Lords of the Vineyard
a 7 day tour of the Cahors vineyards on horseback
Unlike
many of the other well-known wine regions of France, the
Cahors vignoble is located in one of the most
beautiful and varied areas of the country. You will be
riding through
this famous wine region which boasts over 200 vineyards
and is redolent with history and scenery. The route winds
through vineyards, forests and farmland, past mediaeval
villages, chateaux, and Gallic fortifications, stopping
each night at three and four-star accommodation. Even
if you are not a wine drinker, this tour has been designed
to please and pamper just about anyone. The accommodation
and food are superb, the trails and scenery unforgettable,
and the opportunity to do it all on horseback makes this
a truly unique experience.
ITINERARY
Day 1: You will be greeted upon arrival
at Agen railway station and taken to your hotel, a traditional
and comfortable,
country hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: After breakfast and allocation
of the horses at the hotel, you will ride through the countryside
to
the fortified town of Tournon d'Agenais, perched
at the top of a hill with a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.
After a wonderful picnic lunch below the village ramparts, continue on to
the Chateau de Chambert, set high on the hillsides
of South Quercy near the old
Quercynois village of Floressas. This will be your first opportunity for
wine tasting and a visit to an award-winning Cahors
vineyard that has been producing Cahors wine since
the 12th century. After the visit and wine tasting, you
will
be transferred a short distance to your country
hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: The ride continues back at the
Chateau de Chambert, through the forests and hillsides
of the area to reach
the Lot valley, where you will stop at
the Chateau de Grezels for a picnic lunch beside this mediaeval castle.
Overlooking the Lot valley and many of the Cahors vineyards,
the view from the castle
gives
a wonderful preview of the days to come. After lunch, the ride continues
down into the valley, crossing through vineyards and over the Lot River
before climbing
into the hills again. You will spend the evening at a very quiet, secluded
château where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the chateau's wine
at a private dinner.
Day 4: Today we take a break from riding and head off
for some sightseeing and shopping in the town of Cahors
- founded in the 1st century BC. Our first stop within
Cahors is at the Pont Valentré bridge - classed
as a Major site on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The
only fortified bridge with 3 towers in the world, the
Pont Valentré is the symbol of Cahors. After a
visit of the bridge, guests will enjoy a short boat cruise
around the town, where they will have the opportunity
to see Cahors from a different perspective, nestled in
a giant loop of the Lot river. In the afternoon, after
lunch in a downtown café, guests will have time
to do some of their own sightseeing and shopping in the
beautiful and historic downtown before returning to the
Chateau for another meal in the private dining room.
Day 5: Your ride continues in the wooded hills north
of the Lot valley, stopping off at the Domaine du Theron
for lunch and a private wine tasting. This charming vineyard
was given a new lease on life when, in 1997, it was taken
over by an entrepreneur and lover of French wines. The
most modern vineyard in the Lot region, Domaine du Theron
offers outstanding wines and an equally beautiful view
from the doors of the winery. After lunch, the ride continues
back into the valley before finishing at another lovely
chateau for 
the evening. This old chateau has been renovated
as a guesthouse and offers another opportunity to relax
around the pool or soak your muscles in the Jacuzzi.
Day 6: Today’s ride continues
along the river and in the valley, passing through the
beautiful village
of Albas. After crossing the river, you will have an
opportunity for a long canter before stopping at another
lovely bastide, Castlefranc, for lunch. Picnic on the
banks of the Lot River, below the walls of this old bastide
once belonging to the Bishop of Cahors. The afternoon's
ride will take you back up onto the plateau, offering
some spectacular views of the valley and vineyards below.
Finishing at Chateau LaGrezette, you will have the chance
to be able to taste what is considered the best of the
best Cahors wines. After the tasting, you will be transferred
to the nearby Chateau de Mercues for a special farewell
dinner. This 13th century castle, perched on a promontory
overlooking the Lot River and vineyards below, was once
the favorite residence of the Bishops of Cahors. The
chateau has recently returned to its vocation as a wine-producing
estate, while also being converted into a four-star hotel
and restaurant.
Day 7: After breakfast and a last chance to enjoy the
chateau grounds, transfer to Cahors Railway Station.
2008 dates:
from from June 22 to June 28, from July
27 to August 2, from September 16 to September 22, from
October 5 to October 11
Prices:
for Riders: €1890 (base 2 sharing double or twin
room)
for non-riding companions: €1470
single supplement: €350
The price includes:
* 6 overnights in comfortable hotels or chateaux (base 2 sharing)
* full-board for 6 days
* 5 days horse-riding (5 to 6 hours per day)
* boat ride and wine-tastings
Transfers:
Agen railway station to hotel at 4pm - €40
Toulouse airport: €170 (one-way)
Bergerac airport: €100 (one-way)
enquire
Weight limit: 210 lbs. (95 kgs.)
Length of Ride: 7 days, 6 nights,
4 full days riding, 1 day sightseeing
Amount of Riding Each Day: 5 - 6 hours
Accommodation: 3 to 4 star
Group size: Minimum 1 rider, Maximum 7 riders
Pace: Moderate
Riding Ability: Intermediate
Meeting Point: Agen Railway station
at 4pm
Other horse-riding holidays:
4 days in the Quercy
Mediaeval Dordogne
Other programs that might interest you before or after
the riding program:
Bordeaux Wine tasting and vineyard visits
