Horse riding weekend and the charm of the Périgord
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationNew Aquitaine / Dordogne
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AgeFrom 16 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions61.83 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Discover the Valley of Man during a unique equestrian getaway for a weekend in the Dordogne . This adventure in the heart of nature invites you to explore remarkably diverse landscapes, paced by the practice of the three gaits .
Your route unfolds through a variety of landscapes: you'll begin by riding along cool forest trails before reaching breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the surrounding valleys. The experience intensifies with exhilarating gallops across the plateaus, followed by challenging climbs on the limestone plateaus typical of the region.
After days filled with excitement, you'll arrive at a peaceful haven for the night. You'll stay in a comfortable cottage nestled within a landscaped campsite designed like a garden on the riverbank. This exceptional site boasts ideal bathing facilities for relaxation. Dinner will be served directly at the on-site restaurant, allowing you to enjoy a convivial meal.
The next day, the return journey takes place via another equally stunning route , extending the wonder of this exclusive stay in close proximity to horses and the Périgord heritage.
The highlights
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Unusual landscapes of limestone cliffs and troglodyte dwellings along the river
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Gentle riding and partner horses
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Gastronomy on the agenda
Photos
Sport
Level
Horseback riding
The expert's opinion
The route involves approximately 28km per day with significant elevation changes, so good physical condition is necessary. Having good riding experience is an advantage, but the horse will be assigned to you with your expectations and skill level taken into account as much as possible.
In figures
Horseback riding
- Average duration/day: 6h
Management
French
English
- Holder of the ATE (Equestrian Tourism Guide) certificate
- Experience of long-distance, self-supported hiking
- Manager of the equestrian farm and hiking guide for almost 10 years
- Educates and trains the cavalry using methods based on ethology
Program
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Saint Leon
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Mobile home
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure from the equestrian farm in Saint Amand de Coly. In the morning, you'll pass the beautiful Château de la Filolie, then cross the Jacou le Croquant forest. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the tiny village of Valojoulx, near a stream. Arrive in the early afternoon near the Vézère River, where we can bathe the horses. Next, you'll skirt a bend in the Vézère along the top of the cliff, then descend through the village of Le Moustier and pass beneath the spectacular Roque Saint Christophe, the remains of a medieval troglodyte village perched and carved into the cliffside, before arriving at your overnight stop along the river.
In this beautiful, spacious, wooded campsite, you'll have a comfortable bed in a cottage and free access to the swimming pool and spa to relax in after your active day. You'll have your evening meal at the on-site restaurant.
Day 1 -
Return via Montignac-Lascaux
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After a restful night and breakfast at the campsite restaurant, you'll head back towards Saint Amand, this time passing through the charming village of Saint Léon sur Vézère. You'll enjoy a picnic lunch by the water after crossing the river again. On your way back, you'll be treated to a breathtaking view of the magnificent Château de Losse, and as you cross the limestone plateau forest, you'll pass the famous Lascaux cave below! After one last scenic viewpoint, it's back to the farm where you'll return your horses to their herd for a well-deserved rest.
Day 2
Note
It is possible to arrive the day before at no extra cost, but meals are not included (a room and a kitchenette are at your disposal).
Accommodation
Riders are accommodated in campsite facilities, either in a cottage with a bathroom or a fully equipped Canadian tent with single beds and linens, and outdoor toilet facilities. Room allocation is subject to availability.
The sanitary facilities are those of the campsite (excellent state of cleanliness, spacious private cabins, multiple well-equipped and comfortable facilities)
Access
For your convenience, you can arrive the day before. In this case, you will be accommodated at the equestrian farm in a mobile home at no extra cost; simply bring your own meal. The accommodation must be left clean.
Go to the starting point
Transfer = 50 euros to be shared between travelers
Transfer = 50 euros to be shared between travelers
*By the A89 Bordeaux-Brive-Lyon motorway, coming from the west the farm is approximately 15 km from exit No. 17 Thenon / La Bachellerie, or coming from the east, 20 km from exit No. 18 Terrasson/Sarlat
*From the North on the A20 motorway, take the A89 to exit 18, or exit 51 Périgueux/Brive/Terrasson
or coming from the south, the farm is 40km from exit 56: Souillac/Beaulieu
Price details
The price includes
- Renting a trained horse equipped with a trail saddle and saddlebags
- Accommodation, bed linen included
- Meals: breakfasts including hot drink, bread, butter, jams, pastries; lunch at a restaurant or a prepared picnic; hot dinner + 1 glass of wine
- A riding helmet can be provided
The price does not include
- Alcoholic beverages, aperitifs, or other extras consumed at the restaurant outside of the set menus.
- Rental of towels and soaps, shampoos, etc.
- Visiting tourist sites
- Airport or train station transfers will be charged extra.
- Meals and accommodations before and after the hike
Options
- Transfer from the train station or airport : On request
- Additional night : On request
- 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
- Sheets
- Picnic kit
- Saddlebags
- Riding helmets
- Emergency pharmacy
Equipment to bring
- Your complete toiletry kit
- Bath towel
- A bag for dirty laundry
- sunglasses
- sunscreen
- a lip balm (sunscreen)
- Soothing and/or healing cream (to counteract the various chafings that a long day in the saddle can cause)
- your personal first aid kit
- 2 water bottles to carry drinks while riding and to balance the saddlebags.
- Your riding helmet if you wish to have your own equipment (helmets are mandatory but we can provide them).
- riding gloves
- A fanny pack or a sleeveless vest with pockets to keep your belongings close at hand (no backpack).
- A headlamp
- Earplugs
- A pocket knife
- A camera
- Plasters for blisters
Clothing to bring
- Lightweight and waterproof hiking shoes are preferable, rather than boots, as we always walk at least 1km before getting on the bike and before arriving at the stage.
- Mini chaps to protect against inevitable chafing while riding
- Several pairs of socks
- light shoes or sneakers for the evening
- underwear (remember to choose a material and style that's comfortable for horseback riding)
- riding pants
- A comfortable outfit for the evening
- A pair of pajamas
- T-shirts for riding, preferably ones that cover the shoulders to protect against the sun. + 1 or 2 lightweight long-sleeved shirts, which can also be a good accessory to wear when the sun is strong or you're a bit chilly.
- A warm sweater, sweatshirt, or fleece
- A complete raincoat, jacket and trousers (avoid a poncho)
- A swimsuit
The Anne team
A small, family-run equestrian farm located in the Périgord Noir region, our local partner specializes in horseback riding in the heart of the Vézère Valley. Their stable of about fifteen hardy horses, trained using ethological methods, lives in a herd to ensure a balanced temperament. Accompanied by Anne, a certified guide, riders explore wild trails and discover remarkable historical sites on reliable and comfortable companions.
