France's Van Gogh Inn-to-Inn Trail
A five day trail ride in the heart of Provence's countryside made famous by Van Gogh's paintings. The Mediterranean sun balms the Alpilles mountain chain with its belt of olive trees. From Eygalières to the Baux de Provence and the windmill of Alphonse Daudet, you will ride amongst pine forests, olive groves and perfumed garrigues discovering the Provence painted by Van Gogh.
Day 1: Meeting in Eygalières. Welcoming aperitif. Overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 2: Eygalières - Les Baux de Provence. Follow along the foothills of the Alpilles, via beautiful paths in the garrigue. You will ride near the Saint-Paul 12th century monastery, which was transformed into a convalescent home in the mid 18th century, and where Van Gogh interned himself from 1889 to 1890. Here he painted self portraits and nature scenes around the hospital. Visit of the monastery and of the Roman city of Glanum. In the afternoon, you will enjoy superb views on the crests of the Alpilles before discovering the silhouette of the Baux de Provence. You will spend the night in a hotel between Les Baux de Provence and Fontvieille where you can enjoy the swimming pool.
Day 3: Fontvieille - Daudet's windmill - Fontvieille. Alphonse Daudet was a 19th century famous author relating the Provence life. This will be a day spent doing a loop ride to Daudet's windmill in Fontvieille. It is a pleasant ride among surrounding pine forests and includes a visit to the windmill. Picnic mid-day and return journey to the hotel. At the end of the afternoon, a visit of Arles with the minivan. Van Gogh arrived in Arles in 1888 fascinated by the Provencal countryside luminosity and painted non-stop, in all more than 200 paintings and 100 drawings. After discovering many nature sites while riding that Van Gogh painted, you will be able to discover some places painted in the city: cafés, monuments, buildings, and famous portraits such as the famous "Arlesienne".
Day 4: Fontvieille - Mouriès. You will ride across the Alpilles to Mouriès. You will discover the southern side of the mountain with its olive groves, separated by high cypress hedges. Magnificent views all the way to the Camargue. In the evening you will stay in a 3 star very comfortable hotel with swimming pool after having dined at the home of your guide's friends, Isa and Dédé's. Isa is an exceptional cook and they welcome you into their home.
Day 5: Mouriès - Heart of the Alpilles. A day's loop around the Alpilles. You will be able to discover the wild beauty of this mountain chain with its alpine silhouette and paths, which are comfortable for the horses. As with every day on this lovely ride, you will appreciate the picnic buffet prepared by our assistant, meeting the riders with the minibus. Return in the afternoon to Mouriès.
Day 6: Mouriès - Eyguières. Beautiful bridlepaths among fields of olive groves and almonds, on the sheltered side of the Alpilles. Arrive at Eyguières in the afternoon. Minibus transfer to Le Mas de Recaute for the last dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Departure after breakfast.
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