Horseback riding tour of the lakes of the Catalan Pyrenees
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationPyrénées-Orientales / Occitanie
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions188.35 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Discover the Pyrenees on an exceptional high-altitude horseback riding excursion , designed for lovers of wide open spaces and unspoiled nature. In the saddle on our horses, you'll move at the pace of the mountains, traversing breathtakingly beautiful wild landscapes .
Throughout this exceptional route, nearly twenty crystal-clear lakes and ponds dot your path, nestled in the heart of the mountains. Between steep trails and panoramic ridges , the Pyrenean landscape offers wonderful opportunities for free-roaming gallops. Each stage is an invitation to recharge, punctuated by authentic accommodations and a warm welcome.
This total immersion in the high mountains guarantees a timeless interlude, ideal for disconnecting from everyday life while sharing an unforgettable equestrian adventure close to the elements.
The highlights
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Reliable and energetic horses, companions on this mountain adventure
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Numerous lakes and ponds in the heart of the wild landscapes of the Pyrenees
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Magnificent panoramas between peaks, summer pastures and crystal-clear waters
Photos
Sport
Level
Horseback riding
The expert's opinion
Riding level and physical condition
The trip is aimed at independent riders at all three gaits, comfortable on varied terrain and able to saddle and unsaddle their horse independently.
The terrain requires frequent dismounting to rest the horses, especially on descents and sometimes on certain ascents. A good level of fitness is therefore necessary to fully enjoy the ride and to navigate mountainous terrain on foot.
Children are accepted from the age of 12, with a minimum level of Galop 3, provided they are accompanied by an adult rider also participating in the ride.
For the well-being of our horses and to guarantee them suitable working conditions throughout the ride, the maximum rider weight is set at 90 kg.
For safety reasons and out of respect for animal welfare, our local expert reserves the right to interrupt your stay without refund if the required riding level is not assimilated or if the weight limit is exceeded.
In figures
Horseback riding
- Average duration/day: 6h
Management
Floriane, a passionate rider and certified ATE guide for over 10 years, has honed her skills in France and abroad. From the Corbières to the Pyrenees, she now shares her passion for horseback riding by guiding you through wild and unspoiled landscapes, in a spirit of adventure, sharing, and conviviality.
Program
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Espousouille
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Riders are welcomed from 6 pm in Espousouille (66). There will be a presentation of the horses and the ride. After a friendly meal, guests will settle in for the night in a welcoming gîte.
Day 1 -
Espousouille - Quérigut
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For this first day with your horses, we take the Vauban path towards Lake Puyvalador and then the village of Rieutor. We climb towards the Puyvalador resort via tracks that allow us to work at a few gaits.
We take a small path to reach Lake Quérigut (alt. 1877m) for our picnic.
We cross the Hares state forest and descend towards the Donezan in the direction of the pretty village of Quérigut.
Meals and overnight stay in Quérigut.
Day 2 -
Quérigut - Col del Torn
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 7h30
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Starting from Quérigut, we gradually climb to reach the wild landscapes of Capcir. Between mountain forests, wide open spaces, and panoramic views of the Pyrenean peaks, the route leads us to the Col del Torn, at nearly 1,900 meters altitude. Pleasant trails also punctuate this stage, promising some exhilarating gallops before we reach the refuge for the evening.
Day 3 -
Col del Torn - Bouillouses
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We leave the refuge to descend towards Lake Matemale, then we will climb into the Barres forest.
Lake Aude invites us to a picnic break, superb!
Then we head towards Lac des Bouillouses to reach the Bones Hores hotel (alt. 2050m) where we will spend 2 nights.
Day 4 -
Bouillouses Loop
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A day trip starting and ending at Lake Bouillouses.
A magnificent ride through the Carlit lakes awaits us: Etang de la Pradelle, Etang Noir, Etangs Llat, Long or Sec... each has its own name and its own unique beauty...
Day 5 -
Bouillouses - Espousouille
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Another beautiful day, departure from Bones Hores along the edge of Lake Bouillouses.
In a splendid setting of grassy hills, water, rocks, and mountain pines, we discover the Grave Valley and then reach the Camporells Lakes, in which the peaks of the two Perics mountains are reflected. We climb towards the Muntanyeta Pass (2312m), then a beautiful ledge path leads us into the Galbe Valley towards Espousouille.
Our horses will have earned a well-deserved rest before new adventures!
Meals and overnight stay in Espousouille.
Day 6 -
Espousouille
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Breakfast followed by the end of this magnificent adventure. Departure of the riders.
Day 7
Note
This program is provided for informational purposes only. The itinerary and stages may be adapted according to weather conditions, trail conditions, or any other constraints encountered on the ground. These adjustments are made to best ensure the safety and well-being of the riders and horses.
The times spent on horseback are also given as a guide.
Accommodation
Access
A transfer to and from Perpignan train station or airport can be arranged on Sunday for your arrival and Saturday for your departure. Please contact us to find out the transfer times and arrange your pick-up.
Go to the starting point
Transfer from Perpignan train station: a transfer can be arranged from Perpignan train station on Sunday and for the return trip on Saturday. Please contact us before booking your tickets to find out the pick-up times.
Perpignan Airport Transfer: A transfer can be arranged from Perpignan Airport on Sundays and for the return trip on Saturdays. Please contact us before booking your tickets to confirm pick-up times.
Price details
The price includes
- The hike will be led by a qualified ATE guide.
- The provision of the horse and its equipment for the entire duration of the ride
- Accommodation from Sunday evening to Saturday morning, in gîtes, bed and breakfasts, mountain huts/hotels and staffed mountain huts depending on the stage
- Meals included during your stay, from Sunday dinner to Saturday breakfast
- The Friday evening transfer to collect the vehicles at the starting point
- Luggage transport between accommodations when provided for during the stage
Please note: during the stage to Camporells, no luggage transfer is possible. You must carry only the bare essentials for the night in your horse's saddlebags.
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point and from the departure point at the end of the stay
- Personal expenses
- Drinks and snacks outside of meals
- Personal insurance, particularly individual accident insurance for riders
- Any service or benefit not mentioned in the "What's included" section
Options
- Transfers to Perpignan train station : 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
- On request: large rain poncho, water bottle, sleeping bag liner
Equipment to bring
- A riding helmet (mandatory)
- One or more water bottles to carry 2L of water
- A sleeping bag (comfort rating 10°C) - for mountain hikes: comfort rating 0°C to +5°C; a sleeping bag liner is also comfortable inside sleeping bags.
- A pocket knife
- A phone charger
- A headlamp
- Toiletries (and towel)
- Earplugs for nights in dormitories
- Personal pharmacy
Clothing to bring
- A cap or hat for the sun
- A waterproof rain jacket covering the thighs
- Waterproof overtrousers
- A pair of waterproof walking shoes with chaps or mini-chaps (riding boots not recommended)
- Riding breeches or comfortable jeans-type trousers
- A scarf or shawl for the neck or face
- A pair of high-protection sunglasses
- Cotton or technical quick-drying t-shirts + long-sleeved shirts
- A lightweight fleece + a warm fleece or equivalent
- A spare pair of trousers
- A swimsuit (optional for "wild showers")
- A pair of sneakers or light shoes for the evening
- Several pairs of socks
- A pair of gloves (sun, cold, friction)
The Floriane team
Our local expert offers multi-day horseback riding tours of 2 to 7 days, from mid-April to the end of October, in small groups of no more than 10 riders. From the Cathar Corbières to the Catalan Pyrenees, he invites you to embark on an adventure on sure-footed, spirited horses, through wild landscapes and exceptional heritage.