This horseback trip from Luberon to Haute Provence will treat you to an exceptional week. Ride from Luberon Natural Park to Mont Ventoux Natural Park under the Provence sun.
We will discover all the landscapes described by the famous Provençal writer Jean Giono, surrounded by the scent of thyme, sage, rosemary, wild lavender…
Welcome drink with presentation of our trail ride, followed by lunch. We begin this trail ride on horseback by climbing the ridges of the Petit Luberon. We then continue on the northern slope towards Bonnieux, a beautiful hilltop village with stone houses. Then we head towards the Claparèdes plateau and the first lavender fields before discovering the Aiguebrun gorges, which mark the boundary between the Petit and Grand Luberon. We pass close to the Priory of St Symphorien, then follow the Aiguebrun river to reach our first accommodation at the foot of the great climbing cliffs of Buoux. A dip in the pool before dinner will be very welcome!
We start the day by exploring the prehistoric sites of the Aiguebrun Gorges. Then we reach a very pretty Provençal village and stop at the village fountain to water the horses. Lunch break under the oak trees. In the afternoon, we ride along trails through the fragrant garrigue before arriving in Céreste, the gateway to Haute Provence. Dinner and overnight stay in an inn in the heart of the village.
After a break to explore the 11th-century Priory of Carluc, we resume our horse ride, leaving the Luberon for Oppedette. Riding through the hills of Provence and fields of sage and wheat, we meet up with our assistant for lunch. A delicious buffet awaits us in the shade of truffle oaks on the edge of the Oppedette Canyon. We stroll through this typical Haute-Provence village before setting off again on horseback in the shade of holm oaks. We arrive at the guest rooms at the foot of the hilltop village of Simiane-la-Rotonde in time to enjoy the swimming pool before dinner.
We continue our adventure on horseback through the Monts de Vaucluse, with about 4½ hours of riding in the morning to reach our gîte near Revest-du-Bion. A picnic awaits us on arrival. In the afternoon, we enjoy some downtime: swimming in the gîte's pool or a trip to Sault, the charming lavender capital of Provence, for a stroll or a spot of shopping.
Departure on horseback through moors and forests. Picnic near Sault. In the afternoon, we set off on horseback towards Aurel, a charming medieval village at the foot of Mont Ventoux. Surrounded by green hills and overlooking a pretty little plain planted with lavender, a sweet scent floats in the air during July and August. Arrival in the late afternoon at Montbrun-les-Bains, one of the most beautiful villages in France, facing Mont Ventoux. Transfer and overnight stay in Lauris for the last evening.
End of your horse riding tour after breakfast. Free transfer available to Aix en Provence TGV station or Marseille Provence airport.
This itinerary is provided for information purposes only. Our guide reserves the right to adapt it according to the season and weather conditions.
The Barb and Spanish crossbred horses, which are particularly well-suited, balanced and willing, live in herds all year round. They are only used for trail riding, ensuring maximum relaxation in complete safety.
Trail saddles
You must be comfortable riding at all gaits outdoors and already have some experience of trail riding. You will also be asked to take care of your horse, including grooming, saddling and unsaddling.
Riders must not weigh more than 90kg.
Children accompanied by a responsible adult are accepted from the age of 12 if they have the required riding ability.
Our qualified guides and tour leaders provide safe supervision in a relaxed atmosphere. They speak French and English and, as far as possible, take a hands-off approach to their work.
A logistics vehicle transports luggage from one accommodation to another.
Comfortable accommodation in hotels and guesthouses, most with swimming pools and private bathrooms.
Accommodation in rooms for 2 to 3 people, single rooms available at an extra cost.
Single rooms are compulsory for anyone travelling alone and must be paid for on site. If you agree to share your room and we find someone to do so, no extra charge will be due.
The catering team joins us at lunchtime to prepare a hearty buffet. A glass of pastis or local wine (to be enjoyed in moderation!), a refreshing salad, a nap before setting off again: so many pleasures and convivial moments to share. Breakfast and dinner are served at the tables d'hôtes or in typical inns.
Meet at 12:00 midday in Lauris.
Free transfer from Marseille Provence Airport (10:30 a.m.) or Aix en Provence TGV station (11:00 a.m.).
On the last day, departure is after breakfast.
Free transfer: departure at 9:30 a.m. for Aix en Provence TGV station (10:30 a.m.) or Marseille Provence Airport (11 a.m.).
Details provided in your travel booklet for booking these services.
For horse riding
- Riding breeches or loose-fitting jogging bottoms (avoid synthetic underwear and jeans)
- Lightweight rainwear that can be worn over a simple T-shirt or fleece depending on the temperature (such as a K-way or waterproof poncho)
- Shirts, T-shirts or polo shirts + light jumper or fleece
- Boots or walking shoes + mini-chaps (boots not recommended)
- Warm, waterproof and windproof jacket or parka
- Helmet (available to borrow on site, but we recommend you bring your own)
Clothing for the stage or during visits
- Comfortable clothing and shoes for the evening (jumper, trousers)
- Comfortable shoes for the evening
- In summer: shorts, T-shirts
- Cap, hat
- Swimming costume
Hygiene/Health
- Toiletries bag
- Towel
- Lip balm
- Sun cream
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Personal first aid kit based on your habits and tolerance to certain medications, and first aid kit (painkillers, ointment for bruises, antiseptic)
Equipment
- Tissues
- Camera
- Pocket knife
- Water bottle
- Torch
For added comfort
- A waist belt or multi-pocket vest to keep your camera handy
- Small plastic bags to store your personal belongings during the day.
Documents
- Copy of your valid identity card
- Repatriation assistance certificate if you have not taken out insurance with RANDOCHEVAL.
Do not bring
- Sleeping bag
Since 1998, Ride in France is the French expert for equestrian holidays in France. We are a team of French riders and horse lovers, and we have tried and tested dozens of horse riding tours in France, our homeland. France is a Heaven for horse lovers: wonderful landscapes from infinite Atlantic beaches to the highest Alpines mountains, perfect for horse riding, a unique cultural heritage, well-trained horses, experienced guides... and French gastronomy and wines! We have carefully selected the nicest horse riding tours in France with unique choice from luxury vacation in castles to adventure rides ... Join us and make your horse riding holiday in France a dream come true!
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