A tour of the Luberon nature park on horseback in the heart of Provence. The Luberon: a natural park and a UNESCO Geopark, biosphere reserve. A horseback riding trip full of colors and scents ! You cross some perched villages, ride in the fragrant scrubland !
- Groups limited to 8 riders
- Lunches: copious buffets
- With the Cap Rando horses and guides
43.919910815293, 5.4990887
Horseback riding in the Luberon, in the heart of Provence. A tour of the Luberon on horseback, in the heart of the Nature Park: a remarkable site in Provence. A ride of colors and scents. You will ride in oak forests and pine forests, in scrubland with the scent of Provence herbs, in valleys at the foot of superb cliffs, and cross typical perched villages.
INDICATIVE ITINERARIES *
Monday to Friday:
Monday: Welcome at noon in Lauris in the Luberon, in the heart of Provence. Welcome aperitif, meeting with your guide and presentation of your ride. Lunch and departure of the horseback ride in the early afternoon. Lauris – Buoux. In the afternoon, we cross the low Luberon towards the village of Bonnieux, a superb perched village in Provence. Then we pass along lavender fields before descending into the Aiguebrun gorges, at the foot of the superb and renowned Buoux climbing cliffs. The evening stopover is planned in an inn in the heart of the Luberon, at the foot of the cliffs: the Auberge des Seguins. Swim in the spring-fed pool to relax and cool off before dinner.
Tuesday: Buoux - Rustrel. We leave again on horseback following the green Aiguebrun valley on a pleasant shaded path. We head towards the very pretty perched village of Saignon, typical of the Luberon, then 
descend into the Calavon valley along the orchards of cherry trees, peach trees, apricot trees... the garden of Provence ! At lunchtime, a copious buffet awaits us by the river, where we can enjoy a very pleasant break. In the afternoon, we take paths through the pine forests and scrubland to reach our accommodation for dinner in the heart of the village of Rustrel.
Wednesday: Rustrel - Cereste. In the morning, we pass overlooking the Provence Colorado with a superb view of the ochre cliffs, then we will ride towards the very beautiful village of Viens, another perched village in the Luberon. Then we will cross the Calavon river to reach Cereste, gateway to the upper Provence, where we will spend the night in a hotel in the center of the village.
Thursday: Cereste - Buoux. The ride begins today by following the foot of the High Luberon on horseback, through the Provence scrubland, walking through thyme, rosemary and wild mint, then skirting the orchards. In the afternoon, via a pleasant trail along the Aiguebrun stream, we reach the Auberge des Seguins for a swim in the swimming pool.
Friday: Buoux - Lauris. On horseback, we descend into the Aiguebrun gorges to follow a pleasant trail along the stream in the greenery. Then we go back up to the ridges from where we discover a superb viewpoint: over the Alpine peaks to the north, to the Mediterranean to the south! Picnic near Lourmarin, a listed village where Albert Camus lived and is buried. The return to Lauris is made along the foot of the Luberon. The trails are pleasant, in the pine forests and along vineyards and orchards overlooking the Durance valley, with a beautiful view of the Montagne Sainte-Victoire dear to Cézanne. End of your trail ride around 6 p.m. and separation.
* Indicative itinerary which can be modified if necessary without compensation (weather, exceptional fire risk, accommodation availability, or other imperative reasons).
Sunday to Saturday:
Sunday: Free transfer from Marseille airport (5 pm), Aix en Provence tgv train station (5:30 pm). Or meeting directly at Mas de Recaute in Lauris at 6 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 at Les Gargoulettes guesthouse.
Monday: After your breakfast, a 2 hour ride in the Luberon. Lunch and departure in the early afternoon. Lauris – Buoux. In the afternoon, we cross the low Luberon towards the village of Bonnieux, a superb perched village in Provence. Then we pass along lavender fields before descending into the Aiguebrun gorges, at the foot of the superb and renowned Buoux climbing cliffs. The evening stopover is planned in an inn in the heart of the Luberon, at the foot of the cliffs: the Auberge des Seguins. Swim in the spring-fed pool to relax and cool off before dinner.
Tuesday: Buoux - Rustrel. We leave again on horseback following the green Aiguebrun valley on a pleasant shaded path. We head towards the very pretty perched village of Saignon, typical of the Luberon, then descend into the Calavon valley along the orchards of cherry trees, peach trees, apricot trees... the garden of Provence ! At lunchtime, a copious buffet awaits us by the river, where we can enjoy a very pleasant break. In the afternoon, we take paths through the pine forests and scrubland to reach our accommodation for dinner in the heart of the village of Rustrel.
Wednesday: Rustrel - Cereste. In the morning, we pass overlooking the Provence Colorado with a superb view of the ochre cliffs, then we will ride towards the very beautiful village of Viens, another perched village in the Luberon. Then we will cross the Calavon river to reach Cereste, gateway to the upper Provence, where we will spend the night in a hotel in the center of the village.
Thursday: Cereste - Buoux. The ride begins today by following the foot of the High Luberon on horseback, through the Provence scrubland, walking through thyme, rosemary and wild mint, then skirting the orchards. In the afternoon, via a pleasant trail along the Aiguebrun stream, we reach the Auberge des Seguins for a swim in the swimming pool.
Friday: Buoux - Lauris. On horseback, we descend into the Aiguebrun gorges to follow a pleasant trail along the stream in the greenery. Then we go back up to the ridges from where we discover a superb viewpoint: over the Alpine peaks to the north, to the Mediterranean to the south! Picnic near Lourmarin, a listed village where Albert Camus lived and is buried. The return to Lauris is made along the foot of the Luberon. The trails are pleasant, in the pine forests and along vineyards and orchards overlooking the Durance valley, with a beautiful view of the Montagne Sainte-Victoire dear to Cézanne. Dinner and night at your guesthouse.
Saturday: End after breakfast. At 9:30 am: departure of the free transfer to Aix-en-Provence TGV station and Marseille airport .
* Indicative itinerary which can be modified if necessary without compensation (weather, exceptional fire risk, accommodation availability, or other imperative reasons).
MEETING:
Monday to Friday:
Monday at noon in Lauris. Free transfer from Lauris bus stop. Bus from Aix en Provence center (see the time table). Bus shuttle (seee the time table) from Aix en Provence TGV train station (every 15mn - about 20mn) to Aix center, from Marseille airport (every 30mn - about 30mn) (seee the time table) to Aix center, from Marseille center train station (see the time table) (every 5mn - about 30mn) to Aix center.
Sunday to Saturday:
Sunday afternoon at your accommodation in Lauris between 4pm and 7pm. Free transfer from Marseille airport (5 pm), Aix en Provence TGV station (5:30 pm).
* 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.
DEPARTURE:
Monday to Friday:
Friday afternoon at around 6pm. Free transfer to La Roque d'Antheron bus stop. Bus from La Roque d'Antheron (see the timetable) to Aix en Provence center. Bus shuttle (seee the time table) from Aix en Provence center to Aix en Provence TGV train station (every 15mn - about 20mn), to Marseille airport (every 30mn - about 30mn) (seee the time table), Marseille center train station (see the time table) (every 5mn - about 30mn).
Sunday to Saturday:
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).
* 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.
RIDING LEVEL: 
To participate and enjoy this trip, you must be comfortable at the three gaits (walk, trot, canter) outdoors on balanced horses.
RYTHM:
2 hours Monday morning if you book the ride starting Sunday evening, 3 hours Monday afternoon, other days: average 5 hours per day on horseback: 2-3 hours the morning, 2-3 hours the afternoon, with a break of around 2 hours at lunch.
GUIDE:
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.
ACCOMMODATION: 
Monday to Friday:
You can choose: 3 nights in dormitories, 1 night in bedroom, or 4 nights in bedrooms.
Sunday to Saturday:
You can choose: 3 nights in dormitories, 3 nights in bedrooms, or 6 nights in bedrooms.
INDICATIVE ACCOMMODATIONS (subject to availability):
Monday to Friday:
Sunday to Saturday:
Les Seguins
Monday & Thursday
Le Chateau
Tuesday
L'Aiguebelle
Night 3
Les Gargoulettes
Sunday & Saturday
MEALS:
Dinners at the guest houses or in typical inns. Local cuisine, varied and refined. Special diets can be adapted (vegetarian or medically necessary). Wine is included with meals.
At lunchtime, an assistant prepares copious buffets. For small groups, some picnics can be taken in the saddle bags.
LUGGAGE TRANSFERS:
Provided by the assistant in a minibus.
2024 PRICE / PER PERSON:
Price calculated for a departure with a minimum of 4 riders.
Monday to Friday:
In 2-3 person bedroom and dormitories: 1250 €
All in 2-3 person bedrooms: 1300 €
Single bedroom supplement *: 240 € to add to the 2-3 person bedroom price.
Supplement to ensure a departure for 3 riders or to privatize the ride: 300 €/person.
Supplement to ensure a departure for 2 riders or to privatize the ride: 500 €/person.
Sunday to Saturday:
In 2-3 person bedroom and dormitories: 1600 €
All in 2-3 person bedrooms: 1700 €
Single bedroom supplement *: 360 € to add to the 2-3 person bedroom price.
Supplement to ensure a departure for 3 riders or to privatize the ride: 400 €/person.
Supplement to ensure a departure for 2 riders or to privatize the ride: 750 €/person.
Monday to Friday & Sunday to Saturday:
Booking fees: 15 €
*If you book in shared bedrooms and we do not have a rider registered to share, the “single room” supplement will be charged and refunded if a person registers also wishing to share.
** Contact us to find out the number of riders registered for the date you are interested in. If less than 4 riders: you must accept the supplement to register, which will be adjusted upon departure, the excess eventually paid will be refunded. Or amount of the supplement if you wish to privatize the ride, adding any supplement for single bedrooms.
2025 PRICE / PER PERSON:
Price calculated for a departure with a minimum of 4 riders.
Monday to Friday:
In 2-3 person bedroom and dormitories: 1350 €
All in 2-3 person bedrooms: 1450 €
Single bedroom supplement *: 240 € to add to the 2-3 person bedroom price.
Supplement to ensure a departure for 3 riders or to privatize the ride: 300 €/person.
Supplement to ensure a departure for 2 riders or to privatize the ride: 500 €/person.
Sunday to Saturday:
In 2-3 person bedroom and dormitories: 1700 €
All in 2-3 person bedrooms: 1800 €
Single bedroom supplement *: 360 € to add to the 2-3 person bedroom price.
Supplement to ensure a departure for 3 riders or to privatize the ride: 400 €/person.
Supplement to ensure a departure for 2 riders or to privatize the ride: 750 €/person.
Monday to Friday & Sunday to Saturday:
Booking fees: 15 €
*If you book in shared bedrooms and we do not have a rider registered to share, the “single room” supplement will be charged and refunded if a person registers also wishing to share.
** Contact us to find out the number of riders registered for the date you are interested in. If less than 4 riders: you must accept the supplement to register, which will be adjusted upon departure, the excess eventually paid will be refunded. Or amount of the supplement if you wish to privatize the ride, adding any supplement for single bedrooms.
THE PRICE INCLUDES:
Rental of the equipped horse, the guide, the assistant ensuring the preparation of the lunch buffets (some picnics can be taken in the saddlebags for small groups) and the transport of luggage, accommodation, meals, drinks during meals (table water and 1/4 wine), transfers (Saturday to Sunday) from/to Marseille airport, Aix-en-Provence TGV train station the financial guarantee of your payments by our travel operator guarantee.
THE PRICE DOESN'T INCLUDE:
Individual insurance, drinks out of meals and not included during meals (mineral water, sodas, hot drinks), possible visits, transfers (Monday to Friday) from/to Marseille airport, Aix-en-Provence TGV train station, everything 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 - See information
THE DATES AND PRICES INDICATED ARE FROM MONDAY NOON TO FRIDAY AFTERNOON.
FROM SATURDAY EVENING TO SUNDAY MORNING: ADD ONE DAY BEFORE AND ONE DAY AFTER, AND SEE THE PRICE BY CLICKING HERE.
| Dates | From | Infos | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | 1350€ | AVAILABLE | Information request |
I had a wonderful time, Titeuf was a sweet horse, the ride was lovely, the group was fun, the dinners were delicious, and Didier the guide was so helpful and interesting. I hope to come back next year if my hip holds out.
"Amazing trip! Great horses and scenery." The horses were great - well suited to their riders and forward yet responsive. They work hard and are very fit, but never gave the impression they were jaded or bored. Some of the tack was a little tired and we were short of saddle bags, but little niggles only in a fabulous trip. A lot of the ride was slow due to the terrain, but that was specified in the trip description so I was happy with this
"5 days of wonderful trail riding" Lovely mix of horses (and riders) in the group - all well matched by our guide Didier Mejard. Mixture of conventional tack and trail riding/western - everyone learned some new skills of knot tying or girth lacing ! We were all amazed at just how fit and tough the horses were - it was very hot throughout - over 40C on one day - 6hrs plus in the saddle over 25km or so with a mix of paces - my lovely mare Carmen hardly breaking into a sweat !!! Got re-routed on one day because of the exceptional fire risk in the Grand Luberon - but Didier figured out a good alternative which meant trucking the horses back to Cap Rando one night and starting from there the next day - meant we got to ride down/in the Durance river - cool at last !
We were a nice group, from several countries. We became well known and had a nice time together. The horses were trained and safe. The guide was knowledgeable and clever. The food in the woods (lunch) was fresh and tasted delicious. The accommodation and food there were also very good.
"It was really exciting." The horses are very good and social. They fit for good for experienced and less experienced riders. At the beginning of your travel, they will give you a horse which you choose and which one you described.
We loved this ride. This is probably one of the most beautiful and scenic rides in Europe. The horses were well looked after and the tack fitted so that they were all comfortable. This is a knowledgeable place and the guide was excellent. There are so many great photo opportunities from horse back here that its hard to choose. We were a group of very experienced riders and whilst it is not a particularly fast ride, which we could cope with it didn't need to be as there was so much to see. Horses were great. Food is also excellent on this trip as is the accommodation. There is a choice of accommodation either hostel or more B&B auberge type. I would definitely pay the extra for the B&B type accommodation at Lauris because the beds are more comfortable but out on the trail all the beds were great. The back up vehicle is brilliant has everything you need both for you and your horse. I would do this trip again because it is amazing. Whilst I have had to tick a date we went here 3 years ago.
Beautiful villages and meals (but didn't see all the villages mentioned in the itinerary). Very nice people in the group. My horse was wonderful. Very careful and never stumbles; I felt very safe even being close to steep cliffs
All riders were experienced, friendly and considerate. Our guide was very knowledgeable and tried his best to please everyone. The scenery was varied and beautiful, and lunches on the trail were great. Loved riding into the villages ! Horses were well looked after. The trails were sometimes very rocky and steep, but the horses handled them well. I think the hours in the saddle some days were longer than represented in itinerary, but we all enjoyed it and had a good rest at lunch.
Tous les cavaliers étaient expérimentés, amicaux et agréables. Notre guide était très bien informé et fait de son mieux pour plaire à tout le monde. Les paysages étaientt variés et magnifiques, et les déjeuners sur la piste étaient super. J'ai adoré monter dans les villages! Les chevaux étaient bien soignés. Les sentiers étaient parfois très rocheux et escarpés, mais le
les chevaux évoluaient très bien. Je pense que les heures en selle certains jours étaient plus longues que présentées dans l'itinéraire, mais nous l'avons tous apprécié et nous nous sommes bien reposés au déjeuner.