You will ride from the Castle of Vaux Le Vicomte to the majestic Palace of Versailles. Along the way, you will encounter prestigious castles, the verdant Fontainebleau forest and historical sites.

ITINERARY: 

Day 1: Saturday
You will be transferred from the Melun train station to your hotel. in Vaux Le Penil. In the evening, you will visit the Château of Vaux le Vicomte.  Built by Nicolas Fouquet in 1615, this château was Louis 14th’s model for the Château of Versailles.
 
Day 2: Sunday
Your horse will carry you to the impressive Fontainebleau forest. After a picnic in the forest, you will visit the Apromont Gorge.  You will spend the evening in Fontainebleau.
 
Day 3: Monday
The morning is spent along forest trails surrounded by stoic trees. This forest was the site of many hunts by Renaissance royalty. You will tour the gardens of 16th century Château of Courance, famous for the beauty, after a picnic lunch on the grounds. The ride will continue through the historic forested countryside until you reach Huisseau Longueville.
 
Day 4: Tuesday
You will ride across rolling hills dotted with small forests.  Your lunch will be served in the grounds of the Château of Chamarande. Afterwards, you will tour the lawns and collection of contemporary artwork within the Château.  In the afternoon, you will visit the Church of Saint Sulpice de Favière.  This sanctuary, one of the most beautiful in the region, was built in the 13th century. Your ride will end in Saint Cheron.

Day 5: Wednesday
Your horse will carry you past the 18th century Château of the Marais where you will see the mirror of water. The Cense Stud Farm will provide the setting for lunch.. After riding through verdant forest, you will rest for the evening in Rambouillet,
 
Day 6: Thursday
You will ride to the ruins of the Abbey of Vaux de Cernay, founded in the 12th century by the Cistercien monks. Lunch will be served at the Breteuil Château, followed by a visit of the château. Your afternoon ride will journey across the rolling hills surrounding Versailles.  Your lodging will be in Magny Les Hameaux within the Haute Vallee de Chevreuse Park. .
 
Day 7: Friday
You will ride through the royal forest of Versailles, sprinkled with lakes.  From the border of the Suisses Lake within the palatial gardens, the breathtaking sight of the magnificent Palace of Versailles will come into view.  During the afternoon, you will return to Magny La Forêt.
 
Day 8: Saturday
You will visit the Versailles Palace. Afterward, you will transfer to the train station for departure home.  

DETAILS:
Dates: July 23 – August 31, August 8 – 15
Meeting Place: Melun Train Station
Riding days: 6
Riding ability: walk, trot, canter
Horses: Selle Francais
Group size: 2 – 8
Saddles: Forestier
Non- riding activities: none
Hotel/s: 2** – 3*** best available inns and bed and breakfasts
Price: $2,737 per person, double occupancy, $336 single supplement

Includes: 7 nights’ lodging, 6 riding days, all meals and wine, horse, guide, transfer from the train station
Not included: airfare, transfer to the train station

*Prices are quoted in U.S. dollars but are billed in euros. The exchange rate will be fixed on the date of your final payment.