Landscapes and scents of Haute Provence to the sound of cicadas
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationProvence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur / Alpes de Haute Provence
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions198.1 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 horseback riding adventure through Provence, from the fragrant hills of the Luberon to the majestic peaks of Mont Ventoux in the Drôme Provençale. At the gentle pace of the horses, you'll explore a mosaic of ever-changing landscapes bathed in sunlight, between the Alps and the Mediterranean . Each day reveals new horizons: fields of wild lavender , oak forests, valleys where thyme, rosemary, and sage flourish, and hilltop villages where time seems to stand still. In the evenings, enjoy comfortable accommodations , often with a swimming pool, and savor the balmy Provençal evenings serenaded by cicadas. This horseback riding tour is a complete immersion in the world described by Jean Giono , amidst intoxicating scents and breathtaking panoramas. A unique journey to experience authentic Provence at its most beautiful.
The highlights
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Very comfortable accommodation with a swimming pool
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Ideal for families
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A star-shaped hiking route with a return to the same accommodation each evening.
Photos
Sport
Level
Horseback riding
In figures
Horseback riding
- Average duration/day: 3h
Management
Christina Ruggirello
Guide
Equestrian Tourism Guide
Program
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Arrival and transfer to Simiane-la Rotonde - Introductory ride
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 150km
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You will be welcomed at 12:00 PM at the Gîte de La Fontaine , located in Simiane-la-Rotonde in Haute-Provence. A paid transfer is available from Marseille Airport at 10:00 AM or from Aix-en-Provence TGV train station at 10:30 AM . After meeting your guide and receiving an overview of your horseback riding trip , you will have lunch at the gîte . In the early afternoon, you will set off on a 12km (approximately 3-hour ) introductory ride around the property. Upon returning to the gîte, you have the option of visiting the village of Simiane and its surroundings ( guided tour available at an additional cost), with a picnic lunch from your saddlebags .
Day 1 -
Straddling the Albion Plateau
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You set off on horseback towards the village of Lagarde d'Apt . Your route crosses the village of Simiane-la-Rotonde and climbs onto the Albion plateau to the Notre-Dame-de-Lamaron chapel . At the foot of the chapel, a full lunch is served at tables and chairs, overlooking the panoramic view of Mont Ventoux . You then continue your ride through the vast, unspoiled landscapes of the region.
Day 2 -
On horseback to Colorado Provençal
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You set off on horseback towards the Colorado Provençal for a stage of approximately 25km ( 6 hours of riding). As the heart of the site is no longer directly accessible by horse, you take the GR trail that skirts around it to admire these unique ochre landscapes from above. At midday, you enjoy a picnic lunch from your saddlebags in the heart of nature before continuing your journey along the Provençal trails.
Day 3 -
Horseback riding to the Monk's Leap
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You'll set off on horseback for an approximately 4-hour ride through the Provençal countryside towards a place called Le Saut du Moine . Once there, you'll enjoy a relaxing and refreshing swim in the stream . For lunch , you'll return to the La Fontaine gîte to share a delicious meal.
Day 4 -
A stroll around the lavender fields of Simiane
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You'll embark on a 3-hour horseback ride through the iconic landscapes of Haute-Provence. Your route winds through lavender fields bordering the village of Simiane-la-Rotonde . At midday, you'll enjoy a picnic lunch from your saddlebags amidst nature before returning to the gîte.
Day 5 -
End of stay and departure
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 150km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After these few days spent in Haute-Provence, your trip comes to an end. Your departure is in the morning. To facilitate your return, a paid transfer is offered at 9:00 AM to Marseille Airport or Aix-en-Provence TGV train station .
Day 6
Note
Indicative program subject to change if necessary: weather, exceptional risk of fire, availability of accommodation, other unforeseen circumstances.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
APPOINTMENT:
On Monday of day 1, meet in Simiane-la-Rotonde at 12:00 PM. A paid transfer of approximately 2 hours (around €150 per car) is available from Marseille Provence Airport (10:00 AM). See the companies serving Marseille Airport . Transfers to Aix-en-Provence TGV train station (10:30 AM) are available via SNCF or Trenitalia . There are no transfers from Marseille city center train station (take the airport shuttle bus). There are also no transfers from Aix city center (take the Aix TGV shuttle bus).
We suggest you arrive on Sunday and spend a night in Aix en Provence, visit this lovely city and take our free transfer from Aix TGV station at 11am on Monday ( shuttle bus from Aix centre to Aix TGV ).
SEPARATION :
Saturday after breakfast. Transfer of approximately 2 hours by car (approximately €150 per car): departure at 9:00 AM for Aix-en-Provence TGV train station (approximately 10:30 AM), Marseille Provence Airport (approximately 11:00 AM). No transfer is available for Marseille city center train station (take the airport shuttle bus), nor for Aix city center (take the Aix TGV shuttle bus).
Price details
The price includes
- horse rental
- the guide
- the assistant responsible for preparing the lunch buffets and transporting luggage by minibus
- accommodation
- meals
- Drinks during meals (table water and 1/4 bottle of wine)
The price does not include
- individual insurance
- the possible supplement for a single room
- Drinks outside of meals and not included during meals (mineral water, sodas, hot drinks)
- possible visits
- personal expenses and tips
- Arrival/departure transfers to/from Marseille airport or Aix-en-Provence TGV train station
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
- All the horse equipment
- Bed linen and towels
Equipment to bring
- Waterproof poncho and waterproof trousers (recommended)
- Riding gaiters (highly recommended)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit
- Flashlight
- Tissues and wipes
- 1-liter water bottle
- Mosquito repellent product
- Small individual first aid kit
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