipment
– Sleeping bag suitable for the season
– Water bottle
– Torch or head torch (head torch recommended)
– Camera, video camera and spare battery
For added comfort
– A waist belt or multi-pocket vest to keep your camera handy…
– Tissues
Documents
– Valid passport (original + copy)
– Repatriation assistance certificate if you have not taken out insurance with Randocheval
Do not bring
– Micropur tablets
– Plastic bags
Overall Trip Rating:
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Verified Purchase
By Giulia A. 20/08/2023 Great rideA great trip for experienced riders. The horses are very experienced and know their job inside out. Clair is an extraordinary guide.
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Verified Purchase
By Natacha H. 15/09/2019 I'll gladly be back next year at the same time!My horse was perfect, an expert at rides! The guide was impeccable and attentive. The ride was quite challenging. The food was simply excellent, so there was no question of dieting... In short, I'll gladly be back next year at the same time!
