Equestrian Holiday in PROVENCE : A TASTE OF PROVENCE, RIDE AND VISIT THE HEART OF PETER MAYLE'S PROVENCE

Cap Rando Organization : Trips organized by Cap Rando in Provence with our guides and horses

Type

Comfort

In 2-3 person bedrooms, single bedrooms with supplement

Level

From

1200€

Duration

7 days - 6 nights - 5 days riding and visiting

Highlights

Visits and discovery of the Luberon nature park on horseback. To enjoy the Provence sun and horseback riding, early Spring and late Fall.

Variantes du voyage

PROVENCE : A WEEK IN PROVENCE IN THE LUBERON NATURE PARK

PROVENCE : GASTRONOMIC & LUXURY TASTE OF PROVENCE

A horseback trail ride in the heart of Provence, country of sun light and fragrances, at the time painters and all artists prefer. Come to discover all landscapes painted by Cezanne. A week dedicated to visits ant trail rides in Provence landscapes and villages, to taste the Mediterranean food ... when local people have more time to share with you. Accommodation will be in a comfortable guesthouse, our neighbour's, with covered swimming pool, hammam and jacuzzi. A luxuous version is also available with accomodation in 4 star hotel, Fontenille hotel with gastronomic dinners. A more simple accommodation is also available at our guesthouse. This week is open to non riders.

SEE THE LUXURY VERSION OF THIS RIDE

Itinerary

INDICATIVE ITINERARY *

6 NIGHTS:

Sunday: After airport or train collection, riders will gather at the “Gargoulettes”, your lovely French guesthouse late in the afternoon. Introduction to your accommodation, an aperitive, and presentation of the ride will mark the start of your week in Provence before dinner at the host’s table.

Monday: In the morning, meet your equine partner and “get acquainted” on an introductory trail ride in the vineyards surrounding the farm. Enjoy a French lunch on the grounds of the farm. In the afternoon the group leaves for one hour and a half to ride the rolling hills of the Luberon Mountain range. You will see white oaks, olive trees and the great perfume filled countryside of Provence. A wonderful dinner and accommodation at your Fguesthouse ends your first full day in this wonderful area of France which was also the shooting place for two famous provencal movies, part of the French culture: “Jean de Florette” and “Manon des Sources”, movies adapted from the novels of famous writer Marcel Pagnol. These two movies can be shot for you in the evening.

Tuesday: This morning, transfer to Aix en Provence by minibus. Chance to visit Cezane's work studio. You will then spend the rest of your morning in the famous Aix-en-Provence street market: the best place to buy local products and handycrafts ! You will be free to have lunch in one of the numerous café or restaurant in Aix, before meeting everyone again and being driven back to the equestrian center. Optional ride in the afternoon, to keep exploring the surrounding area, among all the quintessential Provence herbs: thyme, rosemary, savoury, sage, wild lavender. Dinner and a restful evening at your guesthouse are the perfect ending to this day.

Wednesday: Today, you will ride to the Durance river bank for a lovely picnic lunch with aperitif, cheeses, salads, paella, local pies, local wines and coffee. Riding down the hills, you will discover the entire Durance valley, and take a glimpse at the village of Lauris, perched on its cliff. The ride back will be an easy ride through agricultural landscape. You will discover the rich soil that permits this area to get the best production of wine, asparagus, olives, truffles, cherries, apricots, melons ... the Provence treasures ! Taking care of the horses, and you will be able to taste olive oil and olives, honey, and, if you want, participate in preparing a good Provence dinner and making all together the famous truffle omelette that you will then taste, with local wine…! .

Thusday: This morning is dedicated to the discovery of the village of Roussillon, classified as one of the nicest villages in France, a typical perched village with its ocre carreers. The afternoon hosts a half day ride up to the crests of the Luberon with a very nice view on the surrounding hills and the valley. Beautiful limestone cliffs looking down on you, and hosting the plateau of the cedar forest, will follow you on your ride. You will get back to the the guesthouse in the afternoon and will be able to relax in the covered pool, jacuzzi or hammam before dinner.

Friday: This morning you will visit an other famous and classified Provencal village: Lourmarin, Cezanne’s local market and where Peter Mayle – the Author of “A Year in Provence”, used to live. Free lunch in Lourmarin. In the afternoon enjoy your last ride to a local cellar producing “Cotes du Luberon”. This cellar has been promoted by Robert Parker, the famous American Wine Writer. Don’t drink too much, just enjoy your taste, before riding through nice pine tree forests and bring your horse to the pasture, in the woods, where they will have a week-end rest. Last dinner in a Provencal friendly atmosphere.

Saturday: After breakfast, transportation to train station or airport is organized.

4 NIGHTS:

Monday: Meeting at Cap Rando in Lauris at 9 am. Meet your equine partner and “get acquainted” on an introductory trail ride in the vineyards surrounding the farm. Enjoy a French lunch on the grounds of the farm. In the afternoon the group leaves for one hour and a half to ride the rolling hills of the Luberon Mountain range. You will see white oaks, olive trees and the great perfume filled countryside of Provence. A wonderful dinner and accommodation at your Fguesthouse ends your first full day in this wonderful area of France which was also the shooting place for two famous provencal movies, part of the French culture: “Jean de Florette” and “Manon des Sources”, movies adapted from the novels of famous writer Marcel Pagnol. These two movies can be shot for you in the evening.

Tuesday: This morning, transfer to Aix en Provence by minibus. Chance to visit Cezane's work studio. You will then spend the rest of your morning in the famous Aix-en-Provence street market: the best place to buy local products and handycrafts ! You will be free to have lunch in one of the numerous café or restaurant in Aix, before meeting everyone again and being driven back to the equestrian center. Optional ride in the afternoon, to keep exploring the surrounding area, among all the quintessential Provence herbs: thyme, rosemary, savoury, sage, wild lavender. Dinner and a restful evening at your guesthouse are the perfect ending to this day.

Wednesday: Today, you will ride to the Durance river bank for a lovely picnic lunch with aperitif, cheeses, salads, paella, local pies, local wines and coffee. Riding down the hills, you will discover the entire Durance valley, and take a glimpse at the village of Lauris, perched on its cliff. The ride back will be an easy ride through agricultural landscape. You will discover the rich soil that permits this area to get the best production of wine, asparagus, olives, truffles, cherries, apricots, melons ... the Provence treasures ! Taking care of the horses, and you will be able to taste olive oil and olives, honey, and, if you want, participate in preparing a good Provence dinner and making all together the famous truffle omelette that you will then taste, with local wine…! .

Thursday: This morning is dedicated to the discovery of the village of Roussillon, classified as one of the nicest villages in France, a typical perched village with its ocre carreers. The afternoon hosts a half day ride up to the crests of the Luberon with a very nice view on the surrounding hills and the valley. Beautiful limestone cliffs looking down on you, and hosting the plateau of the cedar forest, will follow you on your ride. You will get back to the the guesthouse in the afternoon and will be able to relax in the covered pool, jacuzzi or hammam before dinner.

Friday: This morning you will visit an other famous and classified Provencal village: Lourmarin, Cezanne’s local market and where Peter Mayle – the Author of “A Year in Provence”, used to live. Free lunch in Lourmarin. In the afternoon enjoy your last ride to a local cellar producing “Cotes du Luberon”. This cellar has been promoted by Robert Parker, the famous American Wine Writer. Don’t drink too much, just enjoy your taste, before riding through nice pine tree forests and bring your horse to the pasture, in the woods, where they will have a week-end rest. Departure.

* The itineraries are indicative, may be changed if necessary.

MEETING/DEPARTURE

MEETING:

4 NIGHT VERSION:
Monday morning at 9am in Lauris. Buses from Aix-en-Provence center to Lauris (see schedule) or La Roque d'Antheron (see schedule). Bus schuttle from Marseille airport or Aix en Provence TGV station (see schedule) or Marseille center train station (see schedule). Free tansfer from Lauris bus stop or La Roque d'Anthéron (Saint-Christophe bus stop).
6 NIGHT VERSION:
Sunday evening at 7pm in Lauris. Free transfer Transfert grfrom Marseille airport (5pm), Aix en Provence TGV station (5:30pm) or Aix en Provence center (5:45pm).

DEPARTURE:

4 NIGHT VERSION:
Friday afternoon at 5pm. Free transfer to bus tations. Bus from Lauris (see schedule) or La Roque d'Antheron (see schedule) to Aix en Provence center. Bus schuttle to Aix en Provence TGV station and Marseille airport (see schedule) or to Marseille center train station (see schedule).
6 NIGHT VERSION:
Saturday morning after breakfast. Departure at 9:30am of the transfer to Aix en Provence center (10am), la gare Aix en Provence TGV (10:30am) or Marseille airport (11am).

Riding

RIDING LEVEL:
To enjoy this week: You must be comfortable walking and trotting andhave some notions of cantering. This stay is suitable for riders who do not dare to go on a horseback trip: it allows the rider to achieve the necessary three gate ease. Possibility of stay for non riders.

RYTHM:
An alternation of half days and full days allows the rider to get used to his horse and to fully enjoy this stay with visits of remarkable sites in the region by minibus. This program makes it easy to adapt to participants' levels and weather conditions.

GUIDE & ASSISTANT:
1 qualified guide speaking French and English + 1 professional assistant ensuring the preparation of midday meals.

HORSES:
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.

TACK:
Comfortable trail ride saddles, hollow and secure, fitted with saddlebags. Comfortable for both the horse and the rider.

Comfort

ACCOMMODATION:
In a comfortable guesthouse: with an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, hammam, isolation box ... to relax after your horseback excursions.
Les Gargoulettes
MEALS:
Every evening at the "Guest Table". At noon, an assistant prepares hearty hot buffets on riding days (picnic carried in the saddle bags for small groups). Two lunches are free: one in Aix en Provence, one in Lourmarin village.

This program is also available in a luxuary 4 star hotel (on quote) with gastronomic dinners:

Hotel Fontenille (4* hotel)

Rates

2021 PRICES / PER PERSON:
4 NIGHT VERSION:
1200 € in double bedroom
Single bedroom supplement: 200 €
Transferts to/from Aix en Provence stations and Marseille airport: not included, on request.
Booking fees: 15 €
6 NIGHT VERSION:
1300 € in double bedroom
Single bedroom supplement: 300 €
Transferts to/from Aix en Provence stations and Marseille airport: Free !
Booking fees: 15 €
LESS THAN 4 RIDER SUPPLEMENT:
The above prices are for a minimum of 4 riders. A stay can be confirmed with a supplement for less than 4 riders: contact us to know the number of riders registered for the week that interests you.
3 riders: +250€ / person
2 riders: + 500€ / person
1 rider: + 1000 €

PRICES INCLUDE:
Horse and tack rental, guide, assistant, accommodation, all meals unless 2 lunches, drinks during meals, free transfers from/to Aix-en-Provence train stations and Marseille airport at set times (only on the 5 night program), financial bond for your payments by our travel agent guarantee.

PRICES DON'T INCLUDE:
Individual insurance, lunches on Tuesday (Aix) and Friday (Lourmarin), drinks out of meals, possible visits, transfers from / to Aix-en-Provence stations or Marseille airport (4 night version, included in the 6 night version), all that is not indicated in "PRICES INCLUDE".

Dates

Other dates may be available for this product, contact us if you cannot find the desired date.

Dates	From	Infos	Contact
01/03/2021 - 31/03/2021	1200€	ON REQUEST IN MARCH	+ Infos
01/10/2021 - 31/10/2021	1200€	ON REQUEST IN OCOBER	+ Infos
01/11/2021 - 30/11/2021	1200€	ON REQUEST IN NOVEMBER	+ Infos

Booking

HOW TO BOOK:

1. CHECK THE AVAILABILITY, PRICE, DISCOUNT:
Check the availability and price (depending on the type of accommodation and after possible discounts) by contacting us through the availability & quote request form or by phone +33(0)483431234, whatsapp +33(0)609520324, or e-mail: [email protected]

2. BOOKING:
Fill out the online registration form:
https://www.horsebackridingvacations.eu/form/formulaire-d-inscription

3. INSURANCES:
Cap Rando is covered for its professional civil liability: GENERALI contract n ° AL974010.
To register on a Cap Rando holiday, you must be covered by an individual liability insurance covering your activity, individual accident, assistance, repatriation, and possibly cancellation (strongly recommended not to lose your payment in case of unforeseen your cancellation insurance contract). We offer West European citizens to subscribe the "Cap Protection Insurance" from Chapka Insurance: see prices. This covers you for cancellation, interruption of stay, individual accident, assistance 24h / 24h, medical expenses abroad, luggage insurance, civil liability. You can also only take a cancellation insurance if you have insurance covering other risks. If you pay by credit card, depending on your card, you may be fully covered: check your contract.
For non West European citizens, you can subscribe directly an insurance for instance on: https://www.axatravelinsurance.com/

4. PAYMENT:
A 30% deposit is required upon booking, the balance being due 60 days before the stay date. Less than 60 days before your departure date, full payment is requested at registration.
You can pay:
- By credit card on our secure payment website: Click here to access the server
- By bank transfer: Bank information

Your payments are guaranted by our GROUPAMA travel agent bond.
If you book a trip through Cap Rando, you have the guarantee not to loose any payment.
The French law is the strongest and requires all French travel agencies to have an unlimited financial guarantee for their customers in case of financial failure.

5. CONFIRMATION:
You will receive a confirmation file and contract with the invoice and all practical information within 24 hours after reception of your registration form and payment.

Useful information

WEATHER:
The Provence is the sunniest part of France with more than 300 sunny days !
Temperatures tend to be around 30 ° in summer and drop to an average of 15 ° in winter. The famous Mistral wind can have a great effect on temperatures, it is much less felt in the southern Luberon, often sheltered by the massif.
July and August are hot with little to no precipitation. Temperatures tend to climb during the day, when a nap becomes a necessity rather than a luxury. At night the temperatures drop considerably and are pleasant in the Luberon.
The months before and after the high season are the most pleasant, May, June, September, until the end of October.
Winters are generally sunny and dry. Freezing can occur overnight. there are many days in winter when the sun invites outside activities and lunches. February, in particular, can delight with mild days.

Reviews

GUEST REVIEWS

- Déborah (Canada)

La semaine dernière j'ai eu un grand plaisir de passer une semaine au Mas de Recaute et de faire le séjour Cheval & Nature en Luberon. Mon guide, Paul, m'a emmené sur des randonnées magiques à travers le Luberon. Il est plein de connaissances sur la Provence et son histoire. Notre chef nous a préparé d'excellents repas, comme le canard grillé à la cheminée, la ratatouille provencale, sa tapenade maison, et de superbes salades. Pierre nous a préparé des pique-niques fabuleux. Merci de m'avoir emmené découvrir le marché de Lourmarin. Après les diners, je me sentais comme faisant partie de l'équipe, dansant, chantant avec tout le monde ! Le meilleur des services de la part d'une équipe professionnelle. Je suis décidée à revenir pour faire la randonnée à cheval du Luberon à la Camargue !

René et Taren (USA)

Notre semaine de randonnée à cheval dans le Luberon, Cheval & Nature spécial basse saison, a été magique et nous laisse une multitude de souvenirs inoubliables. Cette randonnée avec l'équipe Cap Rando nous a apporté beaucoup plus que ce que nous attendions et nous vous remercions. Merci beaucoup !