A horseback trip through the Provence and three natural parks: the Luberon, the Alpilles, the Camargue !

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Trip variants

PROVENCE : LUBERON TO CAMARGUE , MEDITERRANEAN RIDE - LUXURY VERSION

Thematic

Horseback riding in Camargue

Beach horse riding

Horse riding in the Luberon

South of France horse riding holidays

Inn to Inn week horseback riding trips with Cap Rando guides and horses

Alpilles à cheval en Provence

Horseback cattle work

Horseback riding trip in Provence that will take you from the Luberon hills in the heart of Provence, across the Alpilles painted by Van Gogh, to the Mediterranean sea in the famous Camargue: the land of flamingoes, black bulls and white horses. A unique human and equestrian experience, a trip rich in history and culture, a week trail ride full of excitment as you will gallop on the long beautiful sand beaches of the Mediterranean coast. The variety of landscapes is the highlight of this unique horseback trip through the Provence and three natural parks. Participation on horseback in the work with Camargue bull with a local cowboy. Great final gallops on the Camargue beach. This trail ride is our most popular horse riding trip in Provence !

Itinerary

equestrian holiday in Camargue

INDICATIVE ITINERARY *:

equestrian holiday in Provence

Day 1: Free transfer from Marseille airport (5 pm), Aix en Provence tgv train station (5:30 pm), Aix en Provence center train station (5:45 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.

inn to inn horseback trail ride Provence Day 2: From Lauris to Mallemort. 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 a flooding river) 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 to your accommodation, in Lauris, dinner at the host table overnight at Les Gargoulettes in Lauris.

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. horse ridng holiday in Provence

Day 4: From Eygalieres to Les Baux de Provence. A cultural day as you will ride in the landscape Van Gogh liked to paint. You will stop near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, in front of the hospital in which Van Gogh stayed and made his most famous paintings. Admire beautiful Roman monuments, before you make your way towards lunch. The afternoon ride will take you on the crests of the Alpilles: striking panorama on the surrounding area. At the end of the trail, we load the horses in the truck for a transfer to Camargue. You then have the choice between visiting the Baux de Provence medieval village or the Lumière quarries with an exceptional multimedia show, on the theme of Cezanne in 2021: to be reserved on the website www.carrieres-lumieres.com. After this break, minibus transfer to Sylvereal, the gate of the Camargue. Night in a hotel: an old Abbaye and dinner at the hotel's typical Camargue auberge.

week equestrian vacation Camargue Provence 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 by offering us an aperitif "the friendship glass". Picnic on the place, prepared by our assistant. Then we leave on horseback to Les 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.

progressive horse riding trip in Provence Day 6: A morning ride on the beaches. Nice gallops and walk in the sea. The lunch will be prepared at the hotel by your assistant, and the afternoon you will ride along the Vacares lake: you will discover a lot of flamingos and wild birds on a pleasant trail. Transfer to Lauris, for a last dinner, share memories, pictures, addresses ...

Day 7: End of the trip after breakfast. Free transfer to Aix-en-Provence train stations and Marseille airport (departure at 9:30 am).

* Indicative program: may be subject to modifications without any compensation if necessary (weather, floods, fire risks, imponderables ...).

MEETING/DEPARTURE

image-20220413165703-2 MEETING:
Sunday afternoon at your accommodation in Lauris at 7pm. Free transfer from Marseille airport (5 pm), Aix en Provence TGV station (5:30 pm), Aix en Provence center train station (5:45 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:
Saturday morning after breakfast. At 9:30 am, departure of the free transfer to Aix-en-Provence center train station (±10 am), 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 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

RIDING LEVEL:
To participate and enjoy this trip, it is imperative to be comfortable at the three gaits (walk, trot, rapid gallop) outdoors on balanced horses. This ride requires a very good equestrian level, with gaits that can be fast on the Camargue beaches.

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. Nice gallops on the Camargue beaches.

GROUP SIZE:
4 to 8 riders + the guide.

GUIDE & ASSISTANT:
1 qualified guide speaking French and English + 1 professional assistant ensuring luggage transports and preparing lunch buffets.

HORSES:

provence horseback riding Varied local crossings, of medium size, selected for their character and adapted to the type of rides we offer. All our horses are trail riding "professionals": they only do this activity. They are never locked in boxes, they live in herds all year round, out of season from November to March: in semi-freedom on more than 500 ha. For these reasons, they are balanced, kind and willful. Horses are allocated after discussion with your guide, according to your height, weight, level and experience.
rando cheval Provence et Drome

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.

Comfort

ACCOMMODATION:
In simple guesthouses and hotels (equivalent 2 * French standard). All nights in shared 2-3 person bedrooms (triple may be 1 double bed + 1 single bed some nights) or single bedrooms with supplement. Most bedrooms are ensuite: 1 night can not have enough ensuite bedrooms for all guests.
Inn to Inn trips cannot guarantee the same level of comfort every night: one of the pleasures of a horseback riding trip is the variety ! We chose the accommodations for their location on the itinerary and for the quality of their welcome. With varying degrees of comfort, you will always have a memory: a good meal, a particularly pleasant atmosphere, or an exceptional setting. The price is not justified by luxury accommodation, but by the high logistical costs on an online horse riding trip).
This ride is also offered in luxuary accommodations: see information

INDICATIVE ACCOMMODATIONS (may change depending on availabilities):

The Gargoulettes
Nights 1,2 & 6

The Sarriette
Night 3

Mas de Sylvereal
Night 4

The Maset
Night 5

image-20220509200530-1 MEALS: proven horse riding
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.

voyage a cheval provence provence a cheval

LUGGAGE TRANSFERS:
Provided by the assistant in a minibus.

Rates

Offer

Infos tarif

2023 PRICE / PER PERSON:
In 2-3 person bedrooms: 1 700 €
Single bedroom supplement: 300 € *
* 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 center station, Aix tgv station, Marseille airport: free at fixed times.
Booking fees: 15 €
2024 PRICE / PER PERSON:
In 2-3 person bedrooms: 1 800 €
Single bedroom supplement: 360 € *
* 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 center station, 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 from day 1 dinner until day 7 breakfast, drinks during meals (table water and wine), the bull activity with a local cowboy in Camargue, free transfer of horses and riders from Les Baux de Provence to the Camargue and return at the end of the ride to the starting point (online horse trip), free transfers from / to Marseille airport or Aix-en-Provence stations at the fixed days & times, the financial guarantee of your payments by our travel operator deposit.

THE PRICE DOESN'T INCLUDE:
Individual insurance, drinks out of meals and not included drinks (mineral water, sodas, hot drinks), any visits, personal expenses, tips, transfers out of the fixed days & times, all that is not indicated in "the price includes".

INSURANCE:
We offer to Europe citizens (only) Chapka insurances:
Cap Security: full insurance with cancellation. Cap Cancellation: cancellation only.
See prices & information

Dates

Offer

AVAILABLE = NOT YET CONFIRMED
CONFIRMATION IN PROGRESS = SHOULD BE CONFIRMED SOON
BOOK YOUR 2024 RIDE BEFORE JULY AND GET THE 2023 RATE !

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

Dates	From	Infos	Contact
04/06/2023 - 10/06/2023	1700€	FULL	Information request
11/06/2023 - 17/06/2023	1700€	FOR 1 LADY WILLING TO SHARE BEDROOMS - LAST AVAILABILITY	Information request
18/06/2023 - 24/06/2023	1700€	FULL	Information request
25/06/2023 - 01/07/2023	1700€	LAST AVAILABILITY	Information request
03/09/2023 - 09/09/2023	1700€	LAST AVAILABILITIES	Information request
10/09/2023 - 16/09/2023	1700€	LAST AVAILABILITIES	Information request
17/09/2023 - 23/09/2023	1700€	2 LAST AVAILABILITIES	Information request
24/09/2023 - 30/09/2023	1700€	LAST AVAILABILITIES	Information request
01/10/2023 - 07/10/2023	~~1700€~~ 1600€	AVAILABLE	Information request
08/10/2023 - 14/10/2023	~~1700€~~ 1600€	AVAILABLE	Information request
15/10/2023 - 21/10/2023	~~1700€~~ 1600€	AVAILABLE	Information request
22/10/2023 - 28/10/2023	~~1700€~~ 1600€	AVAILABLE	Information request
31/03/2024 - 06/04/2024	1800€		Information request
07/04/2024 - 13/04/2024	1800€		Information request
14/04/2024 - 20/04/2024	1800€		Information request
21/04/2024 - 27/04/2024	1800€		Information request
28/04/2024 - 04/05/2024	1800€		Information request
05/05/2024 - 11/05/2024	1800€		Information request
12/05/2024 - 18/05/2024	1800€		Information request
26/05/2024 - 01/06/2024	1800€		Information request
02/06/2024 - 08/06/2024	1800€		Information request
09/06/2024 - 15/06/2024	1800€		Information request
16/06/2024 - 22/06/2024	1800€		Information request
23/06/2024 - 29/06/2024	1800€		Information request
01/09/2024 - 07/09/2024	1800€		Information request
08/09/2024 - 14/09/2024	1800€		Information request
15/09/2024 - 21/09/2024	1800€	FULL	Information request
22/09/2024 - 28/09/2024	1800€		Information request
29/09/2024 - 05/10/2024	1800€		Information request
06/10/2024 - 12/10/2024	~~1800€~~ 0€		Information request
13/10/2024 - 19/10/2024	1800€		Information request
20/10/2024 - 26/10/2024	1800€		Information request
27/10/2024 - 02/11/2024	1800€		Information request

Booking

How to book

HOW TO BOOK :
By booking with Cap Rando, you get the benefit of the French travel agency law, one of the strictest in the world: an unlimited financial guarantee for all your payments !

BOOKING PROCEDURE:

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)483431321, whatsapp +33(0)609520324, or e-mail: contact@horsebackridingvacations.eu
If you already have received the confirmation of the availability and the price, you can proceed directly to your booking:

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

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 cancellation for a reason covered by a cancellation insurance).
We offer to Europe Union & Switzerland citizens (only) to subscribe the "Cap Security" insurance from Chapka Insurance. This covers you for cancellation, interruption of stay, individual accident, assistance 24h / 24h, repatriation, medical expenses abroad, luggage insurance, civil liability. You can also only subscribe a "Cap Cancellation" cancellation insurance if you have insurance covering other risks.
See all information about our cancellation policy and Chapka insurance offer.
For non Europe Union citizens: if you pay by credit card, depending on your card, you may be fully covered: check your contract.
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: You will be directed to the payment link after completing the online booking form: https://www.horsebackridingvacations.eu/form/booking-form
- By bank transfer: Our bank information will be sent to you after reception of your booking form.

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.

6. CANCELLATION POLICY:
See the cencellation policy: cancellation conditions.
Please note: Any stay may be canceled in the event of insufficient bokkings to ensure the stay up to 21 days before the starting date. In this case, a replacement stay may be offered to you, if it does not suit you: full refund is guaranteed without compensation. We advise you to book refundable transports.

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.

image-20230401183919-1
^Source:^{https://fr.climate-data.org/europe/france/provence-alpes-cote-d-azur/aix-en-provence-358/}

Reviews

GUEST REVIEWS

Cynthia (USA) - September 2022

Hi Didier,
We had the best time ever ! We met today for the first time since getting back (we did make it home by Sunday evening!) and we just kept talking about the whole week and how wonderful it all was !
Flora was such an awesome, inspiring leader. My skill set and confidence improved. Pierrot (happily?) tolerated all our singing in the car. He was great, tool The scenery, everything, could not have been better !
Every day was different, with even more eye-opening sites than the day before. The group cohesiveness was immediate making the trip even more fun. We felt well taken care of by Flora and Pierrot.
All horses are in great shape; proper tacking displayed with consistent, friendly checks by our guide. Happy to prepare the horses for the day with their care and tacking as well as at the end of the day.
Very helpful registration process with Didier guiding us along the way. Coming from the USA, Didier was quite helpful (and patient!) with the registration/payment process/contract, etc.
The ride was spectacular. The villages we visited along with the beautiful countryside were just wonderful to experience. (Flora also gave interesting historical references.) It was fun. Accommodations were fine. Private Inns had friendly welcoming staff and the hotels were fine as well. Pool in St. Maries de la Mer - especially nice to experience after a day's ride. And, the short walk into town. Food was awesome. Spirit, my horse, will always be with me !
I will never forget this trip, nor the people I met. It truly went beyond my expectations.
Thank you, hundred times over !
Warmest regards,
Cindy

Kelsey (USA) - September 2022

Hey,
We just this minute finished the ride. It was amazing ! We had a wonderful time and loved our guide, Orane. She’s a gem. Loved our ride mates, too—all fast friends now. We’ll be happy to post a glowing review wherever you want us to.
Thank you for being patient with us over three years in booking this ride—and counseling is along the way. It was the most memorable vacation ever.
Thanks for reaching out !

Rahel (France) - May 2021

It was perfect, we couldn't do better. Very well received, people of extra kindness, I spent one of the most beautiful weeks of my life !
My horse, Thunderson: I loved him. Very, very sure footed, voluntary and very well in his head. A very good mix of energy and coolness. Very comfortable touring saddle.
Idilly accommodation, very comfortable beds, attention to detail. Owl ! I was sleeping like a baby.
I'll be back ! I can't wait to experience a ride with Cap Rando.
Cap Rando services: Didier at the top!
I really have nothing to say for improvement. The stay exceeded my imaginations. Thank you

Rebecca (Suisse) - Mai 2021

Return from an extraordinary week and a total change of scenery riding from the Luberon to the Camargue marshes via the Alpilles. A new approach to the horse, learning to team up with him and trust him to cover the different terrains and the kilometers 🤩😍🐴 Thanks to Orane for guiding us in this adventure and to Cap rando for the organization 🤩

Nicolas (France) - Juin 2021

A brilliant riding trip in Provence to the Camargue with Orane, our guide, and Pierrot, his assistant. I can only highly recommend ! Thank you Orane for getting back into the saddle to the top, Pierrot for the incredible picnics and assistance, and we look forward to riding with you again !

Els et Nick (Belgique) - Juin 2020

Notre voyage a été FANTASTIQUE !!
Les guides, Pierrot et Didier, étaient d'une très agréable compagnie, nous avons été bien pris en charge. Les pique-niques étaient toujours variés et copieux, et pendant la randonnée il y avait absolument tous nos souhaits. Le voyage s’est déroulé comme nous l’avions espéré à l’avance, nous sommes tellement heureux d'avoir fait ce voyage à cheval. Pouvez-vous faire part de nos sincères compliments à l’organisateur sur le terrain? Je peux à peine exprimer combien nous avons apprécié cette semaine à cheval !

Posted by Tal (Israel) – October 2019

« We just returned this week from a 5 day horse riding trip in France.
Have to say it was one of the most beautiful and fun trips we did as a family.
The Landscape, service, organization : Everything was perfect ! »

Posted by Jill (United Kingdom) – October 2018

« I rode a lovely little horse called Carmen who was such a professional and gave me safe uncomplicated five days on the trail.The variety of the scenery from the Alpilles looking over to Les Baux in the evening sunshine to the uniqueness of the Camargue,,actually wading through the marshes is reason enough to go on this holiday. Plenty of forest trails,the rocky garrigue,fascinating apple orchards and flat marshland meant that there was so much to see. We had some really good gallops especially on the beach where the hard working horses found a speedy fifth gear. The hotels in the Camargue were fine, the chambres d'hotes were simple but all clean with comfy beds and more importantly a very high standard of food and hospitality. Great evening meals and good wine. Professional guide and backup driver, Didier and Pierrot. Made the week enjoyable,safe and fun. My dietary requests were met without fuss which was much appreciated. »

Posted by Alice (United Kingdom) – October 2018

«Just wanted to send a huge thank you from myself and Nicky to Didier, Isabelle and Pierro for a fabulous weeks riding despite some unpleasant riders. We had a terrific time - enjoyed our horses and the wonderful and varied landscapes. The sunshine was rather lovely too. As the least experienced rider in the group I felt safe but challenged - which is just the way I like it.
The gourmet picnics were way above expectations- in the uk you get a bag of crisps and a sandwich! A little glass of rosé certainly helped with the afternoon rides. We also enjoyed the cooking at the chambres d’hôtes. Will certainly recommend you to my riding mates in the UK - If we wanted to make a private group what would be the minimum number?
So please pass on our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to the team. Alice »

Francis & Laurence (France) – 10/2017

« Bonjour, Nous rentrons avec ma femme de la randonnée « Lubéron /Camargue » que du bonheur: très bonne équipe d’encadrement: guide équestre Didier Méjard avec son acolyte Pierrot pour l’assistance. Et, et une super écurie de vrais chevaux de randonnée, comme on les aime calmes mais présents à la moindre sollicitation. Merci à tous »

Posted by: Kim (U.S.A.) – June 2017

« "Absolutely wonderful in every way!" We rode for many hours each day through varied and beautiful countryside, mountains, marshlands and beach. Due to the trails and hills on the first few days, there is more walking than at the beach, however, we still found many places to trot and canter. I was never bored and enjoyed every minute of the riding. I am extremely fit, but I would say that due to the heat, the riding still required a fair amount of stamina. »

Katinka – May 2017

« "Magic Luberon and Camargue" Fantastic horses, surefooted in the mountains and across rivers and fantastic canters on the beaches. »

Jane – October 2016

« "Transcendent!" I really appreciated how well cared for the horses were throughout our trip. The riding was perfect and met my expectations - exceeded them! There was the perfect mix of safety, adventure and I appreciated the fact that my horse was good "going forward" – an exciting but safe ride. »

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