France's A Taste of Provence
This ride is six nights and five days of riding. It is a stationary ride based at Mas de Recaute. Meeting point: Lauris, Marseille Airport or train station.
Day 1: Clients gather at Mas de Recaute Equestrian Center late in the afternoon. Accommodation and presentation of the ride. Dinner at Mas de Recaute Equestrian Center.
Day 2: Allocation of the horses and a first "get acquainted with your horse" mini trail in the vineyards surrounding the equestrian center. Lunch on the grounds of the equestrian center. In the afternoon the group leaves for one hour and a half to explore the rolling hills of the Luberon Mountain range. Enjoy White Oaks, olive trees and the great perfume filled countryside of Provence. Dinner and accommodation at Mas de Recaute.
Day 3: This whole day ride to the Durance River gives riders a chance to go further and discover more of the Luberon Mountain range with its great fields of cherry trees. Riders will have ample time for a picnic, complete with aperitif, cheeses, deserts and coffee. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the countryside leading to the river of La Durance. (Possibility of a wine tasting in a cellar producing "Cotes du Luberon"- this cellar has been promoted by Robert Parker, famous American writer on wines). Dinner and accommodation at Mas de Recaute.
Day 4: The horses are given a well deserved rest in the morning. Riders leave their boots behind as they leave with their guide for a tour by minivan to some of the most spectacular villages of Provence such as Lourmarin, Lauris, Ansouis. Explore the 12th century castle and gardens in Ansouis with its magnificent collection of 17th century furniture and tapestries. The villages of Provence are set a short distance away from one another, so riders have plenty of time to walk the great centuries old cobblestone streets and to appreciate the breathtaking views of Bonnieux and Gordes. Lunch in Lourmarin, the village where Peter Mayle once resided. In the afternoon, riders will mount up for a three-hour ride through the surrounding hills of the Luberon. Dinner and accommodation at Mas de Recaute.
Day 5: Well rested, riders undertake a two day trail ride with an overnight stop near the village of Buoux in the heart of the Luberon Mountains. The Aiguebrun River is nearby with impressive cliffs overlooking it. An assistant in the minivan takes care of transporting the rider's luggage and prepares a picnic. Dinner and accommodation at a lovely Provence Inn.
Day 6: Riders enjoy riding their way back from the Luberon Mountains, through villages and superb countryside. In the evening riders are together one last time for a "going away" dinner at Mas de Recaute.
Day 7: After breakfast, transportation to the train station or airport is organized. Departure from Mas de Recaute is at 10 am. (Reservations should be made for 12 noon train or plane).
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