This horseback riding vacation tours an area of olive groves, vineyards and lavender fields. Even the aroma of the air is a delight. The author of "A Year in Provence", Peter Mayles lives only a short distance away from Mas de Recaute. This is classic Provincial countryside. It is difficult to take a bad photograph of this area of Provence because the landscape is so beautiful.
A major feature of the area is the fields of cherry trees, while perhaps the most spectacular is the miles and miles of lavender fields grown for the perfume industry. It is hard to imagine lavender colored flowers on small shrubs of equal height for as far as the eye can see. It is a wonderful sight.
The horses you will ride are fit and are of the French saddle type. Most are Camargue, Selle Francais or a mixed breed. The pace of the trail will depend on the conditions faced each day. At times, it will be fast and at others it will slow down. You will also get an opportunity to explore some of the more impressive villages of the area on foot so you can shop and visit the cafes.
Although this horseback riding vacation is based mainly at Mas de Recaute, you will spend one night near the village of Buoux in the heart of the Luberon Mountains because this area is a day's ride away and is well worth exploring. Your luggage will be waiting for you at the accommodation.
The rooms at Mas de Racaute are of the type found in most bed and breakfasts and have private baths. The atmosphere is relaxed and is reflective of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Siestas are an every day occurrence and one that you will get accustomed to easily.
This ride is six nights and five days of riding. It is a stationary ride based at Mas de Recaute. Meeting point: Lauris, Marseille Airport or train station.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Clients gather at Mas de Recaute Equestrian Center late in the afternoon. Accommodation and presentation of the ride. Dinner at Mas de Recaute Equestrian Center.
Day 2: Allocation of the horses and a first "get acquainted with your horse" mini trail in the vineyards surrounding the equestrian center. Lunch on the grounds of the equestrian center. In the afternoon the group leaves for one hour and a half to explore the rolling hills of the Luberon Mountain range. Enjoy White Oaks, olive trees and the great perfume filled countryside of Provence. Dinner and accommodation at Mas de Recaute.
Day 3: This whole day ride to the Durance River gives riders a chance to go further and discover more of the Luberon Mountain range with its great fields of cherry trees. Riders will have ample time for a picnic, complete with aperitif, cheeses, deserts and coffee. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the countryside leading to the river of La Durance. (Possibility of a wine tasting in a cellar producing "Cotes du Luberon"- this cellar has been promoted by Robert Parker, famous American writer on wines). Dinner and accommodation at Mas de Recaute.
Day 4: The horses are given a well deserved rest in the morning. Riders leave their boots behind as they leave with their guide for a tour by minivan to some of the most spectacular villages of Provence such as Lourmarin, Lauris, Ansouis. Explore the 12th century castle and gardens in Ansouis with its magnificent collection of 17th century furniture and tapestries. The villages of Provence are set a short distance away from one another, so riders have plenty of time to walk the great centuries old cobblestone streets and to appreciate the breathtaking views of Bonnieux and Gordes. Lunch in Lourmarin, the village where Peter Mayle once resided. In the afternoon, riders will mount up for a three-hour ride through the surrounding hills of the Luberon. Dinner and accommodation at Mas de Recaute.
Day 5: Well rested, riders undertake a two day trail ride with an overnight stop near the village of Buoux in the heart of the Luberon Mountains. The Aiguebrun River is nearby with impressive cliffs overlooking it. An assistant in the minivan takes care of transporting the rider's luggage and prepares a picnic. Dinner and accommodation at a lovely Provence Inn.
Day 6: Riders enjoy riding their way back from the Luberon Mountains, through villages and superb countryside. In the evening riders are together one last time for a "going away" dinner at Mas de Recaute.
Day 7: After breakfast, transportation to the train station or airport is organized. Departure from Mas de Recaute is at 10:00am. (Reservations should be made for 12 noon train or plane).
2008 Dates: Sunday to Saturday. June 29-July 5, July 6-12, July 13-19, July 20-26, July 27-August 2, August 3-9, August 10-16, August 17-23, August 24-30.
Saddles: English.
Other Activities: Hiking, sight-seeing and wine tasting.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
$1,995 per person, shared.
$460 single supplement.
Price Includes:
- 6 nights guest house accommodation
- All meals
- 5 days of trail riding
- Horse
- Tack
- Guide.
Price Excludes:
- Transfers to/from airport/train station.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Horse Riding
Hiking & Trekking
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