Country: France

The Luberon Regional Nature Park is one of the most exquisite places in Provence.  With forest of green and white oaks, cliffs of limestone and dry stone villages, the Luberon displays an authentic and picturesque landscape well-described by author, Peter Mayle.   Over the hills and through the villages, you will ride on the tracks of the famous author. Come and discover the mysterious Colorado Provencal, fill your senses with the fragrance of lavender and unique Provencal herbs. Savor the Provencal cuisine!  A colorful trip, filled with the legends and poignant history of their unique and preserved territory.

Itinerary:                                                                                                    Day 1: Monday
Transfer to the equestrian center. You will ride the rolling Luberon hills to the perched village of Bonnieux, where 16th and 17th century earth-toned stone houses were built for affluent popes and bishops. You will see the castle of the notorious Marquis de Sade. Your horse will then descend into the Valley of Apt, abundant with cherry orchards and vineyards. You will end your day with a visit to the famous medieval village of Roussillon.
Day 2: Tuesday
Undulating hills covered with fragrant pine will take you to Gargas, a village known for its rich fauna and its fossils. You will enjoy brisk canters along the ocher cliffs to the perched village of Saint Saturnin les Apt which is nestled along the base of a long, low cliff and skirted with the ruins of a castle and an old windmill. After a refreshing lunch in a cool pine forest, you will pass the village of Villars. Your trail will take you along the bed of the Doa River to your destination of Rustrel, the gateway to the Colorado Provencale.
Day 3: Wednesday
You will be amazed at the limestone finger cliffs and the hills of ocher as you ride toward the Luberon foothills. After you ride through the charming village of Viens, you will continue at a leisurely pace along the Calavon River to your hotel in the medieval village of Cereste located at the foot of the Luberon mountain range. You will enjoy walking in the paved streets lined with beautiful stone houses from the 15th and 18th century.
Day 4: Thursday
You will be surrounded with cherry, apricot, and peach orchards as you ride to the picturesque perched old village of Aurebeau. After descending to the Aiguebrun River, the ride will cross the green canyon to your stone built hotel.
Day 5: Friday
You will ascend the crest of the Luberon for a breathtaking view of the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea. Lunch will be served in the quaint village of Lourmair. You will visit a 12th century castle which inspired author Peter Mayle. Your ride will continue through olive and cherry orchards along Cezanne’s favorite mountain side, Sainte Victorie.
Day 6: Saturday
Transfer to train station or airport

Dates: April 13 - 18, April 20 - 25, April 27 - May 2, May 4 - 9, May 18 - 23, May 25 - 30, June 8 - 13, June 15 - 20, June 22 - 27, June 29 - July 4, Aug 31 - Sept 5, Sept 7 - 12, Sept 14 - 19, Sept 21 - 26, Oct 5 - 10, Oct 10 - 17, Oct 19 - 24, Oct 26 - 31, Nov 2 - 7
Length of ride: 5 days
Meeting point: Marseille airport, TGV station or Centre station, transfers included at pre-set time
Ability level: Walk, trot, canter
Horse: French, Spanish and Arab cross
Group size: 5 - 12
Saddles: English, Randoval
Non-riding activity: Hiking, sight-seeing
Accommodations:  2** & 3*** guesthouses and inns 
Price per person:$1,450 per person, shared
$280 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: 5 nights B & B/hotel accommodation,4½ day guided trail, riding horse, all meals, tack, luggage transfers, transfer to/from airport/train station at pre-set time and tax.   

Not included: Air fare