Weekend on horseback between the Baronnies and the Hautes-Alpes
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationProvence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur / Hautes-Alpes
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AgeFrom 16 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions58.59 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Treat yourself to an equestrian escape in the heart of unspoiled nature – that's the promise of this two -day weekend riding trip . Starting from Ribiers, this route takes you to the border of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Hautes-Alpes departments , between the Baronnies Provençales Regional Natural Park and the UNESCO Haute-Provence Geopark .
After preparing your horse and saddlebags, your horseback riding tour begins, heading towards the ruins of a 13th-century chapel . The trail then climbs to a panoramic mountain pass reaching nearly 1,300 meters in altitude, offering a remarkable view of the Ribiers ridges . Your ride continues towards the perched village of Éourres , before reaching the unspoiled hamlet of Les Damias . In this eco-friendly setting , you'll enjoy a locally sourced organic dinner before spending a peaceful night in a gîte or yurt .
The next day, after a local breakfast, you'll ascend the ridge line towards the wild Jabron Valley . This immersion in nature concludes with a return to Ribiers, ideal for disconnecting and fully recharging.
The highlights
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Exceptional panoramas: a wild ride at 1300m altitude at the foot of the Baronnies
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A preserved eco-friendly location: a night of absolute peace and quiet in the hamlet of Les Damias, in a gîte or a yurt.
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Local organic produce: delicious meals prepared with garden produce
Photos
Sport
Level
Horseback riding
The expert's opinion
You must at least know how to trot on a horse and be comfortable riding 4 to 5 hours a day.
In figures
Horseback riding
- Average duration/day: 4h30
Management
French
English
Vaïana, equestrian center manager and organizer of horseback riding tours. A qualified instructor with a BPJEPS (Brevet Professionnel de la Jeunesse, de l'Éducation Populaire et du Sport) in Equestrian Activities, a diploma as an Equestrian Tourism Guide (ATE), a Federal Certificate for Ethological Riding Instruction (BFEE 2), and a diploma as an Equestrian Tourism Guide (MATE) to guarantee your safety. Passionate about riding since childhood, I am eager to share my passion with you in the best possible conditions!
Program
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Ribiers - Eourres via the Rougnouse forest track
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet in Ribiers. Pack your bags and panniers with your belongings and picnic lunches for a self-guided trip. We'll hike to the Gîte des Damias in Eourres via the Rougnouse forest track. An incredible view over the Buëch and Durance valleys awaits you as we ascend… We'll stay either in a yurt or a gîte, depending on availability. Natalia will then share her yoga expertise to help you recover from this first day. Finally, a completely vegetarian meal prepared on-site with produce from the garden will give you the energy you need for the next day.
Day 1 -
Eourres to Ribiers via the Jabron
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
For this second day, we'll climb back up to the Col Saint-Pierre, where we passed the day before, then turn off towards the Jabron Valley. You'll discover a superb view of the Montagne de Lure. Before descending back towards Ribiers...
Day 2
Accommodation
Several cottages and rooms are available. We will do our best to accommodate your requests, but we cannot guarantee a single or double room.
Access
The exact geolocation of the departure parking lot will be provided to you a few days before your arrival.
Go to the starting point
We can suggest accommodations nearby if you arrive the day before your stay or arrange your transfer from Sisteron train station to the starting point of the hike.
Price details
The price includes
- The provision of the horse and its equipment
- Supervision by a qualified professional
- The accommodation as described
- The meals mentioned
The price does not include
- The first day's picnic at noon
- Drinks or alcohol
- The FFE license
- Access to the place of stay
Options
- Annual FFE license or Green license valid for one month : 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
- Helmet meeting CE standards if you have notified us that you do not have one;
- Horse and its equipment + luggage.
Equipment to bring
- A small rubbish bag to take your rubbish home with you (nature thanks you!)
- Camping cutlery (each person is responsible for their own equipment and dishes)
- 2 round, waterproof picnic boxes, Decathlon type (max 10cm in diameter)
Clothing to bring
- Hiking boots, preferably slightly high-top and waterproof
- Short chaps
- Riding trousers or leggings, breathable in summer, warm and water-repellent in winter
- Technical T-shirt that dries quickly, thin and short-sleeved for summer, warm and long-sleeved for winter
- A fleece
- A warm, windproof and waterproof jacket
- Please bring your CE-approved helmet if you have one (please let us know if you don't have one).
Or your usual riding equipment. But avoid leather boots, which are very uncomfortable for long hours of riding...
The Vaïana team
For the past five years, our local expert, Vaïana, has been offering horseback riding excursions for all levels. Prioritizing animal welfare and ethology, she welcomes small groups of no more than five riders to ensure safety and a close connection. From the Durance Valley to the Queyras region, she organizes immersive wilderness experiences ranging from one day to a week. In 2026, Vaïana is launching new yoga and horseback riding retreats, available for private booking upon request for a truly personalized and authentic experience.
