• Horseback riding in the Val d'Azun: a gentle introduction to mountain riding
  • Horseback riding in the Val d'Azun: a gentle introduction to mountain riding
  • Horseback riding in the Val d'Azun: a gentle introduction to mountain riding
  • Horseback riding in the Val d'Azun: a gentle introduction to mountain riding
  • Horseback riding in the Val d'Azun: a gentle introduction to mountain riding
  • Horseback riding in the Val d'Azun: a gentle introduction to mountain riding
  • Horseback riding in the Val d'Azun: a gentle introduction to mountain riding Emmanuel - verified review - may 2025
  • Horseback riding in the Val d'Azun: a gentle introduction to mountain riding Emmanuel - verified review - may 2025
  • Horseback riding in the Val d'Azun: a gentle introduction to mountain riding Emmanuel - verified review - may 2025
Val d'Azun

Horseback riding in the Val d'Azun: a gentle introduction to mountain riding

5/5 (3 reviews)
Réf : TDWRMJ

In summary

  • Sports
    Horseback riding
  • Duration
    2 days
  • Level
    Beginner

    Levels

    Horseback riding
    Beginner
    A ride accessible to everyone—ideal for beginners and families—with no requirement to canter.
    Intermediate
    For those who know how to trot and are in good physical condition. You hold a Galop 1/2 (or equivalent level) but do not necessarily ride on a very regular basis.
    Confirmed
    For those who are balanced and proficient at all three gaits. You must be able to spend the day engaged in an outdoor sporting activity (up to 6 hours a day). You ride regularly and hold a Galop 3/4 certification or an equivalent level.
    Advanced
    For riders who are balanced at all three gaits and capable of riding across all types of terrain. You must be able to spend the day engaged in an outdoor sporting activity (up to 7 hours a day). You ride regularly and hold a Galop 5/6 certification or an equivalent level of proficiency.
    Expert
    For independent riders accustomed to riding at all three gaits over varied terrain for several hours a day over multiple days. The route may include challenging sections (stony ground, steep gradients). You hold a Galop 7 qualification or an equivalent level of ability.
  • Destination
    Pyrenees / Val d'Azun
  • Age
    From the age of 18
  • CO₂-Emissions
    57.6 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This group trip is perfect for travelers who want to experience a sporting adventure with other enthusiasts and be guided.
    Type of stay
    In a group
  • Languages
    Spanish

In a few words

Immerse yourself in the equestrian world with an immersive ride designed for adult beginners . Here, no prior experience is required: you will learn to create a unique bond with your horse in a friendly and safe environment .

Guided by passionate professionals , you will discover the basics of horseback riding , from preparing your horse to understanding its behavior . Gradually, you will gain confidence to embark on unforgettable rides through the heart of mountain landscapes .

This trip requires a good level of physical fitness : days spent in the saddle demand endurance , strength , and a spirit of adventure . Horse riding is experienced here as a true outdoor sport , engaging both body and mind .

Whether you're with family , friends , or on your own , this trip encourages discovery and personal growth , with a small group of no more than five participants for personalized guidance . Let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of the horse and experience an authentic adventure where effort , escape , and pleasure await.

The highlights

  • Introduction to horseback riding in a small group for a gentle introduction
  • A digital detox in the heart of the Pyrenees
  • Routes suitable for riders of all levels, ideal for getting started in the saddle
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Photos

Emmanuel - verified review - may 2025
Emmanuel - verified review - may 2025
Emmanuel - verified review - may 2025

Sport

Level

Horseback riding

Beginner

Levels

Horseback riding
Beginner
A ride accessible to everyone—ideal for beginners and families—with no requirement to canter.
Intermediate
For those who know how to trot and are in good physical condition. You hold a Galop 1/2 (or equivalent level) but do not necessarily ride on a very regular basis.
Confirmed
For those who are balanced and proficient at all three gaits. You must be able to spend the day engaged in an outdoor sporting activity (up to 6 hours a day). You ride regularly and hold a Galop 3/4 certification or an equivalent level.
Advanced
For riders who are balanced at all three gaits and capable of riding across all types of terrain. You must be able to spend the day engaged in an outdoor sporting activity (up to 7 hours a day). You ride regularly and hold a Galop 5/6 certification or an equivalent level of proficiency.
Expert
For independent riders accustomed to riding at all three gaits over varied terrain for several hours a day over multiple days. The route may include challenging sections (stony ground, steep gradients). You hold a Galop 7 qualification or an equivalent level of ability.
A ride accessible to everyone—ideal for beginners and families—with no requirement to canter.

In figures

Horseback riding

  • Average duration/day: 3h30

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band : 1 supervisor for 3 to 5 people
Languages ​​spoken:
Spanish
Adeline

A horseback riding guide for 20 years, she raises the horses you'll ride with herself. Trained in equine-assisted therapy for the past six years, she uses her skills to enhance your relationship with the horse, ensuring you have the best possible experience throughout your stay.

x

Management

Security

Wearing a helmet is mandatory for all equestrian activities. Approved helmets are available on site.
Learn more about supervision

Program

Day 1
Day 2
  • map

    Meeting the horses and first ride

    • Activity Horseback riding
    • Duration of the activity 2h30
    • Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch included
    • Dinner included

    Upon arrival at the Bernicaze equestrian farm , you'll meet the horses and learn the basics of horseback riding . A few exercises will help you get acquainted with your equine companion and build a relationship of trust. The goal isn't performance, but the pleasure of sharing and the journey. After a friendly picnic lunch , you'll set off on your first leg of the ride, progressing gently towards your campsite . Expect 2 to 3 hours in the saddle , giving you ample time to fully appreciate the scenery and the soothing rhythm of your mount.

    Day 1

Note

This program may be modified at the guide's discretion if mountain conditions and weather require it.

Accommodation

⛺️ Bivouac / Tent - Days 1 to 2
  • ⛺️ Bivouac / Tent - Days 1 to 2
  • ⛺️ Bivouac / Tent - Days 1 to 2
⛺️ Bivouac / Tent - Days 1 to 2

Access

Departure
10 chemin de Bernicaze 65400 Arras en la lavedan
Day 1 : 09h00
End of stay
10 chemin de Bernicaze 65400 Arras en la lavedan
Day 2 - 09h00

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train togare de Lourdes
  1. From Paris : Take a direct TGV to Lourdes station (approximately 4.5 hours journey).
Access by car
Travel to the place of stay with parking available
  1. From Paris : The journey is approximately 850 km, or about 8 hours 30 minutes by car, taking the A10 motorway to Bordeaux, then the A62 towards Toulouse, and finally the A64 towards Tarbes/Lourdes.
  2. From Toulouse : The journey is approximately 180 km, or about 2 hours by road via the A64 towards Tarbes/Lourdes.

Once in Lourdes, follow the D821 then the D13 towards Argelès-Gazost. Arras-en-Lavedan is located approximately 5 km south of Argelès-Gazost.

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Price details

The price includes

  1. Supervision during equestrian activities
  2. Accommodation in a shared, single-sex double tent (bivouac)
  3. The stay includes full board from noon on day 1 to noon on day 2.

The price does not include

  1. Transfers to the meeting place
  2. Personal expenses
  3. Drinks

Options

  1. Flex fare and insurance

Practical information

Specific formalities

Specifics

Individual accident insurance covering horseback riding is mandatory for equestrian holidays. Please provide us with your insurance policy number and the name of your insurance company.

If you do not have one, we can offer you a license insurance policy with the FFE (French Equestrian Federation):

  1. Holiday pass valid for 30 days from the start of the hike: €10
  2. Annual adult license : €36
  3. Annual license - under 18s : €25

ℹ️ Information may change up until the departure date. Remember to check official websites regularly.

Equipment

Equipment provided on site

  1. Camping equipment
  2. The tent
  3. The mattress

Equipment to bring

  1. Sleeping bag
  2. Frontal
  3. 1L Water Bottle
  4. Pocket knife
  5. Sunglasses

Clothing to bring

  1. Riding clothes (long and comfortable trousers)
  2. Rain gear (rain jacket, rain pants)
  3. Warm clothing (fleece, down jacket)

They traveled with us

Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
5/5
(3 reviews)
At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.
Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order
P

PATRICIA - 63 ans

june 2025 In a group
Translated from French
A fantastic stay with a wonderful team!! 🏇 I was swept away by these superb and enriching interactions with Adeline, so kind and caring, AND the horses (I had a great connection with Nemka) AND also the riders Pauline, Fiona, Aurélie, and Vincent: a warm and welcoming team!! Not forgetting Choups!! I loved these wonderful encounters and, as a bonus, I made great progress in my riding level!! 🤣 I will definitely be back to visit the Val d'Azun and Bernicaze again, THANK YOU 🙏🙏🙏
Published on 17/06/2025
A

Aurélie - 41 ans

june 2025 In a couple
Translated from French
The stay went very well. Hannah took excellent care of all of us, and I really appreciated her rapport with the horses. She was understanding, gentle, and respectful, while still knowing how to set boundaries. I highly recommend this high-quality stay and this top-notch professional!
Published on 10/06/2025
E

Emmanuel - 54 ans

may 2025 In a couple
Translated from French
We had a wonderful weekend with Gandhala Voyages. Adeline, our host and guide, has a lovely, gentle relationship with her horses. You can really feel that they're part of the family. And she was able to share her love of horses with us through her gentle teaching style. The scenery was magnificent, with the mountains still snow-capped in the distance, the meals were delicious, and the little evening around the campfire during the bivouac was fantastic. In short, I highly recommend this wonderful experience, which is suitable for beginners as well as more experienced riders.
  • Emmanuel
  • Emmanuel
  • Emmanuel
Published on 22/05/2025

They traveled with us

Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
5/5
(3 reviews)
At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.
Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order
P

PATRICIA - 63 ans

june 2025 In a group
Translated from French
A fantastic stay with a wonderful team!! 🏇 I was swept away by these superb and enriching interactions with Adeline, so kind and caring, AND the horses (I had a great connection with Nemka) AND also the riders Pauline, Fiona, Aurélie, and Vincent: a warm and welcoming team!! Not forgetting Choups!! I loved these wonderful encounters and, as a bonus, I made great progress in my riding level!! 🤣 I will definitely be back to visit the Val d'Azun and Bernicaze again, THANK YOU 🙏🙏🙏
Published on 17/06/2025
A

Aurélie - 41 ans

june 2025 In a couple
Translated from French
The stay went very well. Hannah took excellent care of all of us, and I really appreciated her rapport with the horses. She was understanding, gentle, and respectful, while still knowing how to set boundaries. I highly recommend this high-quality stay and this top-notch professional!
Published on 10/06/2025
E

Emmanuel - 54 ans

may 2025 In a couple
Translated from French
We had a wonderful weekend with Gandhala Voyages. Adeline, our host and guide, has a lovely, gentle relationship with her horses. You can really feel that they're part of the family. And she was able to share her love of horses with us through her gentle teaching style. The scenery was magnificent, with the mountains still snow-capped in the distance, the meals were delicious, and the little evening around the campfire during the bivouac was fantastic. In short, I highly recommend this wonderful experience, which is suitable for beginners as well as more experienced riders.
  • Emmanuel
  • Emmanuel
  • Emmanuel
Published on 22/05/2025
The Tifenn team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The Tifenn team

4.7/5 (18 reviews) • 9 stays
Experts in horseback riding and horse trips in the Pyrenees, we offer itinerant stays of 2 to 10 days, combining accommodation in gîtes and bivouacs for a total immersion in nature.
Discover their team and their trips
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