The chirping of cicadas in your ears, the scent of sage, thyme, and rosemary in the air, fields of purple lavender and bright yellow sunflowers before your eyes, the taste of full-bodied red wine and spicy olives on your tongue, all bathed in soft golden light that once inspired Vincent van Gogh and Cézanne and captivated them to create countless paintings—you can experience all of this in Provence!
A feast for the senses—that’s what our horseback riding tours in this dreamlike vacation region are all about. At the foot of the Luberon, our partner awaits you to explore the diverse regions of Provence on horseback: from the rolling hills of the Luberon to the rugged high mountains of Haute Provence, all the way to the vast sandy beaches of the Mediterranean and the famous Camargue with its white horses, black bulls, and pink flamingos.

Itinerary

Horseback Riding Tour Through the Lavender Fields (6 Days)
The ride takes you through the most beautiful lavender-growing regions in the picturesque Luberon Mountains, across the Claparèdes and Albion plateaus to the foot of the majestic Mt. Ventoux. 5 days of riding, 5–6 hours each day; total distance approx. 130 km.
Day 1: Arrive at the riding stable around noon. After a welcome snack and getting to know each other, the horses will be saddled. You’ll ride up to the ridges of the Petit Luberon before descending the northern slope to Bonnieux, a beautiful hilltop village with old stone houses. Then you’ll continue on to the Claparèdes Plateau and the first lavender fields. Afterward, you’ll descend into the Aiguebrun Gorge, which marks the border between the Petit and Grand Luberon. You’ll pass the Priory of St. Symphorien, follow the Aiguebrun River, and reach your first lodging at the foot of the towering cliffs of Buoux. Before dinner, you can take a dip in the pool. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Today’s ride takes you on to the Aiguebrun Gorge. The limestone cliffs there rise up to 120 meters high. You’ll pass through a picturesque little village, where you’ll let the horses drink from the fountain. After a picnic under mighty oak trees, you’ll reach Cereste in the late afternoon, where you’ll spend the night in a cozy lodging in the center of the village.
Day 3: Today you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Priory of Carluc. This historic building dates back to the 11th century. Afterward, you’ll ride to Oppedette, a typical Provençal village perched on a cliff. You’ll spend the night at a B&B in Simiane.
Day 4: After breakfast, in the early morning hours, you’ll ride up into the Vaucluse Mountains. After half a day in the saddle, you’ll reach your lodging in Revest du Bion. The horses will enjoy a short break while you’re driven by shuttle to Sault, the lavender capital. Here, you can spend the afternoon shopping and sightseeing.
Day 5: Today you’ll ride through marshes and dense forests toward the vibrant lavender fields of Montbrun-les-Bains. This medieval town at the foot of Mont Ventoux is the perfect place to let your imagination run wild. In the afternoon, you’ll return by minibus to the riding ranch, where a farewell dinner awaits you.
Day 6: Departure after breakfast at 9:30 a.m. and transfer to Aix-en-Provence or Marseille.

Provence-Camargue Trail (7 days)
A combination of 3 days in Provence and 2 days in the Camargue. Ride through the picturesque mountains of the Luberon and encounter the white horses and black bulls of the Camargue. Pure variety!
Total riding distance: approx. 130 km.
Day 1: Arrival. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodging in Lauris, at the foot of the Luberon.
Day 2: You’ll begin your ride on the southern side of the Luberon. After a leisurely ride through pine forests, orchards, olive groves, vineyards, and past rocky outcrops, you’ll reach the Durance River. You’ll follow its banks along pleasant trails and cross the river. On the other side of the Durance, your picnic from the support vehicle awaits you in a pleasant, shaded spot. In the afternoon, you’ll ride along the Alpilles Canal to the farm where the horses will spend the night. Transfer by minibus to your lodging in Lauris, dinner at your host’s table, and overnight stay at Les Gargoulettes in Lauris.
Day 3: You’ll ride through a beautiful valley dotted with magnificent orchards. You’ll have lunch in Lamanon. In the afternoon, you’ll ride through the Alpilles Nature Park, where Van Gogh lived and worked. Overnight stay near Eygalières. You’ll visit the small Roman village with its idyllic old town center. Dinner and overnight stay at a guesthouse near Eygalières.
Day 4: From Eygalières, you’ll ride to Les Baux-de-Provence. After about 4 hours on horseback, a picnic awaits you at the ancient site of Glanum. The horses will be loaded onto the trailer. Visit (not included in the price) to the Saint Paul de Mausole Monastery: Vincent van Gogh was confined here from May 8, 1889, to May 16, 1890. Transfer to and visit of Les Baux-de-Provence. After your visit to the village: transfer by minibus to the heart of the Camargue. Overnight stay at a charming hotel where you can relax by the pool in the evening.
Day 5: After about an hour on horseback in the heart of the Camargue, you’ll reach a “manade,” a bull and horse ranch. Mathieu, a passionate Camargue cowboy, will welcome you at the entrance to his bull pastures. You’ll accompany him on horseback to herd the bulls through the marsh to a sorting pen. He’ll then tell you about the Camargue bull and horse races, the breeding methods, and the traditions associated with Camargue bulls, before sorting out a few bulls for you and concluding his presentation by offering you an aperitif—the “glass of friendship.” Afterward, a picnic awaits you. Then you’ll continue on horseback to Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. After checking in at the hotel, you can stroll through the village streets and do some shopping, take a walk to the beach, or enjoy the hotel’s swimming pool. Meet for dinner at a lively bodega in the village.
Day 6: In the morning, you’ll enjoy the Camargue’s magnificent sandy beaches to the fullest with a few lovely gallops. You’ll have a picnic lunch under a laupio (a traditional Camargue umbrella). In the afternoon, you’ll go on another ride, galloping through the typical lagoon and marsh landscapes to Lake Vacares. You’re sure to spot numerous bird species, including flamingos—the Camargue is a birdwatcher’s paradise! You’ll leave the Camargue by minibus in the late afternoon. Farewell dinner and overnight stay at the riding ranch.
Day 7: Breakfast, departure.

Haute Provence & Camargue Trail (14 days): Combine two rides and enjoy the picturesque mountains and romantic mountain villages before conquering the beaches of the Camargue!

Comfortable Provence Riding Week (6 Days)
A relaxing week of riding in the heart of Provence. Enjoy half-day and full-day rides, as well as accommodations in a comfortable country house with a pool.
Day 1: Arrive at noon at the guesthouse in the heart of Haute Provence. During an introductory meeting, you’ll learn more about the upcoming riding week and go on a short ride around La Fontaine. Afterward, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the village of Simiane on your own before joining the group for dinner. Riding time: approximately 3 hours.
Day 2: On a full-day ride, you’ll explore the area around the village of Lagarde-d’Apt. You’ll ride across the Albion Plateau to the Notre-Dame de Lamaron Chapel. With a view of Mont Venoux, you’ll enjoy lunch at a picnic table before riding back to your accommodations.
Day 3: Today, you’ll explore the ochre formations of the Colorado Provençal on horseback along a long-distance trail. The glowing red desert landscape exudes a special charm and looks like something out of a painting. You’ll have a picnic lunch packed in your saddlebags. Riding time: about 6 hours.
Day 4: One of the most beautiful places in Haute Provence is undoubtedly Le Saut du Moine. The shady forest landscape stands in stark contrast to the previous day. If you’d like, you can bring your swimwear and enjoy your lunch break by the river. Riding time: approximately 4 hours.
Day 5: On the final day of riding, you’ll once again enjoy the vibrant colors of Provence and the scent of the blooming lavender fields around Simiane. Afterward, you can relax by the pool and reflect on your trip. Riding time: approximately 3 hours.
Day 6: Breakfast, departure.



Subject to change at any time!

Accomodation
You will spend the first and last night of the riding tours in a beautiful guest house in Lauris. On the way, you will spend the night in rural hotels and small guesthouses, some of which have a pool. Accommodation is in double and 3-bed rooms, single rooms at an extra charge. The Ranch is idyllically situated in the middle of nature, with a view of the Luberon mountains.

Meals consist of tasty, freshly prepared local cuisine -the specialties of Provence! Lunch mostly as a picnic (accompanying vehicle). Some individual tastings are planned en route, according to the program. Enjoy the famous French cuisine!

Saddle & Tack: Comfortable trail riding saddles, snaffle.

Experience: 2-3 years of trail experience, saddle fit in all gaits, 5 to 6 hours daily in partly very mountainous terrain. The horses are occasionally led downhill. On the star rides 2 days 3-4 hours and 3 days 5-6 hours each. All gaits are ridden, but of course mainly walk, depending on the terrain. Max. 85kg. Group size: 4-10.

Horses: Approx. 20 enduring trail horses of various breeds. The horses live freely on endless meadows from November to March. During the season they graze on the meadows at Riding centre. The free life in the herd makes them particularly balanced and strong-nerved. Also ideal for somewhat anxious riders.