FRANCE – Inn-to-Inn – Journey from the Alps to the Sea [
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Country: France
From the mountains to the Mediterranean sea. A genuine equesgtrian trip that will take you from the Provencal hills of the Luberon, across Van Gogh’s hills Les Alpilles, and to the Mediterranean sea. Enjoy the famous Camargue, the land of flamingoes, black bulls and white horses. A unique human and equestrian experience, a trip rich in history and culture, a week full of excitment as you will galop on the long beautiful sand beaches of the Mediterranean coast.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Sunday 
Transfer to your lovely French farmhouse.
Day 2: Monday
You will ride through the oak trees of the small Luberon. After a buffet featuring traditional fare and wine, you will ride to the historical village of Merindol. You will pass by the ruins of the old village which was destroyed during the 16th century religious wars.
Day 3: Tuesday
From the foothill of the Luberon, you will descend into the Durance Valley. Following the Durance River, you will ride towards Van Gogh’s country, Les Alpilles, and the Roman village of Eygaliere. You will visit the beautiful chapel St. Sixte.
Day 4: Wednesday
You will stop near St. Remy de Provence in front of the hospital in which Van Gogh painted his most famous paintings. After admiring beautiful Roman monuments, you will enjoy lunch by a tranquil lake hidden in the hills. You will ride to the crests of the Apilles to enjoy the striking panorama of the surrounding area. On a clear day you will be able to see the sea. At the end of the trail, a breathtaking sight awaits you of the medieval village of Les Beaux de Province which is set in a spectacular position atop a rocky outcrop and crowned with a ruined castle overlooking the plains.
Day 5: Thursday
Your first steps will take you into the marsh land of the Camargue Nature Park. Wild flora will surround you as you enjoy the pink flamingoes and herons which inhabit the reserve. The flat terrain will allow long trots and canters as you journey to the coastal village of Les Saintes Maries de la Mer. Surrounded by immense plains filled with ponds and wild lands, the city has many activities to offer, all within the framework of a protected environment. St. Maries is especially famous for its oldest tradition of being the meeting place for gypsy people. Their rich folklore and music attract many visitors throughout the year.
Day 6: Friday
After you and your horse cross the small Rhone river by ferry, you will reach a wild beach of Grand Radeau consisting of marsh land, sand dunes, and pine forests. The guardians, local cowboys, bred Camargue horses into agile, sure-footed, and reliant horses; able to go through swamps to reach long stretches of beaches. Galloping freely on the deserted beaches of the Mediterranean Sea highlights this day.
Day 7: Saturday
After breakfast transfer to airport or station.
Dates: Sunday through Saturday, March 6 – 12, March 20 – 26, Apirl 10 – 16, May 8 – 14, May 29 – June 4, September 18 – 24, September 25 – October 1, October 16-22, October 23-29, October 30 – November 8
Length of ride: 5
Meeting point: Marseille airport, Aix-en-Provence train station
Ability level: Walk, trot, gallop on open trails
Horse: French Arab and Spanish cross
Group size: 4 – 8
Saddles: English, Randoval, Forestier, and Chamade
Non-riding activity: none
Hotel/s: 2** & 3***Inns
Price per person:$2,020 per person shared
$343 single supplement
Upgrade to 3*** & 4**** inns: add $1,050 per person double, $387 single supplement
*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.
Includes: 6 nights accommodation, all meals, 5 day trail riding, horse, tack, guide. Not included: Air fare, transfers to/from airport/train station.
