Experiential Journey in Henson Country | The Gateway to the Bay of Somme
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationHauts-de-France / North
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AgeFrom 12 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions139.85 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Embark on an unforgettable equestrian adventure in the heart of Ponthieu and Marquenterre , guided by the lively and sure step of the iconic Henson horses .
For four days, this experiential journey combines nature , heritage , emotions , health and well-being , on a route of approximately 25 km per day, accessible to experienced riders who are proficient at all three gaits .
From the Chapel of the Holy Spirit in the town of Rue to the Favières Marshes , continuing through the Crécy Forest to see the monumental Saint-Riquier Abbey , of Carolingian origin, appear on the horizon, all the landscapes of Ponthieu and their ancient paths will reveal their secrets to you.
You will then discover the Collegiate Church of Saint Vulfran in Abbeville , a masterpiece of 15th-century Gothic architecture, before heading downstream on the 22 km long maritime canal, which is also a monumental feature of this territory.
As a grand finale to this unforgettable experiential journey: the Bay of Somme , a classified natural jewel, where land and sea meet in a striking setting.
The atmosphere is both invigorating and comfortable , with charming accommodations, full meals, health and wellness breaks, and professional support throughout the journey. An authentic experience to be enjoyed at the pace of the Henson horse, amidst forests, monuments, marshes, and vast estuarine landscapes.
The highlights
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Safe horses - Expert guides - Total immersion
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Bay of Somme: a privileged land for experiential travel with Henson horses
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Sharing - Conviviality - Comfort - Well-being
Photos
Sport
Level
Horseback riding
The expert's opinion
It is essential to master the 3 gaits and to have good physical condition as well as regular riding practice to fully enjoy the experience offered.
In figures
Horseback riding
- Average duration/day: 5h
Management
Throughout your trip, an experienced guide will accompany you to ensure you enjoy your experience safely.
A Henson horse-drawn carriage, with a driver accompanying the group, will also be part of the trip.
Program
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Between chapels and marshes
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure from Rue (Chapel of the Holy Spirit, an extraordinary 15th-century stone lacework) towards Nouvion-en-Ponthieu. Discover the Saint-Corneille du Hamelet chapel (11th century), the marshes and meadows of Ponthoile, birthplace of the Caudron brothers, aviation pioneers. Encounter the famous salt-meadow sheep, a gastronomic emblem of the Bay. Comfortable overnight stay in the heart of Ponthieu.
Day 1 -
Crécy Forest and Abbey
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Crossing the Crécy state forest, with its remarkable trees and tales of royal hunts. Passing through Forest-l'Abbaye and arriving at Saint-Riquier, the former "Centule of a Hundred Towers," a major monastic and Carolingian site, boasting a pure Flamboyant Gothic abbey church (15th century). Overnight stay near this exceptional historical heritage.
Day 2 -
Abbeville and the Somme Valley
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Explore the Collegiate Church of Saint-Vulfran – a masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic art – and the narrow streets of Abbeville, before following the Somme Canal. Overnight stay at La Ferme des Bouchers in Saigneville, in a charming gîte.
Day 3 -
Return via the Bay
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Crossing the lower Somme valley and the Noyelles salt marshes. Memorable gallops on the beaches of Le Crotoy, facing the Marquenterre dunes. A look back at the Caudron brothers and their first airplanes, before crossing the Maye ford to reach the Domaine du Marquenterre, the promised land of the Henson horses.
Day 4
Accommodation
Charming cottages carefully selected
Access
Arrival will be at the Henson-Marquenterre Equestrian Center. Transportation from there to the starting point will be provided by our team.
Go to the starting point
The train station is 2.5 kilometers from the departure point; we can arrange the transfer.
A16 motorway - Exit 24 Direction Rue
Price details
The price includes
The guided horseback riding tour, over 4 days
Transport of your personal belongings throughout the entire route
All meals (drinks included)
Accommodation for 3 nights
The price does not include
Transportation to the equestrian center
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
- Riding boots and helmets
- Hiking panniers
- All the horse's equipment (halter, saddle pad, saddle, girth, bridle)
Equipment to bring
- Your own helmet and riding boots if you own them
Clothing to bring
- Riding pants or jeans
- Comfortable shoes for evenings out
- Rain gear