Horseback riding in the Haut Vivarais, in the heart of the authentic Ardèche
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration3 days
-
LevelConfirmed
-
DestinationFrance / Ardèche
-
AgeFrom the age of 18
-
CO₂-Emissions66.71 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIn a group
-
Languages
French
In a few words
Embark on a three-day horseback riding adventure across the verdant plateaus of the Haut Vivarais , nestled between 500 and 950 meters in altitude . This trip immerses you in the heart of the authentic Ardèche , where open meadows , fruit orchards , and forests of pine, beech, oak, and chestnut trees create a remarkably diverse natural landscape. Far from the hustle and bustle, you'll explore a landscape shaped by mountain agriculture and rural traditions , following secluded trails between charming villages and rolling hills .
This equestrian adventure, accessible to all riders, invites you to slow down , fully experience the present moment, and forge a strong bond with your horse. It offers a sensory immersion in a region where local identity is revealed at every step, amidst encounters with nature and untamed grandeur .
A short but intense stay, ideal for recharging in the heart of nature , reconnecting with the essentials and discovering a preserved, sincere and welcoming Ardèche .
The highlights
-
A 3-day horseback riding tour through the unspoiled landscapes of the Haut Vivarais
-
An adventure accessible to all riders to create a strong bond with their horse
-
Immerse yourself in the authentic Ardèche region, between forests, meadows and charming villages
Photos
Sport
Level
Horseback riding
In figures
Horseback riding
- Average duration/day: 3h
Management
French
Emma or Anne will guide you. They are very comfortable with both children and adults and remain professional in all circumstances.
Emma or Anne will guide you. They are very comfortable with both children and adults and remain professional in all circumstances.
Emma or Anne will guide you. They are very comfortable with both children and adults and remain professional in all circumstances.
Program
-
Straddling the Ardèche peaks and secret valleys
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet at 8:30 am at the equestrian center, located 40km west of Valence. After a brief introduction and preparing your horse, you will set off on a ride towards Magnon and Serre Long, with a beautiful unobstructed view of Saint-Romain-de-Lerps and, in the background, the Vercors mountains.
A stop is planned at the Romanesque chapel of Saint-Martin de Galéjas, known for its healing spring sheltered under a vault. The lunch break will be on the banks of the Duzon, near a bridge nicknamed "Roman," although it actually dates from the Romanesque period.
In the afternoon, you continue towards Saint-Sylvestre, a charming rural village where agriculture remains a prominent activity. Upon reaching the ridge, a panoramic view of the Rhône Valley unfolds before you, with the possibility of a gallop on the heights.
The day ends with a walk through a chestnut grove, an emblematic landscape of the Ardèche Mountains, before reaching the Mayre pass and your gîte for dinner and the night.
Day 1 -
loop around the cottage
- Activity Horseback riding
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast we will set off on a loop around the gîte, no need to pack our suitcases this morning!
We will head towards the Serre de Roussillon and begin the descent to the Ormeze stream, which we will ford. A pleasant gallop will take us above the village of Colombier le Jeune, where we can have lunch among the pine trees.
After the break, we'll cross a chestnut grove before reaching the Col des Croix pass and descending towards the Ormèze river, then climbing back up to the village of Gilhoc. This village in the Haut-Vivarais region is characterized by its cirque of rolling hills clustered around a dense network of waterways, of which the Ormèze serves as the outlet. The narrow streets lead us to the church, and then we set off again for a final gallop to reach the pass and head towards our accommodation for our last night.
Day 2 -
Final gallops between hilltop villages and views of the Alps
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After a restful night, you head towards Grozon, a small village in the Ardèche region, where a stop at the fountain allows the horses to refresh themselves. The journey continues with a pleasant canter to the Serre de Noyaret, an ideal spot for lunch.
In the afternoon, head to Boffres, a former feudal village where you can visit the keep and take advantage of the viewpoint for some photos with a stunning view. The hike concludes beautifully along the ridges overlooking Alboussière, offering an unobstructed panorama of the Rhône Valley and the first Alpine foothills.
Day 3
Access
Go to the starting point
Shuttle service available on the morning of the hike; meet at Valence city train station.
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 is in a guesthouse (dormitory - private rooms not possible)
- Full board with drinks ( wine with dinner ) from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 2
- 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
- Shuttle service at Valence Ville train station : CHF18.30 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
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
- 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)
