• Weekend horseback riding trip to discover Abondance cheese
  • Weekend horseback riding trip to discover Abondance cheese
  • Weekend horseback riding trip to discover Abondance cheese
  • Weekend horseback riding trip to discover Abondance cheese
  • Weekend horseback riding trip to discover Abondance cheese
  • Weekend horseback riding trip to discover Abondance cheese
French Alps

Weekend horseback riding trip to discover Abondance cheese

5/5 (2 reviews)
Réf : FMIIYF

In summary

  • Sports
    Horseback riding
  • Duration
    2 days
  • Level
    Confirmed

    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
    France / French Alps
  • Age
    From the age of 18
  • CO₂-Emissions
    59.83 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
    English
    French

In a few words

Discover the beauty of the Abondance Valley, the valley of the famous cheese, on horseback ! The last valley before Switzerland, the Abondance Valley is renowned for its picturesque alpine landscapes shaped by monks . Here you'll find vast fir forests, verdant meadows dotted with wildflowers, and crystal-clear streams meandering between small mountain lakes. You'll discover peaks with magnificent panoramas , including Mont de Grange, as well as abundant local flora and fauna . With your horse, you'll ride through villages with typical Savoyard architecture and well-preserved heritage . You'll have the chance, for example, to visit a 13th-century abbey . You'll spend the night in a charming, picturesque alpine pasture. This horseback riding tour guarantees an incredible change of scenery!

The highlights

  • Panoramic views of lakes and mountains
  • Small, unspoiled villages
  • An overnight stay in a real mountain refuge with good cheese!
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Photos

Sport

Level

Horseback riding

Confirmed

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.
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.

The expert's opinion

The required riding level corresponds to a gallop 2, however the ride is long, good physical condition is necessary.

In figures

Horseback riding

  • Average duration/day: 7h

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Languages ​​spoken:
English
French
Manue

Manue, a mountain girl at heart, will take you to discover the region with her usual good humor. She'll take care of you like she would her horses, which she knows like the back of her hand!

A guide accompanies the riders throughout their stay. Support vehicles follow by car.

Management

Security

Groups are limited to 6 riders to maximize the experience and safety.
Learn more about supervision

Program

Day 1
Day 2

  • Abundance by the Bowl

    • Activity Horseback riding
    • Duration of the activity 7h
    • Accommodation Refuge
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch included
    • Dinner included

    You will be welcomed at 9:00 AM at the stables. After getting acquainted with your companion on the trail, your group will set off towards the charming village of Saint-Jean d'Aulps, following the Dranse River. You will continue your journey to the hamlet of Bas Thex. From one alpine pasture to another, your group will reach the Col de l'Ecuelle pass to enjoy a delicious picnic lunch.

    After this well-deserved break, you descend to the village of Abondance, home of the famous cheese, through the Frémoux forest. We will then climb back up towards the Col de la Plagne and then the Ubine alpine pasture.

    Day 1

Accommodation

🏔️ Mountain refuge - Day 1
  • 🏔️ Mountain refuge - Day 1
  • 🏔️ Mountain refuge - Day 1
🏔️ Mountain refuge - Day 1

Accommodation in a mountain refuge at the Ubine alpine pasture, managed by the Friends of Nature

Access

Departure
612 Route de Montriond, 74110, Essert-Romand
Day 1 : 09h00
End of stay
612 Route de Montriond, 74110, Essert-Romand
Day 2 - 17h31
The return is scheduled for 5:30pm to the stables on day 5.

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train toGare de Thonon les Bains

We can pick you up the evening before or in the morning.

Access by plane
The nearest airport isAéroport de Genève

Only the day before

Access by car
Travel to the place of stay with parking available

Free parking

Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
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Bonus: You can also let us know the date that interests you and we will do our best to offer it to you!

Price details

The price includes

  1. Your horse
  2. Riding equipment (riding helmet, saddle, etc.)
  3. The guide's support
  4. One night's accommodation in a gîte
  5. Meals from Day 1 at 9am to Day 2 at 6pm
  6. Luggage transfers

The price does not include

  1. Transport to the stable
  2. Breakfast on Day 1
  3. Dinner on Day 2
  4. Drinks
  5. Personal expenses
  6. Visit to the Abbey (optional)

Options

  1. 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 that 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 date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account 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.

⚠️ For this stay, you must have a valid license; if you do not have one, our partner can provide you with one.
Equipment

Equipment provided on site

  1. Bombs if you don't have any

Equipment to bring

  1. Spray can (provided if you don't have one)
  2. Mountain shoes
  3. Gourd
  4. Sunglasses
  5. Down

Clothing to bring

  1. Rainwear
  2. Warm clothes
  3. Change of clothes
  4. Clothing suitable for horseback riding
  5. Riding trousers required

They traveled with us

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

Agathe - 23 ans

may 2026 In a group
Translated from French
First of all, a huge thank you to Emmanuelle, our guide, and to Claire, for this superb 2-day horseback riding trip in Abondance! A magical weekend in the mountains with fantastic horses. Breathtaking scenery! Between walking, trotting, and cantering through the mountains with stunning views of the Alps, Mont Blanc, and magnificent lakes! Emmanuelle is attentive to her riders and generously shared all her knowledge and good humor with us! I give it a 200% thumbs up!
Published on 02/06/2026
DT
Decathlon Travel's response
Translated from French
Hello Agathe, We're delighted to hear from you! Congratulations on this magnificent two-day horseback riding trip in the mountains: completing such a route with such breathtaking scenery is quite an achievement! We're thrilled that our local team and the horses made this adventure unforgettable for you. See you soon on the trails! The Decathlon Travel Team
C

Clotilde - 27 ans

may 2025 In a group
Translated from French
Great trip, I recommend it!
Published on 21/05/2025

They traveled with us

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

Agathe - 23 ans

may 2026 In a group
Translated from French
First of all, a huge thank you to Emmanuelle, our guide, and to Claire, for this superb 2-day horseback riding trip in Abondance! A magical weekend in the mountains with fantastic horses. Breathtaking scenery! Between walking, trotting, and cantering through the mountains with stunning views of the Alps, Mont Blanc, and magnificent lakes! Emmanuelle is attentive to her riders and generously shared all her knowledge and good humor with us! I give it a 200% thumbs up!
Published on 02/06/2026
DT
Decathlon Travel's response
Translated from French
Hello Agathe, We're delighted to hear from you! Congratulations on this magnificent two-day horseback riding trip in the mountains: completing such a route with such breathtaking scenery is quite an achievement! We're thrilled that our local team and the horses made this adventure unforgettable for you. See you soon on the trails! The Decathlon Travel Team
C

Clotilde - 27 ans

may 2025 In a group
Translated from French
Great trip, I recommend it!
Published on 21/05/2025
The Claire team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The Claire team

4.9/5 (38 reviews) • 9 stays
We specialize in horseback riding trips in the high mountains of the French Alps, between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc. Our team is passionate about horseback riding and mountain life, and we will ensure you experience unforgettable moments near the highest peaks. We speak French and English. Our horses come from our family breeding program and are renowned for their wisdom, stamina, and gentle nature. We place great importance on their well-being and on providing excellent service to our clients.
Discover their team and their trips
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