A two-week horseback trip to discover all aspects of Provence: 1 week on horseback from the Luberon to the Camargue, 1 weekend resting and visiting Aix en Provence, 1 week on horseback on the lavender trip.
- Two weeks of horseback riding
- 1 week-end to visit Aix-en-Provence or to enjoy the pool, hammam, jacuzzi and rest in Lauris.
- All aspects of the Provence: the Upper Provence and the Camargue
43.761061196729, 5.30185915
A Two week horseback riding trip to discover all the landscapes of Provence: A first week from the Luberon to the Camargue, through Provence villages with the among lavender.
SEE ALL OUR PROVENCE OFFER AND ALL OUR PROVENCE RIDES WITH OUR HORSES :
HORSEBACK TRAIL RIDE IN PROVENCE
INDICATIVE ITINERARY *
Day 1: Free transfer from Marseille airport (5 pm), Aix en Provence tgv train station (5:30 pm). Or meeting directly at the accommodation in Lauris between 4 pm and 7 pm. At 7:30 pm, welcome aperitif and presentation of the trail ride. You will be introduced to your guide and spend a first friendly dinner at he «host’s table». Overnight at Les Gargoulettes guesthouse.
Day 2: From Lauris to Mallemort. Transfer after breakfast to meet the horses, preparation and departure from the southern foot of the Luberon, its pine forests, its cliff landscapes, along orchards, olive groves and vineyards to the Durance river which we follow by pleasant trails, and cross (on a bridge in the event of flooding river risk) before a pleasant shaded picnic picnic brought by our assistant on the other side of the Durance river. In the afternoon, we will ride along the Alpilles canal to the farm where the horses will stay for the night. Transfer with minibus back to your accommodation, in Lauris, dinner at the Gargoulettes guesthouse in Lauris and overnight.
Day 3: From Mallemort to Eygalieres. After breakfast, transfer to the horses. We will ride in a rich valley among fruit trees to Lamanon where we will enjoy the lunch buffet, The afternoon, we will enter in the Alpilles Nature Park, Van Gogh’s country. We will ride in hiils and we will reach the Roman village of Eygalières late in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at a guesthouse near Eygalieres.
Day 4: From Eygalieres to Les Baux de Provence. Morning: 4 hours on horseback. Picnic at the ancient site of Glanum. Loading of horses into the truck. Visit (not included) of the Saint Paul de Mausole Monastery: Vincent VAN GOGH was interned here from May 8, 1889 to May 16, 1890. Transfer and visit of Les Baux de Provence. After your visit of the village: transfer by minibus to the heart of the Camargue. Night in a hotel, some four hundred years old, built on the remains of a 12th century abbey.
Day 5: Astouin - Bull cattle drive - Les Saintes Maries de la Mer. On horseback to a Camargue ranch. After an hour on horseback in the heart of the Camargue, we will arrive at a "manade", a bull and horse ranch in Camargue. Mathieu, a passionate "guardian", Camargue cow-boy, welcomes us in front of the enclosure of one of his bull herds. We accompany him on horseback to "grab" the bulls, that is to say push them through the marsh to a sorting enclosure. Then he tells us about the "Camargue bull and horse races", the breeding methods, the traditions linked to the Camargue bulls, then he sorts a few bulls in front of us and ends his performance. Picnic on the place, prepared by our assistant. Then we leave for an hour ride to the ranch where our horses will stay tonight. Transfrer to the hotel in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. After your installation at the hotel, you can go for a walk in the the village streets and do some shopping, take a stroll to the beach, or enjoy the hotel swimming pool. Meeting for dinner in a lively bodega in the village. Night at the hotel.
Day 6: A morning ride on the beaches. Nice gallops and walk in the sea. The lunch will be taken from the saddle bags (as the car is not allowed) under a laupio (traditional traditional shelter in Camargue), and the afternoon we will ride along the Vacares lake: you will discover a lot of flamingos and wild birds on a pleasant trail. Transfer to Lauris, for the dinner, share memories, pictures, addresses ...
Days 7-8 - Saturday-Sunday: After breakfast on Saturday at 9:30 a.m.: free transfer to Aix en Provence TGV station (to go to Aix center: take the shuttle bus from Aix TGV to Aix center. Take advantage of the weekend to visit Aix-en-Provence or to stay at your gîte in Lauris and enjoy its swimming pool, hammam, jacuzzi to relax. Sunday: Meet at Aix TGV station at 5:30 p.m. (take the shuttle bus from Aix center to Aix TGV) if you are going to Aix and transfer to Lauris. Presentation aperitif of your hike at 6:30 p.m., dinner and overnight stay.
Day 9 - Monday: Lauris-Buoux. Meeting at noon at Lauris. Welcome aperitif and presentation of your ride and lunch. We start on horseback from the southern slope. We ride ut to the the crests of the Petit Luberon before descending the northern slope towards Bonnieux: a very beautiful perched village with stone houses. Then we head towards the Claparedes plateau and the first lavender fields. We then descend towards the Aiguebrun canyon which mark the boundary between Petit and Grand Luberon. We pass near the Priory of St Symphorien, then follow the Aiguebrun river to reach the first accommodation at the foot of the high climbing cliffs of Buoux. You can enjoy a swim in the pool before dinner. On certain dates, if you have chosen bedroom accommodation, you will be transferred to the Lauris gîte, the horses remain at the inn. Dinner and night.
Day 10 - Tuesday: Buoux - Rustrel. This morning you are riding up on the Plateau of Claparèdes, follow lavender fields, dry stone walls and " bories " (small shepherds' pen). This morning you are riding up on the Plateau of Claparèdes, follow lavender fields, dry stone walls and "bories" (small shepherds' pen). You will cross the cute perched village of Saignon where horses will be able to dring at the fountain in the center of the village. You will then ride down towards the Valley of Apt on ancient paved trails. After lunch, you will ride down in the valley before reaching Rustrel. You will leave your horse in a field before going to your accommodation in the center of the village.
Day 11 - Wednesday: Rustrel - Revest-du-Bion. You quietly get into a valley shaded by oak trees, onto the Albion Plateau, high spot for lavender. Picnic near a chapel before browsing the plateau, former nuclear missiles site for the French nuclear force from 1971 to 1996. Ride among the lavender and sage fields. Arrival at the guesthouse where you can relax and take a swim in the pool before visiting the village of Sault, lavender capital, do some shopping, enjoy a drink on a typical cafe terrasse.
Day 12 - Thursday: Revest-du-Bion - Montbrun-les-Bains. This morning, you will ride in direction of Saint-Trinit. The lunch will wait for you in the shade near Sault. In the afternoon, you will leave in the direction of Aurel, charming medieval village at the foot of the Mount Ventoux. In the afternoon, the colors of lavenders, fields of cereal and the shadows of the Mount Ventoux may tempt you to imitate the numerous painters who felt in love with this region. You will arrive the afternoon near Montbrun-les-Bains, surrounded with green hills and dominating a plain of perfumed lavenders: one of the most beautiful villages of France.
Day 13 - Friday: Montbrun les Bains - Mevouillon. This morning, the Giant of Provence: the Mont Ventoux, dominates us to the south from its 1910m. top. We follow the Toulourenc, a pleasant refreshing stream, cross some typical villages, and enter the Drôme Provencale: an alternation of wooded hills and lavender fields. In the afternoon, we head to Mevouillon, where the truck and minibus await us, for the horse and rider transfer back to Lauris, in the Luberon.
Day 14 - Saturday: End of the ride after breakfast. At 9:30 am, transfer to Aix en Provence tgv station or Marseille airport.
* Indicative itinerary: may be changed if necessary without any compensation (weather conditions, fire risk, ...)
Please note: in case of high level fire risk, some forest massifs may be prohibited from access overnight on the first part in the Luberon, implying possible changes to the itinerary, without financial compensation.
* Indicative itinerary: may be subject to modifications without any compensation if necessary (weather, floods, fire risks, imponderables ...).
MEETING:
Sunday afternoon at Les Gargoulettes accommodation in Lauris between 4pm and 7pm (no arrival before 4 pm possible). Free transfer from Marseille airport (5 pm), Aix en Provence TGV station (5:30 pm). with SNCF or Trenitalia No transfer from Marseille center: take the bus shuttle to the airport. No transfer from Aix en Provence center: take the bus shuttle to Aix tgv station.
* Please note: the shuttle cannot keep groups waiting, especially if your train or plane is late: plan to arrive ahead of the meeting time to avoid having to take a taxi in the event of a delay.
Transfers must be booked at least 2 weeks prior arrival.
DEPARTURE:
Saturday morning after breakfast. At 9:30 am, departure of the free transfer to Aix-en-Provence TGV station (±10:30 am), Marseille airport (±11 am). No transfer to Aix center (take the bus shuttle from Aix tgv) and Marseille center train station (take the bus shuttle from the ariport).
* Please note: no departure possible before 9:30 am, plan a train or plane departure sufficiently after the scheduled arrival time to avoid having to take a taxi. Tgv train: not before 11 am, flight: not before 12:30 pm. Caution: tgv called “inoui” (low cost), require a registration 30 mn ahead at the train station.
LOW COST FLIGHTS TO MARSEILLE:
Many low cost companies serve Marseille airport: see the low cost companies and connections
RIDING LEVEL & CONDITIONS: 
To participate and enjoy this trip, you must be comfortable riding at the three paces (walk, trot, canter) outdoors on balanced horses. This ride requires a good equestrian level. Maximum weight: 90kg.
RYTHM:
5 hours a day on horseback on average: 2-3 hours in the morning, 2-3 hours in the afternoon, with a long break of around 2 hours at noon. You will ride the three paces: walk, trot, and canter when the terrain allows.
GROUP SIZE:
4 to 8 riders with the guide.
GUIDE & ASSISTANT:
1 qualified guide speaking French, English, German (on some departures) + 1 professional assistant ensuring luggage transports and preparing lunch buffets.
HORSES:
Essentially crosses of Spanish, Arab, French breed. Horses are allocated according to each rider weight, height, riding level and experience. All our horses are trail riding “professionals”. Living throughout the year in a herd, trail riding is their only work activity. For these reasons, they are well-balanced gentle, yet wilfully engaged.
TACK:
Comfortable trail ride saddles equipped with saddle bags. Trail ride saddles are especially designed for long rides as well as for the gaits employed on this type of terrain. The saddles are comfortable for both the horse and the rider.
CAVALERIE:Croisements locaux, de taille moyenne, sélectionnés pour leur caractère et adaptés au type de randonnée que nous proposons. Tous nos chevaux sont des «professionnels» de la randonnée: ils ne font que cette activité. Ils ne sont jamais enfermés en box, ils vivent toute l’année en troupeau, hors saison de novembre à mars en semi-liberté sur plus de 500 ha. Pour ces raisons, ils sont équilibrés, gentils et volontaires. Les chevaux sont attribués après discussion avec votre guide en fonction de votre taille, poids, niveau et expérience.
Our horses coming back from their winter field :
ACCOMMODATION: 
In simple but comfortable accommodation, in hotels and guesthouses, most with private bathrooms. In 2 to 3 person bedrooms, single bedrooms with supplement.
Progressive Inn to Inn trail rides rcan' guarantee the same level of comfort every night: one of the pleasures of traveling on horseback is the variety ! We have chosen the accommodations for their location on the route and for the quality of their welcome. More or less comfortable, you will always have a memory: a good meal, a particularly pleasant atmosphere, or an exceptional setting. The price is not justified by high comfort accommodation, but by the high logistical on an online horseback riding trip.
INDICATIVE ACCOMMODATIONS (subject to availability):
Nighs 1, 2 & 6 :
Les Gargoulettes
Night 3:
La Sarriette
Night 4:
Le Mas de Sylvéréal
Nigh 5:
Night 6 (not included to book and pay directly): Free in Aix -en-Provence, we recommend:
Or:Les Gargoulettes
Night 7:Les Gargoulettes
Night 8:
Les Seguins ou : Les Gargoulettes
Night 9:
Le Rustreou ou: 
Le Chateau
Night 10:
Le Petit Labouret
Night 11:
Le Mas de Reilhanette ou: 
Hotel des Voyageurs
Night 12:Les Gargoulettes
MEALS:
Breakfasts are traditional French breakfasts: hot drinks with bred, butter, marmelade, honey, cereals, fruit juice.
At noon, an assistant prepares hearty buffets (see photos). For small groups, some picnics can be taken in saddle bags.
Dinners at the host tables in the guesthouses, in local restaurants in the Camargue. Local cuisine, varied and refined.
Special diets can be adapted. Wine is included with meals.
LUGGAGE TRANSFERS:
Provided by the assistant in a minibus.
2026 PRICE / PER PERSON:
In 2-3 person bedrooms: 3650 €
Single bedroom supplement: 780 € *
* If you book in shared bedrooms and there is no one to share, the single bedroom supplement will be charged, refunded if a person wishing to share, subsequently registers.
Transfers from / to Aix tgv station, Marseille airport: free at fixed times.
Booking fees: 15 €
THE PRICE INCLUDES:
Equipped horse, guide, assistant ensuring the preparation of the lunch buffets and the transport of luggage by minibus, full board accommodation, drinks during meals (table water and wine), free transfer back to Lauris at the end of the 2 riding trips, free transfers from/to Aix-en-Provence for the free week-end, free arrival transfer from Marseille airport or Aix-en-Provence TGV or center train station at the fixed days & times, the financial guarantee of your payments by our travel operator deposit.
THE PRICE DOESN'T INCLUDE:
Individual insurance, 1 night and meals (days 6-7) in Aix-en-Provence or in Lauris and meals to book and pay direcly, drinks out of meals and not included drinks (mineral water, sodas, hot drinks), any visits, personal expenses, tips, arrival and departure transfers from/to Marseille center, departure transfer to Aix-en-Provence center train station, transfers out of the fixed days & times, all that is not indicated in "the price includes".
INSURANCE:
A civil liability and travel insurance (assistance/repatriation) is compulsory. A cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
A payment by credit card can make you benefit from its possible insurance (check your contract).
We offer to Europe Union, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway residents: the Chapka insurances.
Cap Security: full insurance with cancellation. Cap Cancellation: cancellation only.
See prices & information
| Dates | From | Infos | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | 3650€ | Information request |