Mediaeval Dordogne
Medieval Dordogne: 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.
2008 dates:
July 14 to 21, August 25 to September 1, September
29 to October 6
Prices:
for Riders: €1895 (base 2 sharing double or twin
room)
for non-riding companions: €1470
single supplement: €350
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)
enquire
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
Other horse-riding holidays:
4 days in the Quercy
Lords of the Vineyard
Other programs that might interest you before or after
the riding program:
Bordeaux Wine tasting
and vineyard visits
