Horseback riding tour in the Ariège Pyrenees
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationAriège / Occitanie
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions179.5 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Explore the Ariège Pyrenees on an exceptional horseback riding tour , a perfect blend of high mountains and historical heritage . Riding between 1,000 and 2,000 meters in altitude, this equestrian route takes you across the vast plateaus of Sault and Aillou , as well as the Chioula ridges .
At your own pace, admire spectacular panoramas of the Pyrenees mountain range, cross unspoiled summer pastures , and discover picturesque mountain villages . This journey through wild landscapes gradually leads you to the legendary Château de Montségur , a key site in Cathar history .
Each stage offers you authentic and welcoming accommodations , providing a true escape from time, close to unspoiled nature .
- PLEASE NOTE: THIS ROUTE IS FROM ESPOUSOUILLE TO MONTSEGURI FROM JULY 18TH TO 24TH, WITH A WELCOME PLACE IN ESPOUSOUILLE ON THE FIRST DAY.
The highlights
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Magnificent panoramic views of the entire Pyrenees mountain range from the ridges
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An immersion in the mountains, between summer pastures, forests and high mountain passes
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Reliable, hardy horses accustomed to traveling on mountain trails
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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Montségur
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Riders are welcomed from 6 pm onwards in Montségur. There will be a presentation of the cavalry and the ride. After a convivial meal, guests will settle in for the night in a comfortable gîte. For those who wish to arrive earlier, you are welcome to visit the Château de Montségur and its museum at your leisure.
Day 1 -
Montségur - Camurac
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We set off, leaving behind the Château de Montségur, capital and seat of the Cathar Church, which withstood nearly a year-long siege that ended tragically. We skirt the Montagne de la Frau through the Bois de la Redoule, where we enjoy a few bursts of speed as we climb to the Col de La Peyre (1725m). Our first 360° panorama unfolds before us, revealing Montségur to the north and the Pyrenees to the south. Following the trails of the Forêt de Prades, we reach the village of Camurac.
Meals and overnight stay at the Gîte de Camurac.
Day 2 -
Camurac - Chioula
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We cross the splendid and luminous "Pays d'Aillou". This small, hilly plateau is dotted with typical villages, including "Montaillou", made famous by the book "Montaillou, village occitan" (Montaillou, Occitan Village). Here, we are at the heart of Cathar history. Having crossed the Col de Balagues pass, we reach the upper level on the immense Chioula ridge.
Meals and overnight stay at the panoramic Chioula mountain refuge (alt. 1650m). From the terrace, we have a magnificent view of the entire mountain range.
Day 3 -
Chioula - Col de Tourrugues
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A beautiful day on the ridges between the Aude, Ariège and the Pyrénées Orientales: panoramic views across the entire mountain range and a few gallops in the summer pastures. We crossed several passes including the Col de Pailhères (2001m altitude).
Meals and overnight stay in a bivouac at the Col de Tourrugue.
Day 4 -
Col de Tourrugues - Artigues
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A beautiful mountain day awaits us today, between forests and summer pastures, with stunning panoramas and a true sense of freedom. We then descend into the Rébenty valley before reaching the Col de la Clause (1164m altitude) and follow the GR7 to Artigues where we will spend the night.
Meals and overnight stay in Artigues.
Day 5 -
Artigues - Montségur
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A beautiful mountain day awaits us today (we'll be climbing to nearly 2000m altitude), winding through forests and summer pastures with stunning panoramas and a true sense of freedom. We'll then descend into the Rébenty valley before climbing back up to the Sault Plateau.
Meals and overnight stay in a small campsite in the heart of the village of Espezel. (Overnight stay in a 1 or 2 person tent with an inflatable mattress)
Day 6 -
Montségur
- 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
⚠️ From July 18th to 24th, 2027, the ride will take place in the direction of Espousouille → Montségur. Riders will be welcomed in Espousouille (66) on Sunday evening, with return to Espousouille on Friday evening.
A transfer to and from Perpignan train station 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
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 leg 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.