5 days of horseback riding, between the Ardèche plateaus and the Haute-Loire
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationAuvergne-Rhône-Alpes / Ardèche
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions179.14 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
This hike will allow you to discover the Ardèche and Haute-Loire highlands, starting from Lake Devesset, and leading you to the village of Fay-sur-Lignon in the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Natural Park, then on to the Chaudeyrolles wetlands. Discover an extraordinary geological heritage, between lakes, forests, and volcanic craters. Enjoy the mountain temperatures, far from the heatwave of the valley.
Combining equestrian adventure , natural wealth and rural culture , this stay is an invitation to slow down and savor the essence of the Ardèche landscapes , between preserved nature and living traditions .
The highlights
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Varied landscapes including lakes, valleys, volcanic peaks and charming villages on horseback
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The quality of the cavalry
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The comfort of the accommodations
Photos
Sport
Level
Horseback riding
The expert's opinion
For those who are proficient at all three gaits in balance. You must be able to spend the day practicing an outdoor sporting activity (up to 6 hours per day). You ride horses regularly.
Management
French
Qualified equestrian tourism guides.
Qualified equestrian tourism guides.
Program
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Start of the horseback riding trip
- Activity Horseback riding
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
DAY 1 approximately 22km
We will meet you at 9am near Lake Devesset, at the L'Oustau equestrian gîte (additional night possible on Sunday evening).
After the introduction and preparation of our travel companion, the day is devoted to a tour of approximately 20km on the high plateaus of Ardèche where we enjoy varied landscapes (plateaus, fir forests, Lake Devesset) and panoramas of Mont Gerbier de Jonc and Mont Mézenc, emblematic mountains which will accompany us throughout the stay.
The paths for today are perfect for some lovely gallops.
The riders pass through hamlets with typical architecture, and discover the Protestant squares, symbols of the religious wars in this territory.
On the return journey, we stop at the hamlet of Cheyne, where there is a traditional confectionery shop offering tastings of chocolates, marshmallows, and fruit jellies. Riders can take the opportunity to buy some sweets!
Back at the Oustau gîte, riders can enjoy a swim in the lake, a relaxing moment in the gîte's Nordic bath (optional), or a literary break at the Arbre Vagabond, a bookshop-wine bar located not far from our stop.
Day 1 -
Day 2 on horseback
- Activity Horseback riding
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
DAY 2
After a hearty breakfast, we set off towards the village of Mars and its Observatory.
We cross the Velay Express tourist railway line, the highest steam train in France, a true mountain railway. Then the Camp de l'Hermont and its beautiful, enchanting forest.
We continue our journey between forests and plateaus. Blueberries are also plentiful!
We then head towards Lake Devesset, a protected natural area of faunal and floral interest, where we can swim if the sun is shining! We spend the second night near the lake. Dinner and overnight stay in a gîte (rural guesthouse). Nordic bath optional.
Day 2 -
Day 3 on horseback
- Activity Horseback riding
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
DAY 3
This morning, we are leaving our accommodation to head towards Haute-Loire.
We pass the fortified house of Flossac, the Hubert Reeves star observatory of Mars-St Romain, before arriving at the watershed.
This geological feature marks a geographical boundary that divides a territory into different watersheds, and offers us an exceptional panorama of the high plateaus. This watershed line is the subject of an artistic trail that stretches for approximately 100km, but we will only travel a few kilometers to reach our destination!
We pass through the hamlet of Vastres, before arriving at the village of Fay sur Lignon, on the Vivarais- Lignon plateau , land of the Righteous.
After crossing the village and descending towards the Lignon river, we reach our equestrian accommodation for the evening.
Wellness massages are offered to riders at the gîte (optional).
Day 3 -
Day 4 on horseback
- Activity Horseback riding
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
DAY 4
Today, we are heading towards the Narces de Chaudeyrolles
After crossing a charming Roman bridge over the Lignon, we embark on the ascent of Mont Signon, an ancient lava dome that rises to an altitude of 1455m.
Arriving above the village of Chaudeyrolles, we enjoy a splendid view of Mont Mézenc, the highest peak in the department at 1753m. We then follow the discovery trail along the Narces de Chaudeyrolles, and enjoy the experience of entering an extinct volcano, transformed into peat bogs and pastures over time.
We then continue our journey to reach the volcanic lake of Saint Front, which rises to an altitude of 1250m.
After a stop at the lake, we take the way back following an old Roman road to bypass the sublime Roches, where the water that supplies the village of Fay has its source.
Return to the cottage. A wellness massage is available as an option.
Day 4 -
End of the horseback riding trip
- Activity Horseback riding
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
DAY 5
The time for the return has come.
We pass through the village of Fay, with a possible gourmet stop in a producers' shop in the village square.
Then we cross the plateau to reach the village of Mars.
We then walk along the hillside above the Lignon. And we descend gently towards the river, following the signs for Chambon-sur-Lignon.
The lunch break offers us the opportunity, weather permitting, to swim bareback with the horses. The bravest among us can even venture into the water with their mounts!
After this refreshing break, we head towards Lake Devesset, to reach the Oustau gîte around 4:30 pm.
Day 5
Accommodation
Access
For train departures from Valence city station, from 8pm.
Go to the starting point
It is possible to arrive the day before or to leave only the day after the end of the hike.
Overnight stay in a gîte from €55 per person on a half-board basis.
Transfers are possible from Valence Ville train station from €20 per person return, only the day before and at the end of the hike.
Meet at 9am at the starting point of the hike.
Price details
The price includes
- Horseback riding as described in the program
- Supervision by a certified guide
- The provision of horses and equipment
- Typical accommodation in guesthouses (shared rooms: triple or dormitory depending on the accommodation - single rooms not available)
- Full board with drinks ( wine with dinner ) from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5
- The logistics for transferring your luggage every day
The price does not include
- Transportation to the horseback riding location
- Personal expenses and optional activities
- The FFE license or green license (please contact us)
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Bags for your small equipment
- Helmets can be borrowed from the equestrian center.
Equipment to bring
- Comfortable and waterproof hiking shoes (hiking type) or riding boots
- Mini chaps
- Helmet (mandatory) available at the equestrian center if needed
- Sleeping bag and small blanket
- 1L Water Bottle
- Pocket knife
- Toiletry bag
- Bath towel
- Cap or hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
Clothing to bring
- Riding trousers
- Windproof and waterproof jacket
- Horse riding T-shirts
- Change of clothes for the evening
- Warm jacket for the evening (evenings can be cool in the mountains)
They traveled with us
