Trail Ride in PROVENCE - Inn to Inn Horseback Trip : FROM THE LUBERON TO THE VERDON CANYON AND TO THE RIVIERA

HORSEBACK TRIP IN PROVENCE
INDICATIVE PROGRAM *
 
Part 1: From Luberon to Verdon

Day 1: Meeting at Mas de Recaute. Meal and night at the Mas.

Day 2: Lauris - Buoux. The heart of the Regional Natural Park of Luberon, by the peaks of the Luberon: exceptional view of the Alps and the Mediterranean. Overnight at the Auberge des Seguins, at the foot of the climbing cliffs in the Aiguebrun gorges, where you can cool off in the pool before dinner.

Day 3: Buoux - Cereste. We will start the day discovering the prehistoric sites of the Gorges de l'Aiguebrun. Then we will join a beautiful Provencal village and take a break at the village fountain to water the horses. Lunch break under the oaks. In the afternoon, ride on trails through scented garrigue before arriving at Céreste, gateway to the Upper Provence. Evening meal and night in bed and breakfast at our friend guesthouse Olivier.

Day 4: Céreste - Esparron de Verdon. We descend to the valley of the Durance, through the pretty village of Montfuron and its mills. Crossing the valley of the Durance on horseback (or by truck following the level of the river), before riding on the Velansole Plateau to direct us to Esparron lake. After taking care of the horses, you can leave them for a well deserved rest and go for a swim in the lake before dinner.

Day 5: Esparron de Verdon - Riez. The Valensole Plateau and its lavender fields as far as the eye can see, picnic at the edge of the lake of Montpezat, bathe horses and riders. Then, we will leave towards the Pontfrac castle where we will spend the night in a particularly pleasant setting after enjoying the pool.

Day 6: Riez - Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Stop midday on the shores of the Sainte Croix lake, swimming horses and riders before going back on the plateau: superb view of the lake dominated by the mountains cut by the Verdon Canyon. Arrival at the foot of the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, famous for its decorated faience and the beauty of the site. Visit of the village.

Day 7: End of the ride after breakfast. Transfer to Manosque station and Mas de Recaute. Rest, swimming or water activities in the lake and the Verdon Canyon for those who follow with the second part, from the Verdon to the Nice hinterland.

Part 2: From the Verdon to the Col de Vence

Day 1 / Day 7: Meeting at Mas de Recaute or Manosque station for those who are only the second part. Transfer minibus to Moustiers. Welcome drink at the gîte in Moustiers.

Day 2 / Day 8: Moustiers - La Palud sur Verdon. We will start our ride up on the high plateaux of Verdon by a mule track overhanging the village of Moustiers. Fine gallops and picnic at the edge of a stream before taking the track down to La Palud Sur Verdon.

Day 3 / Day 9: La Palud sur Verdon - Castellane. By a path overlooking the Canyon with magnificent views of the turquoise water of the river, very nice step to Castellane.

Day 4 / Day 10: Castellane - Sunhas. After a relaxing morning in Castellane, with the possibility of rafting on the Verdon or walking and shopping in the village, we will go up to the mountain village of Soleihas.

Day 5 / Day 11: Sunhas - Andon. Beautiful forests, on trails along streams, to get to the picnic. End of our ride with beautiful gallops on a vast grassy plateau. Welcome to the farm.

Day 6 / Day 12: Andon - Col de Vence - Saint-Jeannet. Following the Loup Gorges before riding up into green pastures. Picnic in Cipières, pretty village in the hinterland. In the afternoon, superb views of the Côte d'Azur riviera, and Corsica in clear weather, before arriving at the Col de Vence. Our horses are embarked to return to Lauris. In good weather, possibility to go on the beach of Cagnes sur Mer for a swim. Transfer minibus to the picturesque village of Saint-Jeannet where the view of the Bay of Nice is exceptional.

Day 7 / Day 13: End of the ride after breakfast. Minibus transfer to Nice train station and Mas de Recaute.

* Indicative program subject to modifications in case of necessity.