The Camargue is a part of France's province of Provence. It is one of the most natural and unspoiled parts of France. The Camargue is the area of the Rhone River delta where the mighty Rhone joins the Mediterranean Sea.
The Camargue is a striking landscape of lagoons, salt marshes, dunes and rice fields. The greatest number of inhabitants are the pink flamingoes of which there are about 50,000, the Camargue cowboys (or Guardians) tending the black bulls and the famous wild horses.
The Camargue Inn-to-Inn trail winds by stone farm houses and radiant fields overflowing with olive trees. As the trail moves from the area of the Luberon region (the foothills of the Alps) towards the sea, an interesting change of scenery takes place. As you move ever closer to the sea you see fewer and fewer signs of civilization and more signs of nature's work. It is an extraordinary experience.
Horseback riding through the Provence that Cezanne painted so beautifully, the air is usually filled with the scent of the herbs that grow so easily in the shaded sunlight. Here white oaks, cypress trees and melon fields mix with fields of lavender and sunflowers.
You will ride to the ancient Roman city of St. Remy de Provence which is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in Provence. And because much of Provence is so beautiful, that is a singular honor. Here you will see stone houses, meandering streets, local artists, outdoor cafes, and many fountains set amongst the Roman ruins. As you enter the Camargue, you will see the landscape change to dunes, beaches and pine forests. This is a protected area and part of a regional park since 1927. It is only open to horseback riding by special permission, but you are a welcome guest here. You are welcome to ride in the dunes and along the white sand beaches as well as to swim with your horse. Here you can also gallop along the deserted beaches or in the surf.
A last festive dinner will be spent in the village of Les Saintes Marle de la Mer, the main town of the Camargue where legend has it that Mary Jacobe, the sister of the Virgin Mary, landed almost two thousand years ago.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Transfer from airport or train station to the Mas de Recaute Equestrian Center (home base for the trail). The Mas (which means farmhouse in the traditional dialect) is located at the foothill of the Luberon Mountain Range near the typical Provence village of Lauris. Accommodation, introduction to the trail ride and dinner at the host's table.
Day 2: Allocation of the horses, introduction to tack and saddles. This ride tries to emphasize a team spirit. The care of one's horse is part of the beautiful experience of traveling with a horse. The first leg of the trip is to the historical village of Merindol. Your horse takes you along the Luberon Mountain Range amid vineyards and cherry trees. The trail goes through olive trees, poplars, small pine forests and fields of delicious fruits and vegetables later sold at the local farmer's markets. The village of Merindol's history is rich with the dramatic battles of the "Religion Wars" and is witness to the intense involvement of Provence in France's history. A very nice Provincial house is waiting to accommodate riders. Mireille, your hostess, has a very communicative passion for her house which she opens only to selected few travelers. The Durance River can be seen down below as riders settle for the second night in Provence.
Day 3: Ride from Merindol across the Durance River. This is the Provence of Cezanne. Scented herbs and white oaks, cypresses and melon fields blend their sensual perfumes and color nuances as riders canter on the meandering paths. A small pine forest is the background for today's picnic. Riders are met by the van carrying luggage and most importantly, bringing home cooked specialties and serving ice cold refreshments (among them the infamous local "aperitif" le Pastis). After lunch riders move on to Eygalieres, your introduction to the Alpilles. This little mountain range's name is a diminutive of the colossal Alps. Horses and riders stay in a pine forest at a hotel near Eygalieres, where they will have dinner.
Day 4: The Roman village of Les Baux is your gateway into the dramatic and superb landscape of the Alpilles. This is definitely one of the most beautiful villages of Provence. The ingredients are all present to make it the quintessential Provence experience. Stone houses, wandering streets, local arts and crafts, outdoor cafes, and numerous fountains among Roman ruins. Picnic lunch is set one mile from the village near a lake. Riding through fields of olive trees, riders then come upon the settlement of Les Baux de Provence.
Perched on a cliff, this stronghold is a spectacular sight and the reminder of a great folklore. Founded by a proud aristocracy, it is mostly famous for the prominent place it occupies in the mythology of the troubadours and courtly love. A great view of the Mediterranean Sea and Delta of Camargue may be seen. The horses are left near Les Baux and you are taken into the village with ample time to visit. Riders and horses then travel to Albaron, in the heart of Camargue. Transfer to hotel.
Day 5: The day is spent in the very heart of Camargue. Today's main sight is the lake of Vacares, situated in the middle of the Camargue Regional Nature Park, a symphony of fauna and flora. Hundreds of bird species are there to be seen. The 50,000 flamingos inhabiting its shores make this ride very special. Lagoons, rice fields, salt marshes and above all, bulls and wild horses are roaming freely in a perfectly preserved natural environment. Lunch is at the restaurant where riders stay at night. In the afternoon you will ride through swamps and usually share with bulls a magnificent sunset on the Mediterranean. Horses and riders will then enjoy long canters on the beach, and possibly swim with your horse. Arrive back at your hotel. The hotel is close to the village where if time permits you can go for a visit or shopping before dinner, or opt to have a relaxing swim in the hotel's pool. Dinner that evening at the hotel or rest.
Day 6: Riders and horses are taken onto a big float (radeau in French) and across the "Little Rhone River". The area across the river is protected and open only to authorized riders. Pine forests, spectacular marshes and the wild beach of the "Grand Radeau" are yours to discover. Your horse is never more as much a part of the environment as it is now in the marshes of Camargue. The guardians (local cowboys) traditionally use them and have developed the original breed of Camargue horses into a surprisingly agile, surefooted and reliant horse. You will go through knee-deep water swamps to reach long stretches of white sand beaches. Your picnic lunch is taken on the beach. This is the very south of Provence. Galloping freely on the deserted beaches gently brushed by the Mediterranean will mark the end of your Camargue experience. Drive back to the Mas de Recaute and enjoy a going away dinner.
Day 7: After breakfast you will have a chance to visit the Aix en Provence Market and then will be transferred to the airport or other destinations.
2008 Dates: March 2-8, March 9-15, March 23-29, March 30-April 5, April 6-12, April 13-19, May 4-10, May 25-31, June 8-14, September 21-27, October 12-18, October 19-25, October 26-November 1, November 2-8, November 16-22, November 23-29.
Meeting Point: Marseille Airport, Aix-en-Provence TGV Station or Centre Station.
Saddles: English, Randoval.
Other Activities: Hiking, sight-seeing, swimming.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
$2,495 per person sharing.
$460 single supplement.
Price Includes:
- 6 nights B&B/Hotel accommodations
- All meals
- 5 days guided trail riding
- Horse
- Tack
- Luggage transfer
- Transfers to/from airport/train station at pre-set time and tax.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Horse Riding
Ecotourism
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