France's Provence Inn-to-Inn Trail
Day 1: Transfer from airport or train station to the Mas de Recaute Equestrian Center (home base for the trail). Meet with Didier Simonot (your host) and his staff. The Mas (which means farmhouse in the local traditional dialect) is located in the foothills of the Luberon Mountain Range near the typical Provence village of Lauris. Accommodation for the evening, introduction to the trail ride and dinner is at the host's table.
Day 2: After breakfast, you will be introduced to your horse and tack. This ride tries to emphasize a team spirit. We feel that the care of one's horse is part of the beautiful experience of traveling with it. The ride departs at 10:30 am where you will ride from Lauris to the picturesque village of Lourmarin. Here you will enjoy a sumptuous picnic overlooking Lourmarin and its beautiful valley. After lunch, you will proceed along the mountaintop of the Great Luberon. Weather permitting you will enjoy the view of the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the Alps to the north. The trail proceeds down an old Roman road which leads you to the ancient farmhouse of Castelas, dating back to the 12th century, where you will be spending the night. The view from Castelas is superb, overlooking the valley where sheep herds are a common sight.
Day 3: Ride from the nearby village of Sivergues (pop. 19) to the Aiguebrun River. Vegetation is wild and fragrant as you make your way to the charming village of Auribeau, a small village with a fountain (the fountain is for the horses). After crossing the village, the trail takes you along white and green oaks to the foothills of the Luberon on the north side, site of today's picnic. You will be met by the assistance vehicle bringing home cooked specialties and serving ice cold refreshments (among them the infamous local "aperitif" le Pastis). The afternoon ride, sometimes challenging, is set among small pines, lavender fields and flowering heather. Your goal that day is a superb inn. The chef will proudly propose a menu focusing on cheese from the Luberon area...a culinary experience.
Day 4: The less known, wilder part of Provence is now unfolding. Herds of sheep make their bells heard in the silence. The purple color of lavender is pervasive...Provence at its best. The village of Opedette and its inhabitants become familiar as you settle at the cafe for a well deserved rest. A picnic is set near the village. After a great lunch, you set out for an hour ride to reach the B&B of "Les Coustetes" in Simiane-La_Rotonde. Situated just outside of this superb village, the B&B is luxurious in the middle of lavender fields. Dinner at the host's table.
Day 5: On this morning, ride near the village of Banon which riders have admired from the B&B. Spectacular lavender fields, numerous in an area of wild beauty lead you to the abandoned old village of Monsalier. Picnic lunch is served under chestnut trees. The afternoon ride is an enchanted stretch into Provence's natural and cultural beauty. Riders arrive at the village of Revest du Bion, where in season, local growers extract the essence of lavender. In the distance, the Mont Ventoux, Provence's best known mountain, can be seen. Later on, riders reach the village of St. Trinit where the comfort of a host table, typical food and a swimming pool welcomes you.
Day 6: The Lure Mountain. The morning ride is your introduction to the Alpine views of Haute Provence. The change in the landscape is subtle and refreshing. From your horse, enjoy the sumptuous views over the Luberon Mountain Range and the Southern Alps, an area covered with Chestnut trees often used in local goat cheese recipes. Riders will appreciate their horses' stamina and surefootedness as horses climb to the Pas de Redortiers (alt. 3,800 feet). From there - appreciate a great view on the pre-Alps. The weather is cooler, a few cows can be seen and there is grass for your horse. Arrival in Les Omerumes, near Montfroc after a cool drink in the typical café. Transfer to Mas de Recaute with minibus. Dinner and night at the Mas de Recaute.
Day 7: End of trail. After a hearty breakfast, you'll say goodbye to your horses. Two hours later transfer from Mas de Recaute to airport/train station with a stop at the Aix en Provence market. This market, set in the main town of the area, is known nationally for the variety and quality of the handicraft and local products presented. Transfer to airports or other destinations.
*Please note this trail may operate in the opposite direction.
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