Horseback riding week in the Camargue
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationProvence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur / Camargue
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AgeFrom 10 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions41.12 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Embark on a week-long horseback riding adventure in the Camargue , discovering a region of striking contrasts , from salt marshes and wild beaches to free-roaming horses and iconic bulls . This journey immerses you in the heart of unspoiled nature , rich in exceptional biodiversity , where pink flamingos and migratory birds enliven the landscapes throughout the year.
Throughout the journey, you'll explore the mosaic of colors and scents of the Camargue, between expanses of water , reedbeds , and white sands , guided by the tranquil rhythm of the Camargue horse . A highlight of the trip: an immersion in a herd , where you'll participate, on horseback, in the traditional work with the bulls alongside a herdsman .
An authentic and vibrant experience, blending natural heritage and local culture , to be lived at the pace of the horse's walk.
The highlights
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Gallop on the beach
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Working on horseback with bulls
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Meeting with a herdsman
Photos
Sport
Level
Horseback riding
The expert's opinion
Maximum weight: 90 kg. Minimum age: 10 years.
Management
Program
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Familiarization walk
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Monday: Meet at the Mas en Camargue at 2 pm for a welcome coffee. First contact with your horse and its equipment. Explanation of traditional Camargue riding. A short ride in the arena for rider/horse to get used to each other. Then, a ride out to prepare for the week ahead. Dinner is not included. You can have dinner at a restaurant 5 minutes from your accommodation or in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, a 15-minute drive away, to enjoy one of the village's many lively restaurants. Dinner is at your leisure (not included) in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer after a swim at the beach or a shopping break. If you don't have a car, carpooling or taxis are available to and from Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Return and overnight stay at the Mas.
Day 1 -
Beach
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Tuesday: Breakfast at 8:30 am. Departure for a day of horseback riding in the Camargue around 9:30 am. Ride towards Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer along bridle paths, between fields and ponds. Discover the different "levels" of the Camargue all the way to the coast. Picnic lunch at "Bouvau d'Aubanel," in the shade of the laupio tree. Explore the East Beach of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and the Imperial Bird Reserve in the afternoon. Landscapes of marshes and salt flats, rich Camargue flora and fauna: a multitude of birds will be present depending on the season (350 species of migratory birds have been recorded in the Camargue...). End of the ride at "Pointe de Cacharel." Transfer by minibus back to the Mas. Dinner and overnight stay at the Mas.
Day 2 -
The heart of the Camargue on horseback
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Wednesday: Breakfast at 8:30 am. Departure on horseback around 9:30 am for a morning ride to continue exploring the treasures of the Camargue. Reedbeds, traditional Camargue buildings (herdsmen's huts), bull ranches, vineyards… Return to the Mas for lunch. Free afternoon; you can take a taxi to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer if you don't have a car, or perhaps carpool with other riders. Dinner is not included. Overnight at the Mas.
Day 3 -
The Great Raft
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Thursday: Breakfast at 8:30 am. Departure on horseback around 9:30 am for a day of horseback riding. Ride along the banks of the Petit Rhône, which has been dammed to protect the Camargue. Crossing the Petit Rhône on the "Bac du Sauvage" (Wild Ferry) with the horses, to the "Domaine du Grand Radeau," a private estate. Visit to this wild place, discovering its beach and pine forest, and the Camargue's flora and fauna. Picnic lunch on the beach, and the possibility of swimming during the break in the Camargue region if the weather is favorable. Return to the Mas (traditional farmhouse) via the inland route. Aperitif, dinner, and a good night's rest.
Day 4 -
Sorting of bulls in a herd
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Friday: Breakfast at 8:30 am. Departure for a half-day visit to a Camargue ranch (manade) around 9:30 am. Ride to the ranch where the herdsman (gardian) will introduce you to a herd of Camargue bulls and demonstrate the art of sorting them on horseback in their natural environment. Return to the farmhouse (mas) for lunch. End of your equestrian holiday in the Camargue.
Day 5
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
If you are coming by car:
Meet us on Monday directly at the equestrian center in the heart of the Camargue at 2pm (the contact details are provided on the registration confirmation packet)
If you are coming by train:
From Arles train station, take a bus from the bus station to the SNCF train station (Arles – Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer line) to the "Pioch Badet" stop. See the timetable . Plan for a bus arriving before 1:30 pm. Free transfer from the Pioch Badet bus stop in the Camargue.
If you are arriving by plane:
Nîmes or Montpellier airport: take a taxi to the equestrian center in Camargue (±150 €).
Marseille Airport: take a train to Arles then a bus to Pioch Badet in Camargue.
Price details
The price includes
- Horse rental with equipment
- Full board accommodation
- Drinks during meals
- Transfers to/from the Pioch Badet bus stop.
The price does not include
- Drinks outside of meals
- Tips
- Tourist tax (approximately €1 per adult over 18 years old , payable on site in cash )
- Anything not listed under "price includes".
Options
- 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
Equipment to bring
- Linens and toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- 1-liter water bottle
- Flashlight
- Tissues and wipes
- Mosquito repellent product
Clothing to bring
- Riding helmet required (can be provided on site but it is advisable to bring your own)
- Waterproof poncho
- Waterproof trousers
- Ankle boots or lightweight hiking shoes (boots not recommended)
- Riding gaiters are highly recommended.
- A long-sleeved shirt is essential for protection against the sun and mosquitoes.
- Swimsuit in summer