France ~ Dordogne & Gironde
6 nights with 4 or 5 days riding from village to village, staying in good quality local hotels and occasional chateaux.
Where Exploring the Gironde, Lot and Dordogne valleys in south west France, between Bordeaux to the south west and Bergerac to the north.
What is it like A region steeped in Anglo French history dating back to the Hugenot era. Ancient oak forest, river valleys, vineyards, gentle rolling hills and some 1200 historic chateau as well as a superb cuisine and renowned Cahors and Bordeaux wines.
Who does it suit Intermediate riders looking for leisurely, relaxed riding as part of a holiday that is a chance to really get to know the country they are in. An introduction to the area's history, architecture, good food and wine are all a part of it. We offer several different routes and itineraries: The Fortresses & Forests of Dordogne, The Vineyards of Bordeaux and The Caves & Castles in Malbec itineraries follow routes from village to village, whilst the Chateau de Rouffiac Rides are centred at one hotel, with riding out from the base. On the Prestige Dordogne itinerary, by spending 2 consecutive nights at each of 3 luxurious hotels, you can make the most of the area's unique chateau hospitality, whilst still riding a place-to-place route.
Why we love it A really personal way to get to know this part of France and all its many highlights. French guide Michel is welcoming, knowledgeable, a lover of history, good food, good wine and good horses. He is also great company.
SUMMARY
Riding: 4-6 hours a day on 4 or 5 days (varies with itinerary)
Horses: locally bred French saddle horses
Pace: slow to moderate (moderate on Bordeaux ride)
Riding ability: confident novice riders and above (varies with itinerary)
Weight limit: 86kg (13st 7lbs)
Accommodation: 3* & 4* hotels, chateau hotels & chambres d'hotes (varies with itinerary)
Group size: max 7
Season: April to November
Price: 6 nights from 3290 Euros (approx £2815) per person
HORSES & RIDING
Horses: Mostly locally bred French saddle horses of between 14.2hh and 15.2hh. They are owned by your French guide, Michel, and are well schooled, good-natured and sensible but forward going and responsive to ride. Saddles are either English or 'Maclellan' style (a comfortable cross between an English and western saddle), with a few westerns available for those who wish. Most of the horses are ridden western style; they are used to neck reining and a light contact with the mouth. They are tacked up / prepared for rides by Michel and saddle bags are provided where necessary. Rides are normally limited to a maximum of 7 guests, lead by Michel personally. He is an experienced, very knowledgeable guide, who speaks fluent English and has a real interest in the local history, culture, food and wine.
Hours: Itineraries include riding on 4 or 5 days - varies - and usually between 4 and 6 hours a day (varies with itinerary) broken up with rests for lunch and sightseeing. The Caves & Castles in Malbec & The Bordeaux rides include the most riding.
Pace and experience required: Aimed at those with a reasonable amount of previous riding experience who are secure and comfortable on a well-schooled horse, riding with a group at a walk, trot and canter over varied terrain. The riding pace is relaxed - fairly slow to moderate overall (The Bordeaux Ride includes the most chances to canter) so these are ideal rides for anyone of an intermediate standard or above wanting leisurely riding. The rider weight limit is 86kgs (13 stone 7lbs).
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is in a variety of good quality 3* and 4* hotels and chambres d'hotes. Hotels are typical of the region; most are small, all are individual and they are chosen (as far as possible) for their charm, local character and / or food. All rooms have their own bathroom. Many of the hotels have an excellent restaurant and several have a swimming pool. Rates assume accommodation in twin rooms but single rooms are available at a supplement.
RATES & DATES
|
Rates 2025 |
Fortresses & Forests of the Dordogne (6 nights) - Euros 3550; |
|
Dates 2025 |
Vineyards of Bordeaux |
Average temperature guide
ITINERARY
Itinerary in brief - Fortresses & Forests of Dordogne Ride. Please ask for other itineraries
| Day 1 | You will be met at Bergerac railway station or airport and driven to a country hotel near the village of Maroux for dinner and the night. |
| Day 2 |
After breakfast meet the horses and set off riding to Chateau de Bonaguil, an imposing medieval fortress built on a rock face. After lunch and a tour of the chateau, ride on through chestnut forests to reach the stables where the horses stay. Return by vehicle to Maroux for the night. |
| Day 3 |
Breakfast and rejoin the horses, riding to the bastide town of Villefranche du Perigord. Traverse the Dordogne forest and after a picnic lunch continue to your hotel in the village of Belves, another bastide town. Dinner and the night Belves. |
| Day 4 |
Breakfast and rejoin the horses, riding through the Bessede forest. Lunch followed by an afternoon drive to the 'Gouffre de Proumeyssac' caves, known as the 'Crystal Cathedral'. Return to Belves for dinner and night. |
| Day 5 |
Ride on to the medieval village of Saint Avit Senieur, visiting the famous abbey then continue through forests to Monpazier. A delicious dinner and night at a charming hotel in Monpazier. |
| Day 6 |
The last days ride crosses the famous Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage trail several times as you make your way to Chateau Biron, one of the best preserved castles in Europe. Lunch and return by a different route to Monpazier for your final night and a gourmet farewell dinner. |
| Day 7 |
Breakfast, then you will be driven to Bergerac for your onward journey. |
| Contact us at info@rideworldwide.com or on tel (+44) (0)1837-82544 / 825440 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and answers to questions. |
TRAVEL
Bergerac is the meeting place for the Fortresses & Forests of Dordogne and Castles & Caves in Malbec programmes; Departure is also from Bergerac except on the Castles & Caves in Malbec ride where it may be either Cahor station or Bergerac.
Bordeaux is the meeting and departure point for the Beaches & Vineyards of Bordeaux Ride.
For the Prestige Dordogne Ride, the meeting and departure point is Brive la Gaillarde train station or airport.
The nearest International airports are Bergerac, Bordeaux and Toulouse. There are also good train services to Bordeaux and Bergerac from Paris.
There are flights from several regional UK airports to Bergerac with low cost airlines and direct flights from London to Bordeaux / Toulouse - budget around £200 economy return (varies with the airline and season).
