A real insider tip for French lovers: although the Lot department is considered one of the richest regions in the country in terms of its historical and cultural heritage, it is still quite unknown to travelers. Located in south-central France, the region boasts a diverse landscape of lush vineyards and impressive river landscapes. Well-preserved medieval castles and picturesque villages round off the romantic French landscape. On your trip to the Lot, you can sit back and enjoy the finer things in life. In addition to relaxing rides in the countryside, you can expect local wine, great cuisine and plenty of time to enjoy the benefits of a comfortable maison typical of the region. Your time at Lot promises mindful enjoyment, stress is a foreign word here.

Itinerary

Riding & Relaxing (5 days)

Day 1: Arrival at the country house in the late afternoon. After a tour of the estate and a first introduction to the horses, you will have dinner together.

Day 2: After breakfast, you set off on your first ride to discover the Caselles. These emblematic dry stone shelters were once built by shepherds. Return to the country house and lunch. In the afternoon, you will go on another ride towards the impressive menhir of Belinac - the largest of its kind in the Lot. Then return to the maison. You will have some time to relax, followed by dinner together. Riding time approx. 4 hours.

Day 3: After breakfast, today's ride takes you to Christophe, your hosts' favorite wine merchant, where a regional wine tasting workshop awaits you. This is followed by a delicious picnic with local produce. In the late afternoon, you will return to the maison, where you will have dinner. Riding time approx. 2 hours.

Day 4: After breakfast, your third day at saddle begins. After descending to valley and crossing the authentic village Corn, you ride pass the mysterious spring of Bual and follow a wooded section of the Way of St. James. You then take a well-earned lunch break in the priory of Espagnac. After lunch, enjoy a wonderful ride that shows you an incredible variety of landscapes. Dinner back at the country house for a last warm and convivial evening. Riding time approx. 4 hours.

Day 5: Departure after breakfast.

An authentic Lot experience (7 days)
1st - 4th day: Same program as "Riding & Relaxation".
Alternative on day 4: Instead of a day on horseback, your host invites you to head for the spectacular Padirac Gorge: descend 103 meters below ground before boarding a small boat for a magical journey in an unforgettable setting. After lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon continues to Rocamadour, a village dramatically built into the rock face. You will explore the historic and legendary sanctuary and listen to the anecdotes that have made this place so famous. In the late afternoon, you will return to the Maison. A convivial, homemade dinner awaits you.

Day 5: Breakfast at the country house. While the horses enjoy a well-deserved day of rest, you have the morning at leisure. You can relax on the estate or take a leisurely walk to enjoy the peaceful surroundings to the fullest. After lunch, you will embark on a real journey through time. You follow in the footsteps of the Cro-Magnon people to the Pech Merle cave. Then continue to the medieval village Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, which towers dramatically over the river Lot. Dinner in a local restaurant in the heart of the village, then return to the country house.

Day 6: After breakfast, meet your horse for one last full day at saddle. This is a good opportunity to explore the Causse. With its sheep farming and very low population density, this region is known for the beauty of its traditional architecture, the charm of its forest paths and the profound tranquillity that reigns here. You will enjoy lunch at a local goat cheese producer. In the evening, a home-cooked dinner awaits you at the maison. Riding time approx. 4 hours.

Day 7: Departure after breakfast.

Subject to change without notice!

Accomodation
You will stay in a traditional French country house that has been renovated in a modern style. On the first floor, an atmospheric fireplace awaits you for cozy reading hours in the evening. A shady terrace and a large swimming pool invite you to relax and unwind. On the second floor of the family-run property, three bedrooms offer space for up to six people. Single room upon request available. The shared bathroom consists of two separate shower cubicles and separate toilets.
Vegetarian / vegan meals are possible. Please indicate your dietary requirements when booking directly.

Saddle & Tack: English saddles with saddlebags, snaffle and bitless bridles

Experience: You should be comfortable in all 3 gaits also outside of the arena. The pace is rather calm, but there are also opportunities for trotting and cantering. You ride usually ride 2-4 hours a day. Maximum rider weight: 90 kg.

Horses: Approx. 12 riding horses, partly home-bred. Various breeds with heights of around 1.55 m. Well-trained trail horses with a relaxed character.

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