During this discovery trip in the heart of the Luberon Regional Nature Park, we explore the beauty of the Luberon landscapes on horseback, a biosphere reserve recognised by UNESCO. At the end of the trip, two days of trail riding give us a taste of travelling on horseback, allowing us to fully savour this unique experience.
This equestrian holiday has been specially designed for riders who can trot and gallop but do not yet feel capable of going on a multi-day horse riding trip.
Highlights
Reliable and safe horses
UNESCO-listed natural park
The ideal programme to prepare for your first horse riding trip
Itinerary
Day 01
Sunday
Meet in Provence, in Lauris, at the foot of the Luberon hills, between 4pm and 7pm. If necessary, we can arrange a free transfer from Aix-en-Provence TGV station or Marseille Provence airport. Once we arrive, we will settle into our guest house.
At 7.30pm, we will share a welcome drink, followed by a presentation of our stay. Dinner will then be served, and we will spend the night on site, in a peaceful and friendly atmosphere.
Day 02
Monday
We set off for our first day of horse riding in the hills of the Luberon. This gentle introduction allows us to familiarise ourselves with our mounts and discover the surrounding landscapes. We ride for about two hours in the morning, then return to the guesthouse for a convivial picnic. In the afternoon, we set off again for another two-hour ride. At the end of the day, we enjoy a delicious dinner before spending the night at the gîte.
Day 03
Tuesday
We set off for a full day of horse riding through the magnificent landscapes of the Luberon. Depending on the itinerary, we take a picnic break on the banks of the Durance or on the ridges of the Luberon, in the heart of a superb cedar forest. After this wonderful day of discovery on horseback, we return to the lodge for dinner and spend another night there.
Day 04
Wednesday
After breakfast, the horses have a morning of rest while we drive to visit the charming village of Lourmarin, ranked among the most beautiful in the Luberon. The famous writer Albert Camus is also buried here. Lunch is at your leisure, allowing you to choose from one of the many terraces or small restaurants in the village, depending on your preferences. In the afternoon, we set off again on horseback for a half-day ride through the pine forests, along the vineyards, olive groves and orchards typical of the region. At the end of the day, we return to the lodge for dinner and the night.
Day 05
Thursday
We set off for two days of horse riding through the Luberon, with a night planned in an inn in the heart of the massif. In the morning, we ride along the foot of the Petit Luberon to Lourmarin. At lunchtime, we take a pleasant break in the shade of the truffle oaks before beginning the climb to the peaks of the Grand Luberon. Up there, we discover spectacular panoramas: to the north, the Alps, and to the south, the Mediterranean Sea in the distance. At the end of the day, the Auberge des Seguins welcomes us for dinner and the night, nestled in an exceptional natural setting. If the inn is unavailable, the horses remain on site while we are transferred to our accommodation in Lauris for the night.
Day 06
Friday
We finish our horse ride by following the Gorges de l'Aiguebrun, a site renowned for its magnificent climbing cliffs. Then we climb the Plateau des Claparèdes, famous for its vast lavender fields, before reaching our picnic spot near Bonnieux. In the afternoon, we return to Lauris through the Petit Luberon, following its shaded valleys, ideal for a peaceful walk. Once we arrive, we share a convivial dinner before spending the night at the guesthouse.
Day 07
Saturday
Our journey ends after breakfast. Departure at 9:30 a.m. for the free transfer to Aix-en-Provence TGV station or Marseille airport.
This itinerary is provided for information purposes only. Our guide reserves the right to adapt it according to the season and weather conditions.
Meals included from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7, excluding lunch on day 4
Transfers to/from Aix-en-Provence TGV station or Marseille airport at fixed times
Drinks during meals
Excludes
Transportation to the destination
Drinks other than those included with meals
Single room supplement to be paid on site, mandatory for anyone travelling alone. If you agree to share your room and we find someone to do so, this supplement will not be charged
Admission fees for any visits
Horses and riding
Horses
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 trekking, ensuring maximum relaxation in complete safety.
Saddles
Comfortable, deep and secure trail saddles equipped with saddlebags.
Recommended riding experience
This trip is designed to suit riders of all levels. However, to get the most out of it and ensure everyone's safety, you need to be fairly confident on horseback: comfortable at a walk and trot, and already able to canter outdoors without apprehension. It is particularly suitable for riders who do not yet feel ready to take part in a trail riding trip, which requires considerable experience in horse riding. This trip is therefore an excellent way to prepare yourself to reach the level required for future trail riding adventures.
The programme can be easily adapted to suit the level of the participants, the weather conditions and the risk of fire. Options are also available for non-riding companions. The first few days: two full days on horseback (4-5 hours per day), a half-day rest on the third day and a visit to Lourmarin, and a half-day in the afternoon (2-3 hours on horseback). The last two days consist of two days of trekking (5 hours per day on horseback on average) with a night in an inn (if available) in the heart of the Luberon. Riders must not weigh more than 90kg. Children accompanied by an adult are accepted from the age of 12 if they have the required level of riding experience.
Supervision
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.
Support vehicle
A logistics vehicle transports luggage from one accommodation to another.
Lodging and meals
Accommodation
Accommodation for all nights except Thursday evening is located near the equestrian centre. It has access to an indoor swimming pool, hot tub and sauna. Nights are spent in shared rooms that can accommodate up to 2 people. On Thursday evening, the night is spent in a hostel in the heart of the Luberon. If this small-capacity accommodation is unavailable, the horses will remain on site for the night and riders will return to the main accommodation by minibus.
It is also possible to book a single room for an additional fee. However, on Thursday evening, depending on the availability of the inn, this option is not guaranteed.
Meals
Continental breakfast: hot drinks accompanied by bread, butter, jam, honey, cereal and fruit juice. There are no savoury items such as cheese or eggs. Monday lunch is served at the gîte, in a pleasant setting near the swimming pool. On riding days, lunch is a picnic carried in saddlebags. It consists of a variety of salads, local charcuterie, cheeses, fruit and other fresh produce. On Wednesday, a free lunch (not included) is planned in Lourmarin, so that everyone can enjoy the village restaurants according to their preferences. Dinners are served at the guesthouse's table, in a friendly atmosphere, with refined and varied local cuisine. During the two days of trail ride, dinner at the inn is also planned, subject to availability. Special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian diets or those related to medical conditions, can be accommodated on request. Wine is included with evening meals.
FAQ
Meeting point
Please arrive at your accommodation in Lauris between 4pm and 7pm on the first day. We are unable to welcome riders arriving by car before 4pm. Free transfer from Marseille Provence Airport (5pm) or Aix en Provence TGV station (5.30pm).
Departure on Saturday morning after breakfast. Free transfer: departure at 9:30 am for Aix en Provence TGV station (10:30 am) or Marseille Provence Airport (11 am). Details provided in your travel booklet for booking these services.
Packing list
For this trip, opt for a soft travel bag. Don't forget to label each piece of luggage clearly!
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 + lightweight jumper or fleece
- Boots or walking shoes + mini-chaps (boots are 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
- Swimsuit
Hygiene/Health
- Toiletries
- 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
- Sleeping bag if staying in a dormitory
- 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.
