Deer rutting in the Catalan Pyrenees on horseback
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationPyrénées-Orientales / Pyrenees
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions201.25 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
German
English
In a few words
Follow an exceptional linear route at high altitude in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Natural Park . Starting from Porté-Puymorens , an authentic village at 1600 meters altitude near Andorra, this horseback riding trip immediately climbs above 2000 meters, where the bellowing of the stag already echoes.
Let yourself be guided on horseback along mountain streams to the foot of the majestic Carlit , very close to the Spanish border. This journey offers breathtaking landscapes , punctuated by the observation of preserved wildlife : marmots, mouflon, chamois, does and stags accompany your ride throughout the week.
Each stage of this well-planned trek combines a close bond with your horse and a sense of well-being. Every evening, you'll enjoy the comfort of guesthouses and mountain huts, allowing you to recharge after exhilarating days in the saddle. A magnificent panorama of the Pyrenean peaks unfolds before you during this unique experience, ideal for escaping and savoring the grandeur of the great outdoors.
The highlights
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The bellowing of the stag in the wild mountains
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A hike in the very high mountains with accommodation in permanent buildings
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The journey through the heart of the Carlit desert, where the wildlife and flora are exceptional.
Photos
Sport
Level
Horseback riding
The expert's opinion
A true technical trek in the high mountains for riders comfortable outdoors and not afraid of heights.
In figures
Horseback riding
- Average duration/day: 5h30
Management
Sylvain, the founder of the organization, holds state-certified qualifications in mountaineering and horseback riding. Originally from Ariège, he will share his passions with you: the mountains, horses, and outdoor sports. Sylvain is also a geographer and ecotourism specialist. He has been leading numerous hikes for several decades and will help you discover his region with passion and in complete safety.
Claire is an ATE and AE, an agricultural engineer, and knows the Cathar Pyrenees like the back of her hand. She leads hikes for adults and teenagers.
Program
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Arrival at the start of the hike: En Garcie gîte in Porté Puymorens
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Riders are welcomed at the En Garcie gîte in Porté Puymorens or at the nearest train station (Porté Puymorens) at 5 p.m.
Airport transfers are available. For those arriving by car, you must arrive in Camurac and leave your car in front of the gîte where it will wait for us until our arrival at the end of the hike. We also provide transfers (contact us to book the shuttle and find out the transfer time) to the start of the hike.
Overnight stay with half board at the gîte.
Day 1 -
Porté Puymorens-Dorres
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From Porté-Puymorens, we take a small mountain path overlooking the Carol Valley. You'll be amazed by the agility of our horses. We reach the Col de l'Homme Mort at 2300m altitude and descend into Cerdagne, the sunniest region of France.
Overnight stay in a guesthouse near the hot spring baths after nearly 5 hours of horseback riding in the high mountains. We'll take the opportunity to go for a swim overlooking the Cerdanya region.
Day 2 -
Dorres-Lac des Bouillouses
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We pass through a few Catalan villages and climb into the Carlit desert at an altitude of over 2,300 meters. Does, red deer, chamois, marmots, and mouflon sheep inhabit these wild highlands. We ride off the beaten track and remain immersed in nature. We descend to Lake Bouillouses where we spend the night at 2,000 meters.
Overnight stay at Bones Horres on the shores of Lake Bouillouses
Day 3 -
Lake of Bouillouses-Espouillouses
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We hike at over 2000 meters towards the high-altitude protected site of Camporells. After admiring the exceptional panorama at the foot of the Pérics, we descend towards Formiguères via the superb Galbe valley and then reach the Espouillouses gîte.
Night in a gîte
Day 4 -
Espouillouses-Mijanes
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We head back up towards the Col des Hares, and reach the Quérigut pond. We descend again through the beautiful Donnezan forest, known as Little Canada, in the direction of Mijanès.
Overnight stay at the Mijanès hostel.
Day 5 -
Mijanès-Camurac
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We climb steep paths to the Col de Pailhères pass at over 2,000 meters altitude. We stay on the ridge all day, enjoying exceptional panoramic views of the entire Ariège Pyrenees mountain range, all the way to the Camurac ski resort. Breathtaking scenery unfolds one after another on this final day. We descend back to the village of Camurac and spend the night in a gîte (mountain inn). We are greeted warmly by Alain for our last evening.
Day 6 -
Departure
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Transfer of riders after breakfast to the La Marmite gîte for those who have left their cars, or to Porté station for those who are leaving by train (contact us for train times) or Toulouse airport (arrival at the airport around 12pm, plan a flight from 2pm).
Day 7
Accommodation
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Triple room
- Quadruple room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Triple room
- Quadruple room
- Single-sex shared dormitory
- Double room
- Twin room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Triple room
- Quadruple room
Access
Go to the starting point
Airport transfer available for a fee upon request
Arrive by car in Camurac where your car will be waiting for you until the end of the hike. Transfer provided by us (contact us for the shuttle time) to the starting point of the hike in Porté Puymorens
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation and meals from day 1 to dinner and breakfast on the last day
- Guided horseback riding tours
- Any visits included in the stay
- A free shuttle service from the nearest train station
- The horse and its equipment
The price does not include
- Possible options
- Access to the place of stay
- Personal expenses
Options
- Airport transfer : CHF68.61 / person
- Single room : On request
- Special diet : CHF27.44 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Horse equipment (saddles, saddlebags, etc.)
- Helmet rental available (please provide your head circumference when booking)
- A 4x4 carrying all the luggage
- A steward will set up and take down the bivouacs, install the horse paddocks, prepare lunch and dinner, and will also be at your service for any small errands you may need.
Equipment to bring
- A warm mountain sleeping bag (+ inflatable pillow)
- A self-inflating mattress
- Your sunglasses
- A hat (sun or rain)
- Suitcase or sturdy luggage (please no small bags that open and nothing outside of luggage), be mindful of space!
- Swimsuit
- A pair of mini-shapes
- Comfortable hiking boots for horseback riding, also suitable for walking. Durable and waterproof .
- A flashlight or headlamp
- A pair of gloves
- Tennis shoes or light walking shoes (for the evening)
- A water bottle of at least 1 liter
Clothing to bring
- A good Gore-Tex style raincoat and a warm jacket
- A down jacket
- Fleece jackets (mountain clothing, the weather is changeable and the nights are cool)
The Sylvain team
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