Horse Riding Holidays in France
From sun-drenched vineyards offering the world’s most well-respected wine to ancient castles and medieval cities, a horse-riding holiday in France offers the full package; excellent, well-schooled horses, delicious food and wine, hot, sunny weather and diverse scenery. Horse riding in France is the perfect mode of transport to discover the huge diversity of landscapes in the country. Take in rolling hills, pine forests and the rich and varied cultural heritage of this landscape on one of our week-long horse riding holidays.
Sancerre Heritage and Gastronomy Trail
Vines as far as the eye can see, picturesque streets and historic monuments, full of secrets. Around Sancerre, you will ride from villages to hamlets among the hillsides. Recognised as one of the oldest vineyards in France, Sancerre is a charming old medieval town, as well as an elegant wine with its own appellation of origin since 1936. The Sancerre region also boasts another pillar of French gastronomy: the “Crottin de Chavignol” goat cheese that goes perfectly with a Sancerre Blanc… Embark on this heritage and gastronomy trail in the heart of France, riding among History!
Camargue Mountains and Beach Trail
Discover the beauty of the south of France with this expedition through the natural parks of the Luberon, the Alpilles and Camargue. Start your trip in the heart of the aromatic region of Provence and ride through the most beautiful lavender fields of France before reaching the marshes and beaches of Camargue.
Champagne Trail
For lovers of horses and wine, visit the region of Champagne where you can canter across scenic vineyards, through rural French villages and sip champagne in after a day’s riding. This trail is a fascinating exploration of rural France coupled with excellent riding terrain.
Chateaux of the Loire
The great castles of the Loire Valley are an incredible example of French legacies. Chenonceau, Cheverny, and Chaumont offer examples of the tremendous flowering of French culture during the Renaissance period and can be visited on this seven night trail ride offering fast riding through the royal hunting forests. You will journey across the Loire Valley, stopping at its majestic castles en route. Beautiful scenery, responsive horses and great food and wine, this is the ideal trail for lovers of French history, culture and architecture (not to mention food!).
Bordeaux Wine Trail
Ride through the vineyards of Bordeaux, tasting some of the world-famous wines produced in the region: Médoc, Côte de Blaye, Côte de Bourg, Bordeaux Supérieur, Lalande-Pomerol, St Emilion and Sauternes to name a few. Wash these down with plenty of local cheeses, meats and potato dauphinoise for a truly indulgent experience combined with fast-paced riding through the quintessentially french countryside.
A culture of gastronomy
You’ll certainly eat well on a horse riding holiday in France, good food remains a national obsession. From buttery croissants with steaming coffee for breakfast to extensive, buffet-style picnic lunches and four-course dinners, French food is considered peerless by the locals with great importance placed on fresh ingredients. Combine the cuisine with arguably some of the best wines in the world and you’ll be enjoying the meal times as much as the horse-riding. Nothing rounds off a day’s riding better than a delicious French meal and a glass or two of local wine.
A long tradition of riding
Trail riding in France follows a long tradition and is perhaps one of the world’s greatest equestrian nations with high levels of participation, a renowned breeding sector and some of competitive sport’s biggest names. The French are proud of their horses and any horse you ride will be in excellent condition, well-schooled and responsive. Unlike many other countries horse-riding guides have to be qualified to lead trails in France so you are guaranteed to be led by an experienced and knowledgeable guide who has passed many exams and completed long courses to be an equestrian guide. France is a real treat for horse riders and our hand-picked selection of french horse-riding holidays offer something for everyone.