In 1152, the famous marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry of Plantagnet led Aquitaine into a serious conflict, the Hundred Years' War. Countless fortified towns and castles were built during this period in accordance with strategic, political and economic requirements. We invite you to travel back in time to the Middle Ages on the back of our hard-working horses. Through deep and picturesque valleys you will reach a magical forest, which is criss-crossed by a network of historical paths. With daily stages of up to 50 km(!), this ride is only for fit and very experienced riders - you will be in the saddle from morning to night and wherever possible, you will be traveling at a brisk pace!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Bordeaux. Pick up at the airport and transfer to Bonaguil. Dinner and overnight stay at the Hameau du Peyrié. Medieval dinner at the restaurant (not included).

Day 2: After breakfast, you set off on horseback at around 09.00 am. Discover the endless chestnut forests of the Dordogne. These provide the perfect surface for long gallops. Lunch at the foot of the castle of Sauveterre. On the way back to ride you pass the castle of Bonaguil, which is still preserved in all its beauty as it has never been defeated. Riding time approx. 5-6 hours.

Day 3: At around 9 a.m., you will set off by minibus in the direction of the medieval town Staint-Cirq-la-Popie. You now have the opportunity to visit this unique town. It has the reputation of being one of the most beautiful towns in France. Lunch at river. Saddle up for an afternoon ride along the Lot river. You pass small villages and to ride through forests that could have come straight out of the Brothers Grimm's fairy tales. Return to Bonaguil. Riding time approx. 4 hours.

Day 4: After an early breakfast, you will set off on a long day's ride (approx. 45 km) at around 8.30/9 am. This will take you to the beautiful, noble castle of Biron, where you will arrive for lunch. Let the beautiful buildings of the village and the fortified church pass you by on horseback. Lunch picnic at the foot of the castle of Biron followed by a tour. In the afternoon you reach the picturesque village of Gavaudun. The riding day also offers you some lovely opportunities for long gallops. Riding time approx. 7 hours.

Day 5: After breakfast at 8 am, pack your things. You now have a 2-hour drive to the Gironde wine region ahead of you. After lunch, a 2-hour horseback ride awaits you in the area of Chateau Ychem, Chateau Trillon and Chateau Giraud. Afterwards you will visit the Chateau Filhot and taste the delicious Sauternes wine. You will then be driven to Mimizan Plage. Riding time approx. 2 hours.

Days 6 and 7: You set off on two day rides in Les Landes, the largest forest area in Central Europe! The French Atlantic coast also awaits you for exciting gallops on fine sandy beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. The ride takes you through fragrant pine forests and wild marshland with pools that are constantly being formed by the tides and high sand dunes in the light-flooded Mediterranean landscape.
The colorful variety of flowers in spring, the purple carpet of heather in autumn, and in between a long bathing season on clean, shallow beaches. And Bordeaux wine grows right on the doorstep.
Saturday evening a last sunset ride. Dinner at the guesthouse. Riding time approx. 6 and approx. 4.5 hours.

Day 8: Departure after breakfast. Return transfer to Bordeaux (shared transfer). Return flight after 13.00 hrs.

(Depending on the date, you can also start on the Atlantic, depending on the tides).

Subject to change without notice!

Accomodation
You spend the first four nights at the 3-star Gîte de Charme Hameau du Peyrié: it is ideally located on the border of the 3 départements of Lot, Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne. Hameau du Peyrié is also very close to the most beautiful sites of Quercy and Périgord. The property is located at only 700 m from the famous Château fort de Bonaguil and is spread over 14 ha of meadows and woods. The origins of the estate date back to the 17th century. It was built from the local, light-coloured stone, which gives the estate a warm and friendly character. The quiet location in the middle of the greenery, the beautiful garden, terrace and swimming pool, as well as the good cuisine create a pleasant setting for relaxation and recreation. You will spend the last 3 nights in a guesthouse with a pool in Mimizan Plage, a pretty little seaside resort on the Atlantic Ocean with endless, beautiful sandy beaches.

Provisions:
Good food is simply a must in France! Lunch is usually served in the form of a picnic. Served at a table, to stand usually offers salads, baguettes, cheese platter, dessert and coffee/tea/drinks. Delicious dishes, e.g. from the region, are served for dinner. An escort car follows the group and transports the food and your luggage.

Saddle & Tack: English saddles and french trail saddles

Experience: At least 3-5 years of regular riding in all gaits. The canter/gallopp sections are conducted individually, with riders sent from the group in ones or twos, depending on the horses, along the path, to meet up again at the end of the track. Rider weight max. 95kg. Riding about 30-65 km per day.

Horses: French trotters, thoroughred and Anglo-Arabian horses up to approx. 1.70m. They are easy-going, sure-footed and sociable. The horses live all year round on huge pastures in a herd.