Camargue Mountains and Beach Trail
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.
The trail takes you through various landscapes from the foot of the Luberon in the heart of Provence, across the Durance river on horseback, up the low mountain range of Alpilles and to the marshes and beaches of Camargue. Learn how to round up bulls in Camargue and enjoy the warm southern coastline of France.
- Ride across the diverse landscapes of the Camargue, from Mediterranean beaches and lagoons to vineyards and mountain trails.
- Discover the wild beauty of the Camargue Regional Natural Park, home to flamingos, black bulls and the famous white Camargue horses.
- Enjoy long canters on sandy beaches and scenic rides through the foothills of the Cévennes Mountains.
- Experience authentic Camargue culture, traditions and cuisine throughout the trail.
- A unique journey combining beach riding, mountain scenery and exceptional wildlife.
itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Lauris between 6 pm and 7 pm, or get transferred from Marseille airport (5 pm), the Aix-en-Provence TGV (5.30 pm), the Aix-en-Provence station (5.45 pm). Meet your guides for a drink and discuss your week. Spend the night in Lauris.
Day 2
After breakfast, go to the tables to meet your horses and get ready for your first day out on the trail. Head south towards the flank of the Luberon and ride across pine forests, orchards, olive groves and vineyards until you reach Durance. Follow a trail along the river, cross the river, or take the bridge depending on the river level, and enjoy a picnic by the river. In the afternoon you will follow the valley’s many streams until you get to the horses grazing. Get transferred to your guesthouse in Lauris.
Day 3
After breakfast, you will be transferred to meet the horses in Mallemort. Begin your ride on the plains and orchards of the area in the direction of Lamanon where your copious picnic awaits. In the afternoon, you’ll ride towards the Alpilles, a gorgeous limestone, low mountain range, and enjoy the view and contrast between the rock formations and green pine forests before arriving near Eygalières.
Day 4
Start the day with a 4-hour horseback ride through the Provençal countryside, followed by a picnic at the ancient site of Glanum. After loading the horses, enjoy an optional visit to the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole Monastery, where Van Gogh lived and painted during his stay in 1889–1890.Continue to Les Baux-de-Provence for a visit to this stunning hilltop village, then transfer by minibus to the Camargue. Spend the night in a 400-year-old hotel built on the remains of a 12th-century abbey.
Day 5
Today you get to round up the cattle the Camargue way. Ride an hour in the heart of Camargue until you get to your host ranch. The owner Mathieu will teach you how to round up the bulls and push them into the sorting enclosure and onto their next marsh field. You will learn everything about the "Camargue race", and the Camargue breeding methods and traditions around an "apéritif" - the drink of friendship. Picnic in the marshy fields at the ranch. After lunch, get back on your horses and ride to Saintes Maries de la Mer. After 2-3 hours on horseback, you will get to your hotel. You can take a stroll in town, go to the beach or enjoy the hotel's swimming pool before dinner.
Day 6
Spend your morning on the beach and enjoy long gallops with your trusty horses before returning to the hotel across the imperial ponds. Have lunch at the hotel before getting back the horses for the last ride through this beautiful region. Head for Les Méjanes along the Vaccarès pond, Camargue's largest pond (6,500 hectares). There you’ll see flocks of flamingos. Enjoy the beautiful scenery in Méjanes. End of the day, the horses and riders get transferred back to Lauris for the night.
Day 7
Enjoy breakfast before being transferred at 9:30 am to Marseille airport or Aix en Provence TGV station.
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Camargue Mountains and Beach Trail
Mini-brochure PDF
know before you go
The trail is suitable for intermediate and experienced riders. All participants must be confident and in control at all paces and in open spaces (walk, trot, canter). A reasonable level of current riding fitness is required as you’ll be spending 4-6 hours in the saddle each day and enjoy a 2 hour lunch break everyday.
The first four days take you through the hilly, rocky landscapes of the Luberon and Alpilles, where opportunities for cantering are limited. However, the final two days offer a more dynamic experience, featuring flat, sandy terrain with ample chances for canters.
The weight limit is 90 kg / 14,2 stones.
All guides are bilingual french/english, they are experienced and qualified.
Group size is 4-8.
The horses are from the region, and of medium size selected for their character: kind, responsive and easy to ride. They live outside and in a herd all year around. They work from April till November and enjoy a well deserved holiday in a 5000 ha field in the winter.
Horses are assigned to their riders onsite after a discussion with your guide and based on your height, weight, level and experience.
You will ride in comfortable trail-riding saddles with saddle bags and simple bridles.
Price includes
- Five days of riding
- Guide and assistant guide service
- Six nights of shared accommodation
- All arrangements for the duration of the holiday
- Trail riding horse, tack & saddlebags
- Services of guide
- Breakfasts
- Packed Lunches
- Evening Meals
- Transfer from/ to airport or train stations
Price Excludes
- Insurance
- Other drinks not included (mineral water, sodas, hot drinks)
- Visits
- Tips
Accommodation
On this trail riding expedition you will be staying in comfortable and welcoming guesthouses and hotels along the trail and will spend each night in a different location. You can expect a hearty meal at each destination. Some hotels have pools and most bedrooms have a private ensuite bathroom.
For your holidays you will be able to choose to share a room of 2 - 3 people with other riders, or book your own room for a supplement.
The meals are shared together, and you’ll enjoy local and refined cuisine at the table of your host or in restaurants. Special diets can be accommodated. Wine is included with the meals. Your lunch will be taken on the trail and prepared by one of your guides. Enjoy copious and hearty buffets every day.
Camargue Mountains and Beach Trail
Booking Conditions
See the full booking conditions specific to this trail here.£345 single supplement
International flights & Airport transfers
Do not book flights until you have received the Booking confirmation email from saddletravel.com.
Transfers are included at set times from:
Marseille Airport - 5pm
Aix-en-Provence TGV station - 5:30pm
On the last day, transfers leave at 9:30 am for Aix en Provence TGV station (after 10am) and Marseille Airport (after 11am).
A transfer to Aix centre is not possible so we advise getting the transfer to the TGV station and taking a shuttle from there to Aix centre.
No transfer is possible before 9:30 am, plan your trip according to the fixed free transfer to avoid booking a taxi.