Ride in Lovely Provence, France
And Study French
A trail ride in the heart of the county of Provence, country of sun light and fragrances, at the time painters and all artists prefer. Come discover all landscapes painted by Cezanne. A week dedicated to trail riding in Provence landscapes and villages, to taste the Mediterranean food ... when local people have more time to share with you. You will receive two hours of formal French lessons each day, and every effort will be made to speak French with you throughout each day and evening. Total immersion in riding, language and culture!
Day 1: After airport or train collection, riders will gather at the “Mas” your lovely French Farm Home late in the afternoon. Accommodation, aperitif in front of the fire place, and presentation of the ride and French lesson program. Dinner at the host’s table, begins with learning a French toast.
Day 2: In the morning, allocation of the horses and a first “get acquainted with your horse” mini trail in the vineyards surrounding the Farm. Lunch on the grounds of the Farm. In the afternoon the group leaves for one hour and a half to ride the rolling hills of the Luberon Mountain range. Enjoy White Oaks, olive trees and the great perfume filled countryside of Provence. French lessons in main dining room for two hours. Dinner and accommodation at your French Farm Home.
Day 3: This morning you will follow in the footsteps of Cezanne by minibus. You will discover the most famous places painted by Cezanne in the Montagne Sainte-Victoire and around the great city of Aix-en-Provence, and visit his work studio (http://www.atelier-cezanne.com/aix-en-provence.html). There will be some time in the afternoon for shopping and lunch on the Cours Mirabeau where Cezanne loved to stop for a drink. Return to the Farm for an afternoon ride. Riders will reach the Luberon Mountains, riding in little canyons among all Provence herbs: thyme, rosemary, savoury, sage, wild lavender. Return for 2 hours of French lessons, with Cezanne’s as a topic. Dinner and accommodation at your French Farm Home
Day 4: French lessons for 2 hours in the morning, followed by a trail with a picnic on the Durance river bank. Riding down the hills, you will discover the entire valley with its stone villages built in the side of the cliffs, overhanging the trails from where the occupants were once afraid of invaders ! You will not invade but cross Lauris on your way back, riding in the old narrow streets, surprising the inhabitants who will probably discuss with you in front of their door. You will enjoy the picnic on the river bank, with aperitif, cheeses, salads, tomato pies, local wines and coffee.
Day 5: Morning: visit of the Luberon truffle and wine house. After a beautiful drive across Luberon, you will visit the 17th century “Hotel d’Astier de Montfaucon”, a beautiful house used as a hospice during the 19th century, and now dedicated to wine and truffle. After this visit you will know everything about wines and truffles! Afternoon: half day ride up to the crests of the Luberon with a very nice view on the Alps to the North and on the Mediterranean to the South, and on the Montagne Sainte Victoire. Riders enjoy their way back from the Luberon Mountains, following the Roman road used to carry the salt from the sea to the Alps, riding near Lourmarin where Peter Mayle – the Author of “A Year in Provence”, is now living, discovering the rich soil that permits to get the best produces: wine, asparagus, olives, truffles, cherries, melons, ... the Provence treasures. Lessons in the early evening for 2hours and evening, and then you will be able to help the cook to prepare the truffle omelette for dinner.
Day 6: This morning you will visit the Provencal villages of Lauris, Lourmarin (Cezanne's local market). There is an opportunity for optional cooking school after having bought your ingredients at the Lourmarin local market. See their website: http://www.chateau-de-clapier.com/index.asp Two hours of French lessons midday- topic- fresh food!
The afternoon, last ride to a local cellar producing “Cotes du Luberon”. This little family cellar has been promoted by Robert Parker, the famous American Wine Writer. Don’t drink too much, just enjoy your taste, before riding through nice pine tree forests and bring your horse to the pasture, in the woods, where they will have a week-end rest.
Day 7: After breakfast, transportation to train station or airport is organized. Departure from Your French Farm Home is at 10 am. (Reservations should be made for 12 noon train or plane).
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Ride in Provence, France and Take French Lessons
2008 Dates & Prices:
Jan. 6-12, Jan. 13-19*, Jan. 20-26, Jan.27-Feb. 2, Feb. 3-9, Feb. 10-16, Feb. 17-23, Feb. 24-March 1, March 2-8, March 9-15, March 16-22, March 23-29, March, 30-April 5, Nov. 2-8, Nov. 9-15, Nov. 16-22, Nov. 23-29, Nov. 30-Dec. 6, Dec. 7-13, Dec. 14-20, Dec. 21-27.
Shared room: $1,995
Single Supplement: $460
This package includes 6 nights accommodation, most meals, 5 days guided trail riding and activities, horses, tack, guide, 10 hours of formal French lessons, excursions, transfers at pre-set time and tax.
Options:
Cooking school on day 6: $300 (including 3 hours of cooking workshop, tasting of meals and Luberon wines during lunch and coffee)
* SPECIAL AVIGNON HORSE SHOW: January 13-19: one evening you will attend the Avignon “Cheval Passion” horse show with the best spectacle in France: “Gala des Crineres d'Or”. No supplement – Dinner and spectacle offered by Cross Country International!
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