France, Provence - Perfumes & Perched Villages
A horseback journey that takes you from the foot of the southern slopes of the Luberon to the foot of the Mont Ventoux: the "Giant of Provence". A ride among the scents of Provence and the Upper Provence !
Horseback ride in Provence and Upper Provence. All the landscapes described by Peter Mayle in his famous "A Year in Provence" novel and movie ! You will ride in the heart of Provence, from the Luberon Nature Park to the Mont Ventoux Nature Park, in Drome Provencale. Horseback riding of light and scents, halfway between the Alps and the Mediterranean. A horseback ride that allows you to discover a great diversity of landscapes, changing every half day !
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Program
Day 0 - Sunday: We suggest to arrive on Sunday and spend one night in Aix en Provence (bus shuttle from Marseille airport or Aix TGV), visit this cute city loved by Cezanne, and take the free transfer from Aix tgv station at 11 am on Monday (bus shuttle from Aix center). Recommended hotels: Hotel Cardinal ** - Hotel des Quatre Dauphins *** - Hotel Mercure Paul Cezanne ***
Preliminary day-by-day program
Day 1 - Monday: Lauris-Buoux. Meeting at noon at Lauris. Welcome aperitif and presentation of your ride and lunch. We start on horseback from the southern slope. We ride up to the the crests of the Petit Luberon before descending the northern slope towards Bonnieux: a very beautiful perched village with stone houses. Then we head towards the Claparedes plateau and the first lavender fields. We then descend towards the Aiguebrun canyon which mark the boundary between Petit and Grand Luberon. We pass near the Priory of St Symphorien, then follow the Aiguebrun river to reach the first accommodation at the foot of the high climbing cliffs of Buoux. You can enjoy a swim in the pool before dinner. On certain dates, if you have chosen bedroom accommodation, you will be transferred to the Lauris gîte, the horses remain at the inn. Dinner and night.
Day 2 - Tuesday: Buoux – Cereste. Through the prehistoric sites of the “Gorges de l’Aigebrun”. Pass through a very pretty provincial village to offer the horses a drink at the fountain. Picnic under the oaks, then follow bridleways though the perfumed garrigues to reach Cereste. Night in an inn in the heart of the village.
Day 3 - Wednesday: Cereste – Simiane-la-Rotonde. After a pause to discover the priory of Carluc dating from the 11th century, you will ride towards Oppedette. Cross the superb village, typical to Haute-Provence, perched on the cliff. Opportunities for some great gallops on the way to Simiane. Night in a “chambre d’hotes” (bed and breakfast).
Day 4 - Thursday: Simiane-la-Rotonde - Le Revest du Bion. You'll head back on horseback to the Monts de Vaucluse. Around 4 1/2 hours on horseback in the morning to reach the accommodation near Revest du Bion. Picnic at the accommodation. In the afternoon, swim in the accommodation's pool or stroll and shop in Sault, the lavender capital of Provence!
Day 5 - Friday: Le Revest-du-Bion - Montbrun les Bains. Departure on horseback through moors and forests. Picnic near Sault. In the afternoon, we set off on horseback towards Aurel, a charming medieval village at the foot of the Mont Ventoux. This afternoon, the colors of the lavender (cutted in July), fields of cereals and the shadows of the foothills of Mont Ventoux will perhaps make you want to imitate the many painters who have fallen in love with this region. Arrival at the end of the afternoon in Montbrun-les-Bains, facing the Mont Ventoux, surrounded by green hills and dominating a pretty little plain planted with fragrant lavender: one of the most beautiful villages in France. Transfer of riders by minibus, horses by truck, to return to Lauris and spend the last evening.
Day 6 - Saturday: End of the ride after breakfast. At 9:30 am, free transfer to Aix en Provence tgv station or Marseille airport.
Please note: in case of high level fire risk, some forest massifs may be prohibited from access overnight on the first part in the Luberon, implying possible changes to the itinerary, without financial compensation.