Horseback riding in the open spaces of the Morvan
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationFrance / Burgundy-Franche-Comté
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions173.42 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
In a few words
Embark on a horseback adventure and test your sense of direction in the heart of the Morvan , a true haven of unspoiled nature. This unique trip offers total immersion in equestrian navigation, where you'll be in control of your own journey. After an initial meeting with the team and your mount, you'll receive an introduction to map reading and compass use . In small groups, you'll set off for five days of exploration through the verdant trails of the Morvan, one of the last great wilderness areas near Paris. At your own pace, you'll choose your gaits and ensure your horse's well-being , all while traveling independently. Of course, the team will remain close by to assist you should you need help with navigation, horse management, or group dynamics . Be warned, this trip carries a risk: you might get hooked! Once you've experienced it, it's hard to go back to marked trails and guided hikes.
The highlights
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Explore the lakes and forests of the Morvan in complete autonomy on horseback.
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Mount a cavalry of Arabians selected for their endurance and temperament
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Enjoy comfortable seating and attentive support.
Photos
Sport
Level
Horseback riding
In figures
Horseback riding
- Average duration/day: 5h30
Management
Self-guided hiking is an unaccompanied hike but supervised by professionals specifically on the first day but also at times when joining the riders.
Program
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Arrival and presentation
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival in Sommant from 4 pm . Transfers are available from Autun or Le Creusot TGV train stations (at an additional cost). In the early evening, meet the team, learn about the horses , the week's program, and how the center operates. Enjoy a friendly dinner, followed by an overnight stay in a guesthouse for a first taste of the atmosphere of your stay.
Day 1 -
Horse allocation and orientation
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The morning begins with the assignment of horses and equipment, followed by a trial at all three gaits on a short loop with a guide. Next, there's an introduction to orienteering : map reading.
1/25,000th , use of hiking applications and reminder of techniques and safety rules for hiking.
After lunch at the gîte, practical exercises in small groups on an unmarked 15km route around Sommant. Return to the centre for horse care , then dinner and overnight stay in guest rooms .
Day 2 -
Departure of the traveling raid
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Starting at 8 a.m. , you collect your horse from the pasture and then have breakfast while it eats. Departure is between 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. for a day of riding in a small group , depending on the number and composition of your chosen group.
The itinerary, which can be adapted to the group's pace, includes 5 to 6 hours of hiking with variations in the route. At the end of the day, check-in and overnight stay at the Huis Prunelle group accommodation .
Day 3 -
Loop towards Lac des Settons
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This day's ride takes you on a rolling loop to Lac des Settons , where a swimming break is possible for those who wish. The route offers beautiful scenery and a pleasant pace on horseback.
In the late afternoon, return to the Huis Prunelle guesthouse , where your host prepares a delicious meal to end the day.
Day 4 -
Through forests and Gallo-Roman remains
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This day's hike takes you through a hilly landscape , crossing the Gallo-Roman site of Les Bardiaux before exploring the forests of Arleuf and Anost . These vast wooded areas, dotted with forgotten paths and former maquis hideouts, offer a complete immersion in history and nature. At the end of the day, you'll arrive at the Athez gîte for an overnight stay in a dormitory .
Day 5 -
Return to Sommant and end of stay
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
For this final day on horseback, we'll return to Sommant via one of the many possible routes. This is a last chance to enjoy the forests and hedgerows of the Morvan region , between shaded paths and rolling landscapes. Back at the center, we'll give the horses their final care and clean the equipment . The stay is scheduled to end around 5 pm . An additional night is available upon request.
Day 6
Note
The program schedule is weather dependent
Accommodation
During your stay, you will spend two nights in a bed and breakfast in Sommant , two nights at the Huis Prunelle gîte , and one night in a dormitory at the Athez gîte . A gradual immersion in the nomadic lifestyle, combining comfort and authenticity.
During your stay, you will spend two nights in a bed and breakfast in Sommant , two nights at the Huis Prunelle gîte , and one night in a dormitory at the Athez gîte . A gradual immersion in the nomadic lifestyle, combining comfort and authenticity.
Access
Go to the starting point
From Lyon:
- By train and bus: Take a TGV from Lyon Part-Dieu to Le Creusot Montceau Montchanin station (approximately 40 minutes). From there, local bus services can take you closer to Sommant.
From Paris:
- By train and bus: Take a TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Le Creusot Montceau Montchanin station (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes). From there, local bus services can take you closer to Sommant.
From Marseille:
- By train and bus: Take a TGV from Marseille Saint-Charles to Lyon Part-Dieu (approximately 1 hour 40 minutes), then another TGV to Le Creusot Montceau Montchanin station (approximately 40 minutes). From there, local bus services can take you closer to Sommant.
From Lyon:
- By car: The journey is approximately 200 km, or about 2 hours and 17 minutes of driving time.
From Paris:
- By car: The journey is approximately 280 km, or about 3 hours of driving.
From Marseille:
- By car: The journey is approximately 510 km, or about 5 hours and 39 minutes of driving time.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in a shared double or triple room
- Semi-supervised by guides
- Full board stay
The price does not include
- Getting to the starting point of the hike in the Morvan
- Personal expenses
- Drinks
Options
- Extra night before stay - Single room : CHF77.76 / unit
- Extra night before stay - Double room : CHF118.92 / unit
- Additional night after stay - Single room : CHF77.76 / unit
- Additional night after stay - Double room : CHF118.92 / unit
- 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
- A can of spray (available on site, although it is strongly recommended to bring your own)
Equipment to bring
- A knife
- A hiking map holder
- A sleeping bag
- A bath towel
- Chaps or mini-chaps
- A pair of lightweight shoes for horseback riding (Pataugas, boots...)
- A pair of shoes for the evening
- A cap or hat to protect yourself from the sun
- Sunglasses
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Binoculars
- Camera
Clothing to bring
- Riding trousers
- Cotton T-shirts or long-sleeved shirts
- Waterproof jacket
- Riding gloves
- Swimsuit
