• First steps on horseback in the Alps, between trails and mountain refuge
  • First steps on horseback in the Alps, between trails and mountain refuge
  • First steps on horseback in the Alps, between trails and mountain refuge
  • First steps on horseback in the Alps, between trails and mountain refuge
  • First steps on horseback in the Alps, between trails and mountain refuge
  • First steps on horseback in the Alps, between trails and mountain refuge
French Alps / Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

First steps on horseback in the Alps, between trails and mountain refuge

5/5 (1 reviews)
Réf : CORIPA

In summary

  • Sports
    Horseback riding
  • Duration
    4 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
    French Alps / Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
  • Age
    Up to a 90imum of years
  • CO₂-Emissions
    80.52 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
    French
    English

In a few words

Immerse yourself in a mountain equestrian adventure designed for young riders or those curious to experience riding for the first time . This trip combines discovering horses , learning the basics of trail riding , and experiencing a pristine mountain environment . Each day, set off on a 2- to 3-hour ride , at the gentle pace of hooves along alpine trails. Guided by passionate instructors, you'll learn how to care for , saddle, and better understand your mount , building a genuine bond of trust. The experience culminates in a night in a mountain refuge , a highlight of the trip, where you can savor the tranquility of the high altitudes and the beauty of the landscapes. It's a gentle and gradual immersion, ideal for developing a taste for outdoor life while fostering independence and a sense of adventure . A complete trip, combining learning , nature , and camaraderie , in a setting that is both rejuvenating and inspiring.

The highlights

  • Daily horseback rides through the heart of unspoiled alpine landscapes
  • Spend a night in a mountain refuge to fully experience the mountain environment.
  • Horse care and gentle learning for motivated beginners
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Photos

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.

The expert's opinion

We accept all types of riders. Children must be accompanied by an adult for overnight stays at the hotel but do not have to participate in the activity.

In figures

Horseback riding

  • Average duration/day: 2h30

Management

During this stay, several supervisors will be present to guide and assist you, ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the trip.
Band : 1 supervisor for 1 to 7 people
Languages ​​spoken:
French
English
Alix

Alix, a BPJEPS-certified instructor, is a young guide who will introduce you to the joys of horseback riding in complete safety. Her qualities: cheerful, lively, and energetic. Her flaw: she talks a lot!

Claire

BPJEPS, ATE, BFEE2 certified, knows horses and trails like the back of her hand. Passionate about horses, she will teach you about them with kindness. Her flaw: a quirky sense of humor!

Management

Security

A guide accompanies the riders throughout their stay. Support vehicles follow by car.
Learn more about supervision

Program

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
  • map

    Meet your horse and take your first ride

    • Activity Horseback riding
    • Duration of the activity 2h
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch not included
    • Dinner not included

    You will be assigned your mount for the week. You will learn the basics of its care , grooming and harnessing , before setting off for a 1.5-hour ride in the forest.

    The rest of the day is free; you can go and visit the region.

    Day 1

Accommodation

During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.
🏔️ Mountain refuge - Day 3

During your stay, you will be accommodated in a mountain refuge on day 3, in a dormitory. The refuge does not offer private rooms.

🏨 Country hotel

Accommodation for the first two nights is in a rural hotel, similar to a family-run guesthouse. Lunch and dinner are not included. You can find places to eat in the village.

Accommodation in rooms for 2 or 3 people.

Access

Departure
612 route de Montriond, 74110 Essert-Romand
Day 1 : 14h00
End of stay
612 route de Montriond, 74110 Essert-Romand
Day 4 - 12h00

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train toGare de Thonon-les-Bains
  1. From Paris : Take a direct train from Paris to Annecy or Paris to Cluses (approximately 3 hours 50 minutes)
Access by car
Travel to the place of stay with parking available
  1. From Paris (approximately 6 hours 30 minutes, 590 km): Take the A6 motorway towards Mâcon, continue on the A40 towards Geneva, then exit at Cluses. Take the D902 towards Morzine, then follow the signs for Essert-Romand.
  2. From Geneva (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, 65 km): Take the A40 motorway towards Chamonix, exit at Cluses, then follow the D902 towards Morzine and Essert-Romand
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Price details

The price includes

  1. The horse
  2. Accommodation in a rural hotel on days 1 and 2
  3. Accommodation in mountain huts, in dormitories for 2 to 5 people
  4. Riding equipment (riding helmet, saddle, etc.)
  5. Guided support

The price does not include

  1. Transportation to the departure point of the stay
  2. Personal expenses
  3. Drinks
  4. Meals other than overnight stays in mountain huts and breakfasts

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 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

  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. Sunscreen
  6. Down

Clothing to bring

  1. Rainwear
  2. Technical and warm clothing
  3. Change of clothes
  4. Clothing suitable for horseback riding
  5. Riding trousers

They traveled with us

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

Audrey - 26 ans

august 2026 In a group
Translated from French
A wonderful and well-organized stay. We were upgraded at the hotel and had a lovely room. Instructors Emanuelle and Alix taught us to trot and canter, and it was sensational for me to be able to canter in the fields, as I had no prior experience. The refuge is very welcoming, and we enjoyed an excellent fondue. Just so you know, the bag you need for your overnight stay at the refuge is delivered by car by someone from the equestrian center. Many thanks to the instructors for sharing their passion and for allowing me to have such a wonderful, refreshing, and rejuvenating trip.
Published on 03/09/2026
DT
Decathlon Travel's response
Translated from French
Hello Audrey, Your feedback means a lot to us, thank you. We're so glad to hear you were able to gallop for the first time! It's a fantastic sporting achievement, and we're delighted that our teams on site were able to share their passion with you. We hope to see you again very soon for more equestrian adventures. The Decathlon Travel Team

They traveled with us

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

Audrey - 26 ans

august 2026 In a group
Translated from French
A wonderful and well-organized stay. We were upgraded at the hotel and had a lovely room. Instructors Emanuelle and Alix taught us to trot and canter, and it was sensational for me to be able to canter in the fields, as I had no prior experience. The refuge is very welcoming, and we enjoyed an excellent fondue. Just so you know, the bag you need for your overnight stay at the refuge is delivered by car by someone from the equestrian center. Many thanks to the instructors for sharing their passion and for allowing me to have such a wonderful, refreshing, and rejuvenating trip.
Published on 03/09/2026
DT
Decathlon Travel's response
Translated from French
Hello Audrey, Your feedback means a lot to us, thank you. We're so glad to hear you were able to gallop for the first time! It's a fantastic sporting achievement, and we're delighted that our teams on site were able to share their passion with you. We hope to see you again very soon for more equestrian adventures. The Decathlon Travel Team
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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