The Luberon Regional Nature Park is one of the most exquisite places in Provence. Created in 1977, this protected area has been recognized as a “biosphere reserve” by the UNESCO. Facing the Monts du Vaucluse and the majestic Mont Ventoux, the Luberon hills display imposing and abrupt greenish hillsides, cut off by cliffs and gorges. At the foot of the hills are the fertile valleys of Calavon in the North and Durance in the South. They proudly unroll their vineyards, cherry orchards and famous olive trees. The perched villages are enamel in this sparsely inhabited territory, which has remained, for a long time, a protestant enclave. Some of its villages still bear the stamp of the religious wars.
Divided in two by the Aiguebrun stream, the Luberon gives you two faces: the arsh “small Luberon” (East), whose altitudes do not exceed 700 meters, and the “big Luberon” which is dominated by the Mourre Nègre (1125m) and displays more rounded hills and a lot of Mediterranean vegetation. With its forest of green and white oaks, its cliffs of limestone, and its typical drystone villages, the Luberon displays an authentic and picturesque landscape well described by Peter Mayle in his books. Over the hills and through the villages, you will ride on the tracks of this famous author. Come and discover the mysterious “Colorado Provincial”, fill your senses with the fragrance of lavender and unique “Provincial herbs”, and be enchanted by the savor of Provincial cuisine! A colorful trip, filled with the legends and poignant history of this unique and preserved territory.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: From Lauris to Merindol. Transfer on Monday morning from the airport or train station to the Mas de Recaute Equestrian Center. Here you will be met by Didier Simonot (your host), and your guide. You will have an introduction to the trail ride and lunch. In the afternoon, you will be introduced to your horse and will start the trip westward through the Luberon rolling hills, towards the historical village of Merindol. You will pass by the “old village” and its memorial dedicated to the “Vaudois”, a Christian community considered as heretics and consequently slaughtered in the 15th century by the King. In the evening, you will meet Pierre and Mireille, who will welcome you in their most comfortable guest house with a swimming pool. A delicious provincial dinner with homemade aperitif awaits you there.
Day 2: From Merindol to Roquefure. In the morning your horse will guide you up on the paths that will take you on top of the hills. You will enjoy lunch in a beautiful forest of cedar trees. The afternoon ride will take you down on the northern side of the Luberon hills. As you make your way down to the perched village of Bonnieux, take a glimpse on Lacoste, the village of the sadly known Marquis de Sade. Beware and follow your guide very closely so you do not get lost anywhere near his castle. After the picturesque village of Bonnieux, the trail goes down in the Valley of Apt. Cherry orchards and vineyards then drive you to Roquefure, where you will spend the night in a charming hotel (with swimming pool). Before dinner, visit to the famous village of Roussillon and its ocher cliffs.
Day 3: From Roquefure to Rustrel. Undulating hills covered with nice pine forests will take you towards Roussillon. You will ride among the ochre and will enjoy a couple of nice canters. The trail will then guide you to Gargas, a village well-known for its rich fauna of fossils. Beautiful views on the perched village of Saint Saturnin-lès-Apt. Lunch in the pine forest. In the afternoon you will go through the village of Villars, where you will let you horse drink from the fountain. Heading to Rustrel, you will ride in the bed of the Doa River, a cool and beautiful itinerary. You will spend the night at a hotel in Rustrel and the horses will stay at a nearby campsite.
Day 4: From Rustrel to Auribeau. Rustrel is the gateway to the “Colorado Provencal”. Today you will ride among the amazing cliffs and hills of ocher. The colorful morning will totally disorient you. Heading back to the foothills of the Luberon, the itinerary will then take you to St. Amas, and through the beautiful village of Saint Martin de Castillon. You will then ride down to the charming village of Auribeau, the source of the Aiguebrun stream, the only permanent water course of the Luberon hills, which you will follow on the next day. You will spend the night in a beautiful guest house near Auribeau with a swimming pool and typical provincial cuisine again.
Day 5: From Auribeau to Lauris. You will follow the Luberon hills westwards, through lavender fields, toward Buoux on the border of the Aiguebrun stream (cool path surrounded by luxuriant vegetation). Down to Lourmarin, a charming Provincial village that inspired the famous American writer, Peter Mayle, who is now living near the village. You will have lunch and visit the 12th century castle. You will then ride back to Mas de Recaute through the olive trees and cherry orchards. Dinner and overnight at Mas de Recaute or in a nearby hotel.
Day 6: After breakfast, transfer to the airport or train station.
2008 Dates: Monday to Saturday, every week from March 3 to July 5 and September 1 to November 29.
Meeting Point: Marseille Airport, Aix-en-Provence TGV Station or Centre Station.
Saddles: English.
Other Activities: Hiking, sight-seeing.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
$2,035 per person, shared.
$370 single supplement.
Price Includes:
- 5 nights B&B/hotel accommodation
- All meals
- 4 ½ days guided trail riding
- Horse
- Tack
- Luggage transfers
- Transfer 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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