- End the year riding in the sun of Provence
43.523200015082, 4.402203
In the South of Provence, an unwonted country of fragrances, colours and contrasts, between salt marsh and sand beaches : Camargue offers its charms to visitors but without disclosing itself completely. To grasp the intensity of this mysterious land, we invite you to come and live a week in this country, where even time stops …
INDICATIVE ITINERARY:
Monday: Meeting at the equestrian centre, at 2 pm. Welcome coffee: first contact with your horse and equipment. Explanations of the traditional Camargue riding. A short ring tour for the adaptation of the rider and his horse. Then, you will trail ride for the preparation of the week. Evening meal not included, Possibility to dine in a restaurant 5 minutes from your accommodation or in Saintes Maries de la Mer 15 minutes by car, to enjoy in one of the many lively restaurants in the village. Free dinner (not included) at Saintes Maries de la Mer after a swim at the beach or a shopping break. If you do not have a vehicle, carpooling or shuttle to Saintes Maries de la Mer. Return and overnight at the Mas.
Tuesday: You are riding to the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer today. Between inner land and marsh, you will ride on pleasant riding trails, and discover the different “levels” of Camargue, all the way to the seashore. Pique-nique lunch at the “Bouvao d’Aubanel”, under la laupio…translation of these Provencal words will be given to you by your guide…! On the afternoon, you will ride on the beach and through the natural reserve of “Les Impériaux”. You will discover very rich flora and fauna, as about 350 different species of migrating birds can be found in this protected area. The ride ends up at the “Pointe de Cacharel”. Transfer back to the Mas. Dinner and night 
at the mas.
Wednesday: A half-day ride this morning, to keep discovering the surroundings: reedbeds, traditional Camargue huts, manades (Camargue ranches) and vineyards. After lunch, free afternoon to Saintes Maries de la Mer. Dinner (not included) in Saintes Maries de la Mer. Transfer back, to the Mas.
Thursday: You will go out for the day, along side the “Petit Rhône” river, dammed in order to protect Camargue. Cross the river on a ferry platform with the horses, and head towards the natural reserve “Domaine du Grand Radeau”. The story of this private property will be related to you once there…! You will visit this wild place, discover its beach and pine tree forest as well as its rich fauna. Pique-nique lunch on the beach, and optional swim during lunch break ! You will then ride back to the Mas trough the inner lands. Dinner and night at the mas.
Friday: Breakfast at 8:30 am. Departure for a half-day discovery of a manade around 9:30 am. Ride to the herd, where the guardian will introduce you to a herd of Camargue bulls and show you the art and the way of sorting the bulls in their natural environment. Return to the farmhouse for lunch. End of your equestrian stay in the Camargue after lunch.
* Indicative itinerary: may be changed if necessary.
Monday at the equestrian center at 2 pm.
COMING BY TRAIN:
Arles train station, then bus to Pioch Badet (Arles - Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer line see schedule). Ticket price: about 3 €. Pick-up at the bus stop and free transfer to the equestrian center.
COMING BY PLANE:
Montpellier or Nimes airport, then taxi to the Equestrian center (cost about 100 €). Departure: taxi to Montpellier or Nimes airport (about 100 €).
Marseille airport: train to/from Arles.Rendez-vous en Camargue le lundi au centre équestre à 14h. Arrivée en train à la gare d'Arles ou la gare de Nîmes et correspondance pour Arles, puis car pour Pioch Badet. Transfert gratuit depuis l'arrêt de cars de Pioch Badet (ligne de cars Arles - Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer): see shedule. Taxi depuis les gares et aéroports de Nîmes ou Montpellier. Train de l'aéroport de Marseille à Arles puis car de Arles à Pioch Badet. Possiblité d'arriver la veille au soir avec supplément.
Friday after lunch. Free transfer to Pioch Badet bus stop. Bus to Arles train station.
RIDING LEVEL: 
To participate and enjoy this ride, you must be comfortable at the three gaits outdoor (walk, trot, canter) on balanced horses.
GUIDE:
Professional licensed equestrian guide, English speaking.
HORSES:
Mostly Camargue horses, well balanced, trail ride 
professionals.
TACK:
Camargue & trail ride saddles.
ACCOMMODATION: 
At the equestrian center, in a typical and simple Camargue farmhouse. 2 bedrooms for 2 people with private bathrooms and two single beds, 1 bedroom for 3 people with private bathrooms and 3 single beds, 1 chalet for 3 people with 1 double bed and 1 single bed (shared bathrooms outside the chalet).
MEALS:
In the evening, authentic, family cuisine is offered to you at the guesthouse table. 2 dinners are free (not included): you can go in one of the many lively restaurants in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (by taxi if you don't have a vehicle, 50 € per person round trip). Picnics carried in the saddlebags or brought by an assistant (depending on the number of participants).
PRICE / PER PERSON:
In triple bedroom: 850 €
In 2 person bedroom: 900 €
Single bedroom: not available
Booking fees: 15 €
PRICES INCLUDE:
Horse and tack rental, guide, assistant, accommodation, meals unless 1 dinner in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and return transfer by taxi if you don't have a car: 25€, free transfers from/to Pioch Badet bus stop, financial bond for your payments by our travel agent guarantee.
PRICES DON'T INCLUDE:
Individual insurance, drinks out of meals, visits, 1 dinner, all that is not indicated in "PRICES INCLUDE".
Au top, on s'y sent bien. Cheval au top dans sa tête pour les balades proposées. Cuisine à dispo avec frigo c'est un plus pour prendre l'apéro ;), chambre tout à fait correcte. Découverte de la Camargue réussie, de belles rencontres et découvertes, ça donne envie de refaire ce genre de séjour avec son cheval pour être encore mieux.
Hello Didier, Merci ! Nous avons réservé une semaine de randonnée à cheval en Camargue avec Cap Rando. Vous nous avez sélectionné le meilleur endroit pour nos vacances à cheval en Provence: nos meilleures vacances !