Description
One week of trail riding and French “art de vivre”.
8 days and 7 night – 5 days on horse back.
The Lot’s character is formed by its ‘causses’ (limestone plateaux) through which the Lot, Dordogne and Célé valleys have carved their way. It is studded with major tourist attractions and beautiful villages such as Rocamadour, Cahors, Figeac and Saint Cirq Lapopie…. Man and Nature have both left their imprint on the Pech Merle cave and Padirac Chasm. When you’re rambling or riding, the unspoiled, authentic nature of the Lot is plain to see. Home to excellent local produce and fine food and wines, the Lot has many treats to offer your taste buds, including truffles, foie gras, lamb and melons from Quercy, and Cahors Malbec Wine.
From magical landscapes to villages steeped in history, from gourmet meals to exceptional caves, listed as UNESCO world heritage, you will discover the many facets of the Natural Regional Park “Causses du Quercy” .
- Saturday : Transfer from the airport. Arrival at the farm in the afternoon. After a guided tour around the estate and meeting with the horses, we share a welcome drink and then dinner together.
- Sunday : After breakfast, a first ride around the estate will allow you to get to know “your” horse and also get familiar with the surroundings. Lunch at the farm. We spend the afternoon visiting the medival village Saint Cirq Lapopie. Dîner at the farm.
- Monday : Breakfast at the farm. Trail ride on “le Causse”, heading for the Puy-Blanc ponds and the old brickyard. An unknown facet of local heritage. Picnic at the ponds. On your return, we will offer those who wish an initiation to equine photography before sharing a barbecue evening around the cantou. (The cantou is a typical chimney in the southwest of France.)
- Tuesday : Breakfast at the farm. We then hit the road by car, towards the “Gouffre de Padirac” where we go for an underground tour by boat, to discover one of the most majestic underground rivers in France. Lunch at the restaurant before visiting the city of Rocamadour and its sanctuary built right on the cliff. Return to the farm at the end of the afternoon and dinner.
- Wednesday : Breakfast at the farm. Preparation of the horses and ride to Sainte-Eulalie and the source of Bual, a mysterious place on the edge of the Célé. After lunch at the farm and free time, we visit Figeac, a small medieval town. Free time before meeting for dinner at the restaurant.
- Thursday : Breakfast at the farm. Todays’ ride will take you to the menhir of Bélinac, a trace of human activity in the region which is over 4000 years old. After lunch at the farm, we visit the prehistoric cave of Pech Merle and its moving murals. Dinner at the farm.
- Friday : Breakfast at the farm. Last day on horse back. We make a full day ride with more than 30 km to go. A real journey between the two sides of the valley. A picnic is planned at the Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie estate, on the way to Saint-Jacques. On your return, we will share a last dinner and evening at the farm.
- Saturday : Breakfast at the farm and departure. Those who wish and have time we suggest you pass by Figeac and its market which is well known as one of the liveliest in the area.
COMFORT & ACCOMODATION
Riding time – 2 to 6 hours per day.
Your level – Comfortable at all three gaits. The pace of the rides will be different depending from one day to another, depending on the landscape. Children and teenagers 12 years and above are welcome if accompanied (subject to sufficient equestrian level).
Maximum weight: 100 kg
Non-riders are also welcome on this hike. Except for the equestrian part, they share the same program of activities and visits.
Chevaux – About twenty horses live at the farm in large parks. We have a team of horses of different sizes and breeds to fulfill different requirement. They are all educated with respect for their nature and their personality, according to a behavioral approach and natural horseman ship.
Tack – English saddles, saddle bags availble on request.
Guides – Gwladys will be your riding guide. She is riding instuctor, “horse whisperer” but also a long distance rider with more then 8000 km of her own on horseback through Central America, North Africa and Europe.
Jeremy is a professional equine photographer, author and filmmaker. He can spend hours observing horses and nature. Since 2014, Jeremy travels to promote the diversity of horse breeds worldwide. For him, cooking good food is one of the most important thing in life… He will be your guide during the cultural excursions.
Louise (April – July) is horse guide and long distance rider. She has just returned from a journey on horseback on the Silk Road.
Spoken languages – French, English and Spanish
Transferts – Transferts from and towards the airport in Toulouse or the train station in Cahors are included in the price.
Accomodation & meals
Attention : Tout cavalier voyageant seul s’engage à s’acquitter du supplément chambre individuelle si nous ne trouvons personne pour partager sa chambre.
You will be staying in one of the most surprising valleys of Southern France, at the heart of the Natural Park of “Les Causses du Quercy”. The closest town, Figeac, is 10 minutes far from the farm. You will be able to enjoy South of France climate, atmosphere and gastronomy without the inconvenient of over-populated areas… Here, things remained authentic and french art de vivre kept all its meaning.
The farm itself is from late 19th/early 20th century. Each building is made of traditional stone walls. We are surrounded with 50 hectares of prairies and woods. Our horses live out there all over the year. We can also frequently spot wildlife near the house : foxes, deers, rabbits, red squirrels, pheasants and other types of birds…
For your comfort you will have access to living/dining room and our garden area where you can enjoy the swimming pool and our hammocks. There is plenty of place for you to keep your intimacy when necessary. Bedrooms and bathrooms are shared. Each room can be arrange as twin or double (single with a supplement).
For your information : either you come in group or individually, there will not be more than 6 persons at the same time on our horse riding holidays.
Please note: All riders traveling alone agree to pay the individual room supplement if we cannot find anyone to share their room.
Option:
Single room : + 400 €
Reduction for a non-rider : – 330 €
