FRANCE A LA CARTE
Horse-riding breaks breaks in France

DORDOGNE - the details

dates 2009:

May 2 - 9

June 6 - 13

August 8 - 15

September 12 - 19

October 3 - 10**

April 4 - 11**

Prices:
for Riders: €1945 (base 2 sharing double or twin room)
for non-riding companions: €1525
single supplement: €300

** These 2 dates are lower priced and faster paced: overnights in mainly 2* hotels

Rider: €1645

non-rider: €1290

The price includes:
* 7 overnights in comfortable hotels or chateaux (base 2 sharing)
* full-board for 7 days
* 6 days horse-riding (4 to 6 hours per day)

Transfers:
Agen railway station to hotel at 4pm - €40
Toulouse airport: €170 (one-way)
Bergerac airport: €100 (one-way)

Weight limit: 210 lbs. (95 kgs.)
Length of Ride: 8 days, 7 nights, 5 1/2 days riding,
Amount of Riding Each Day: 4 - 6 hours
Accommodation: 2 to 3 star
Group size: Minimum 1 rider, Maximum 7 riders
Pace: Moderate
Riding Ability: Intermediate
Meeting Point: Agen Railway station at 4pm

BOOKING ENQUIRIES

Horse-riding through Mediaeval Dordogne

an 8 day exploration of fortresses and gastronomy

The Dordogne is a region in southwest France famous for its history, chateaux, bastides, caves and food. The beauty of the landscape, of cliffs overhanging cultivated plains and rivers, of the dense and mysterious forests, verdant farmland and pastures, make the area an unforgettable destination for travellers. Our ride takes you through this beautiful and varied region, giving you the opportunity to see many of the area's sights while also taking the less travelled paths - to give you a real feeling for the region and its people.

ITINERARY

Day 1: You will be met upon arrival at Agen Railway station and taken to your hotel for the evening, in the valley of Gavaudun. With only 5 rooms, this converted water mill offers a private evening together with a wonderful local meal to enjoy.

Day 2: After breakfast and allocation of the horses, the days ride takes you through the forests and valley of Gavaudun, past the Chateaux de Gavaudun built on a rock face in the XI century, to the Chateau de Biron. Its architecture spans eight centuries and it is one of the best preserved castles in Europe. Lunch is followed by a visit to the castle. Ride into the Dordogne in the afternoon to Monpazier, the bastide famous for its superb architecture, which was founded by Edward the 1st, King of England in 1284. Riders have an opportunity to visit Monpazier, swim at the hotels pool, or just relax before dinner in this beautiful bastide with its historic atmosphere.

Day 3: This morning's ride continues further north to the beautiful bastide of Montferrand-du-Perigord. Located on the Couze river, the village is dominated by a half ruined chateau from the 12th century. The old homes, pigeonniers, and roman chapel all add to the charm of this picturesque village. After a picnic lunch in the village, continue to enjoy a lovely ride through the farmlands and forests of the area, before arriving just outside of Cadouin, located within the Bessède forest. With its 12th century Romanesque church and Gothic cloister, the abbey of Cadouin is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a visit of this beautiful abbey before transferring to your nearby hotel for the evening.

Day 4: Today's ride continues through the Bessède forest before arriving just outside of another beautiful and unique bastide - Belvès. Classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, you will be spending the evening within the walls of this 11th century fortified village. In the afternoon, guests have the opportunity to drive to the Gouffre de Proumeyssac - baptized the Cristal Cathedral. The largest developed abyss in the Perigord, the Cavern of Proumeyssac is a beautiful underground vault decorated with a multitude of crystallization. The visit is available in English and includes a beautiful light show at the beginning of the tour. After returning to Belvès, you can either relax at the hotel or take a tour of the village before dinner.

Day 5: The day's ride takes us south, through the chestnut woods of the Dordogne, to the Auberge La Cle des Champs. Before arriving at the auberge, we will stop in the forest to have another lovely picnic lunch under the trees. The Auberge itself is located on three hundred acres of land and is a very special place. Within the grounds you can spot ostrich, emu, wild boar, sheep, goats, deer, ponies and horses. After a swim in the pool or just relaxing, enjoy the evenings meal where you will have the opportunity to try some of the areas specialties.


Day 6: The ride continues through the forests to the Chateau de Bonaguil, a medieval fortress built on a rock face in the 15th century. The picnic lunch is followed by a tour of this wonderful castle. Dating back to the Hundred Years War, Chateau de Bonaguil was classified as a Historical monument in the 19th century, and is a remarkable castle to explore. After lunch, we ride on through a wide variety of trails. Starting in the woods again, we pass through pristine villages, farmers' fields of wheat, corn and sunflowers, cross the Lot river and traverse numerous orchards and vineyards. The ride finishes on the plateau at a local vineyard for a visit and a taste. After a tasting with the chateau owners, we transfer to your charming hotel, located in the countryside just minutes from the vineyard. The evening meal in the stone and timber dining room is a wonderful end to a great day of riding.

Day 7: In the morning we ride on to the fortified town of Tournon d’Agenais, perched at the top of a hill with a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. Another wonderful picnic lunch and tour of the village is followed by an afternoon's ride to your next hotel for the evening. This converted country gentleman's estate is now a traditional and very comfortable hotel with a swimming pool and beautiful gardens. Tonights farewell dinner is in the hotel dining room where the chef will have prepared yet another fantastic meal to enjoy for your last evening together.

Day 8: After breakfast, transfer back to Agen Railway Station.