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A fragrant and colored equestrian trip across the Provence, from the south Luberon natural park to the highlights of lavender cultivation in Provence: Plateau d'Albion. A colored ride: the white limestone cliffs of the Luberon, the green of the "garrigue", pine and oak forests, the ocher of the "Provence Colorado", the blue sky and lavender.
INDICATIVE ITINERARY *:
Day 1 - 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 2 - 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 3 - 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. After the ride, taxi transfer (not included) back to Lauris ot to Aix-en-Provence train station or to Marseille airport.. End of the program.
* Indicative itinerary that may be changed if necessary.
Monday at noon in Lauris. Free tansfer from Marseille airport (10:30 am), Aix en Provence TGV station (11 am), Aix en Provence center train station (11:15 am). No transfer from Marseille center train station (take the bus shuttle to the airport).
We suggest to arrive on Sunday and spend one night in Aix en Provence (bus shuttle from Marseille airport or Aix TGV), visit this cute city, and take our free transfer from Aix center train station at 11:15 am on Monday.
Recommended hotels: Hotel Cardinal ** - Hotel des Quatre Dauphins *** - Hotel Mercure Paul Cézanne ***
* 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.
Wednesday afternoon, free transfer back to the departure point in Lauris, arrival at about 7 pm in Lauris. Taxi (not included) to Marseille airport, Aix-en-Provence TGV station, Aix-en-Provence center train station.
To participate and enjoy this trip, you must be comfortable at the three gaits (walk, trot, canter) outdoors on balanced horses.
Average 5 hours per day on horseback: 2-3 hours the morning, 2-3 heures the afternoon, with a break of around 2 hours at noon.
1 qualified guide speaking French and English + 1 professional assistant ensuring luggage transports and preparing lunch buffets.
Essentially crossing 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.
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.
In hotels and guesthouses in 2-3 person bedrooms. Single bedroom available with supplement. Or in dormitories.
Indicative accommodations (depending on availabilities):
Les Seguins or 
Les Gargoulettes
Le Rustreou or 
Le Chateau
MEALS:
Dinners at the host tables in guesthouses or in local restaurants. Local cuisine, varied and refined. Special diets can be adapted. Wine is included with meals.
At noon, an assistant prepares hearty buffets (see pictures). For small groups, some picnics can be taken in the saddle bags.
LUGGAGE TRANSFERS:
Provided by the assistant in a minibus.
2025 PRICE / PER PERSON:
In dormitories: 895 €
In 2-3 person bedrooms: 995 €
Single bedroom supplement: 120 € to add to the 2-3 person bedrooms rate if you do not wish to share *
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.
Booking fees: 15 €
THE PRICE INCLUDES:
Horse and tack rental, guide, assistant, accommodation, all meals, luggage transfers, Monday arrival free transfer from Marseille airport, Aix-en-Provence TGV, Aix-en-Provence center train station, the financial bond for your payments by our travel agent guarantee.
THE PRICE DOESN'T INCLUDE:
Individual insurance, drinks out of meals, visits, tips, personal expenses, last day transfer back to Lauris, departure transfer to Marseille airport, Aix-en-Provence TGV, Aix-en-Provence center train station, 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
BOOKING AVAILABLE 1 MONTH AHEAD - BOOKING AVAILABLE FOR THE FULL WEEK VERSION