FRANCE

An Exclusive Ride in the Tarn & Aveyron
(8 - 10 riders)

June 7 – 14, 2009

A hidden corner of south western France, almost forgotten for centuries, that stretches over spectacular landscapes punctuated with picturesque medieval villages, many classified as France’s most beautiful, the dramatic gorges of the Aveyron River, rolling hills, vineyards … with every step of your horse comes a new discovery! Stay in welcoming privately owned B&Bs and charming small hotels; indulge in rural delicacies and celebrated local wines with every meal.

The meeting point is Gaillac a ‘millennium city’ located 50km north-east of Toulouse in an area that has produced wine since Roman times. The highlight of this market town and commercial centre of the north-west of the Tarn is the 10th century Abbey of Saint Michel. After a welcome dinner in a local restaurant, our first night will be spent in a beautifully refurbished 17th century house located opposite the Abbey of St. Michel. The next morning after a hearty breakfast, we will meet and connect with our horses; a fine selection of impeccably mannered and well trained Anglo Arabs, Arab cross-breeds and Selles Francais, located just a few minutes away. A few last minute adjustments and we are ready to embark on our riding adventure!

Over the next six days we will cover approximately 180km, riding over a magnificent and diverse countryside. The pace is sustained with long trots and exhilarating canters whenever the terrain permits. This part of France is famous for its medieval Bastide towns and Cathare strongholds, some of which we will have the pleasure of visiting. Vineyards abound at the beginning of our ride and we will be hosted for a tasting at our first lunch stop. Accommodation is in personalized privately owned B&Bs and small charming hotels each with first-rate kitchens!

To reduce the packing/unpacking syndrome, the itinerary has been designed to allow us to spend two consecutive nights in the small towns of Puycelsi (nights 2 & 3) and Cordes-sur-Ciel (nights 6 & 7), both classified as France’s most beautiful villages. It will give us more time to get better acquainted with these two unique places without feeling rushed.

For our last night in Cordes-sur-Ciel, dinner will be at the renown one Michelin star restaurant “Le Grand Ecuyer” (sister hotel to our Hostellerie du Vieux Cordes), where Yves and Damien Thuriès (Best workers of France) will conjure up a Trilogy dish of three recipes, three products and three tastes on one plate, one service! French cuisine at its most sophisticated… an appropriate send-off to our riding adventure through this very beautiful part of France.

“We travel the world without quite knowing what we are looking for, wandering amongst the noise, burdened with desires when, unexpectedly we stumble on a special place that is waiting for us. The traveler who contemplates the summer night from the terrace at Cordes knows that, if he so wishes, the beauty of this place, day after day, will banish solitude.” —Albert Camus 1954

For a detailed itinerary of this ride please email Christine@adventuresonhorseback.com

 

Getting there
The closest main international airport is Toulouse Blagnac. Depending on participants’ travel plans, a car transfer from Toulouse to Gaillac can be arranged. There is also a regular local train service from Toulouse to Gaillac. Please discuss this with Christine.

 

SPECIFICS
Horses
Anglo Arabs, Arab cross-breeds, Selles Francais, between 14,2hh / 16hh.

They are responsive, schooled and well mannered. Many are ridden with a hackamore.

Tack
All-purpose trekking saddles mostly made by Forrestier that are extremely comfortable.

Experience
It is important to have a reasonable amount of previous riding experience over varied
terrain and to control a horse in any given circumstance. No beginners (this can be a fast ride at times).

Hours of riding
From 3 to 6 hours in the saddle a day.

Weight limit
210 lbs / 95 Kg.

 

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COST
2,460 Euros per person sharing on the basis of 8-10 riders *
230 Euros single supplement

Includes - 7 nights/ 6 days of riding, accommodation in small charming B&Bs and hotels, all meals unless otherwise mentioned, wine & mineral water with meals, vehicle back up, local transfers, horses and all riding equipment, and visits of certain chateaux/museums.

Excludes - International/domestic flights, personal medical / travel insurance (compulsory), items of a personal nature such as drinks outside of meals, laundry, telephone calls, and tips for the guide and attending staff.

*the amount will be converted into US$ according to the rate of exchange at the time of payment.

 

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ACCOMMODATION

Lucile Pinon - Gaillac (1 night)
8 Place St Michel - 81600 GAILLAC

A guest house located in a beautifully refurbished “Hotel Particulier” of the 17th century in the old town of Gaillac, facing the Abbaye de St Michel. Once the residence of the Combettes de la Bourelie family who administered the town of Gaillac, the house was purchased in the 19th century by the well known naturalist Philadelphe Thomas. His collections are now housed in the museum of Gaillac. After a succession of various owners, the house was purchased by Lucile Pinon in 1991 who restored it and now delights in receiving guests there. It is centrally located and walking distance to all the town sites.

Ancienne Auberge *** - Puycelsi (2 nights)
Place de L'Eglise , 81140 Puycelsi

A welcoming haven of peace, this country inn boasts 8 personalized spacious rooms combining comfort with style: romantic, rustic or sophisticated, with a beautiful view over the valley or a medieval balcony. The restaurant, decorated with arches and stained glass is a perfect setting to enjoy Dorothée’s excellent cuisine. A passionate advocate of traditional local recipes, she works exclusively with fresh organic produce, often from the garden, combining tradition with modern flavors. Meals can vary from a simple affair to a serious gourmet one. In summer the terrace offers the chance of enjoying a good meal under the stars.

La Résidence - St Antonin-Noble-Val (1 night)
37 Rue Droite, 82140 St Antonin-Noble-Val

Owned and run by Sabine and Evert Weijers, a charming German-Dutch couple who strive to provide their guests with a tranquil environment conducive to relaxation, La Résidence is a charming guest house ideally situated in the breathtaking Aveyron Gorges, in the heart of the delightful 12th century market town of St Antonin Noble Val. The spectacular Roc d’Anglars towers above this beautiful town, an unspoiled medieval gem with a wealth of historical wonders to discover.

Hotel Belle Rive ** - Najac (1 night)
Le Roc du Pont - 12270 Najac

A family hotel for 5 generations located in a peaceful setting by the river with a spectacular view of the medieval castle of Najac. Simple comfortable rooms. The Hotel boasts an attractive restaurant which serves excellent local fare. The chef’s motto: “From the Natural to the Authentic. Our natural produce is prepared with respect and originality to maintain its unique taste.”

L'Hostellerie du Vieux Cordes *** - Cordes-sur-Ciel (2 nights)
Haut de la Cité - 81170 Cordes sur Ciel

Owned by Yves Thuriès, the Hostellerie du Vieux Cordes combines an easy-going atmosphere with an elegant setting. The comfortable, well appointed and recently refurbished bedrooms look out either over the Cérou valley or onto the calm of the courtyard with its beautiful 200-year-old wisteria. At the TONIN’TY restaurant, Yves Thuriès has built an original menu combining simple core products that can be prepared in numerous different ways to satisfy the most demanding taste buds.