Your senses will delight in the smell and color of lavender as you ride along the purple flower crested fields from Southern Luberon to the Provencal region. At the end of the third day, you will discover the historical forest surrounding Peyruis with notable chapels, “Sainte Magdeleine” and “Saint Donat.” Along the way, you will enjoy traditional Provencal meals served with regional wines. The ride will end on the Plateau of Ganagobie at the charming village of Lurs.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Sunday
Transfer from airport or train station to the riding center. You will meet your guide and your fellow riders around a welcome drink.

Day 2 Monday
You will ascend a narrow, rocky trial to the hills of the Luberon. A scenic view is yours of Monts Ventoux, “the giant of Provence” and the Lure Mountain. A stoic oak forest will lead you towards the Plateau of Claparèdes, a famous producer of lavender. After a picnic lunch in the hills, you will descend to Aiguebrun Gorges, the border between the Small and Big Luberon.

Day 3 Tuesday
In the morning, your horse will carry you along lush lavender fields, old stone walls and bories, small shepherds’ pens, to the quaint perched village of Saignon where the horses will drink from the town’s fountain. Ancient paved trails will lead you to the Valley of Apt. After lunch, you will follow a winding forest trail above the ochres of Rustrel and Gignac to the Vaucluse Mounds, a dense forest of white oaks. After enjoying a beautiful view of medieval perched village of Simiane la Rotonde surrounded by purple fields of lavender, you will end you day with a traditional Provencal dinner.

Day 4 Wednesday
The ride will turn north to the border of the Plateau of Albion which is abundant with lavender. Breathe in the soothing aroma! After passing the ruins of the medieval village of Monsallie, your horse will carry you to Banon, famous for the production of goat cheese. Hills of dotted with stately oak trees will lead you to St Etienne les Orgues, perched on the foothill of the Lure Mountain.

Day 5 Thursday
Today, you will visit a distillery of lavender. Afterwards, you will enjoy a short morning ride to Cruis and Malefougasse. A lovely canter will take you to the chapel “Sainte Magdeleine” then onward towards Peyruis and the Durance Valley. Before arriving at the guesthouse, you will visit the chapel “Saint Donat”, a jewel of Romanesque art. From the horses paddock, you will marvel at the strange rock formations and discover the legend of the “Pénitants des Mées.”

Day 6 Friday
You will enjoy the crisp fragrance of the Mediterranean forest as you ride through the woods to the mystical Plateau of Ganagobie. Lunch will be served at a 12th Century priory. Narrow forest trails will lead you to the historical path called “the Bishops’ Walk” which over-looks the beautiful village of Lurs as well as the entire region of Forcalquier.

Day 7 Saturday
Transfer to airport or train station after breakfast

DETAILS:

Dates: Sunday – Saturday: June 20-26, June 27-July 3, July 4 - 10
Meeting Place: Aix-en- Provence Train Station or Marseille Airport
Riding Days: 5
Riding Ability: Walk, Trot, Canter
Group Size: Minimum of 2 required.
Accommodations: 3*** Inns
*Price: $1,653 per person, double occupancy, $343 single supplement

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

Included: 6 nights accommodations, horse, tack, guide, transfers to and from airport/train station, all meals
Not Included: airfare