France, Provence - Luberon and Lavender
The Provence lavender Inn to Inn trail ride ... a fragrant and colored equestrian trip across the Provence, from the south Luberon natural park to the highlights of lavender cultivation in Provence: Plateau Claparèdes north of Grand Luberon, Plateau d'Albion, the country of Banon and Sault: the lavender capital. A fragrances horseback trail ride in Provence herbs, lavender, sage ... A colored ride: the white limestone cliffs of the Luberon, the green of the "garrigue", pine and oak forests, the ocher of the Colorado Provençal, the blue sky and lavender. Breathtaking scenery from the Lower to the Upper Provence at the foot of the Giant of Provence: the Mont Ventoux.
Please only bring one piece of luggage maximum 15 kg that will be transported where you ride. If you bring several pieces, please inform us.
The information on this page is for this ride specifically. Click here for more information >>.
The Program
Day 1
You arrive at the equestrian center in the afternoon where you will receive information about the upcoming week's ride and be offered a welcome drink.
Day 2 Lauris - Buoux
You start your ride on the south side of Little Luberon. A narrow path takes you up to the rolling hills of the Luberon. Views over Monts Ventoux and the Lure mountains. You ride on through a leafy oak forest to the Claparédes Plateau, famous for its production of lavender. This is where you will stop for a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, you will descend to the Aigeubrun pass - the border between small Luberon and large Luberon.
Day 3 Buoux - Simiane la Rotonde
This morning you will ride back up on to the Claparédes Plateau and through the fragrant lavender fields. You will stop at the village of Saignon and let the horses quench their thirst in the village fountain. You then continue on the old cobbled paths down into the "Valley of Apt". After lunch, you follow a forest path over Rustrel and Gignac before riding up to the Vaucluse Heights through a dense forest of white oaks. Stunning views over the village of Simiane la Rotonde and its lavender fields.
Dinner and overnight at guesthouse.
Day 4 Simiane la Rotonde - Montlaux
Today's ride is long. From Simiane, you make your way to the northern border of the Albion Plateau. You will ride past the ruins of the village Monsallier. You then ride further on to the village of Banon, known for its amazing goat’s cheese. You will stay in St Etienne les Orgues, at the foot of the Lure Mountains. You will enjoy dinner here and stay overnight overlooking the lavender fields.
Day 5 Montlaux - Peyruis
The day begins with a visit to a lavender distillery. You will then head out on a short morning ride to Cruis and Malefougasse. After lunch, you can let your horses stretch out in a gallop. Before you leave the Peyruis and the Durance Valley, you can visit the church of Sainte Magdeleine. Before you arrive at your guesthouse, a stop is made at the Saint Donat Chapel.
Day 6 Peyruis - Lurs
This morning you ride through the Ganagobie woods, a fragrant Mediterranean forest that takes you up to the mysterious Ganagobie Plateau. Lunch is served on the plateau near an old monastery. In the afternoon, a narrow forest road leads you to the historic " Bishops' Walk", which overlooks the beautiful village of Lurs and the rest of the Forcalquier landscape. You are then taken back to Lauris. A good dinner brings a lovely week to an end.
Day 7
After breakfast, transfer to Aix-en-Provence train station or Marseille airport.
You will ride 5-6 hours of day.
We reserve the right to make any changes to riding program, including the cancellation or changing of hotels.
The program is subject to change due to local circumstances beyond our control.