Horseback Riding Vacations in France

Equestrian tourism in France

France has a very long horse riding tradition and they have coined a word for Equestrian Tourism, "randonnée", which was actually the original definition of "chevauchée" or ride.

France is ranked third in the list of largest countries in Europe (after Russia and Ukraine). Its geography consists of a terrain that is mostly flat plains and its drainage system is based on five major rivers. It’s separated from the rest of the countries by a rich and impressive landscape that offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy a horse riding holiday.

French geography revolves around the Massif Central, which is bordered by the Alps on the east and south, the lowlands on the west and other massifs on the north.

We’d like to highlight its important mountain ranges: the Alps, with Mont Blanc – the highest peak in Western Europe (4,807 m) –, the Pyrenees, the Jura, the Ardennes, the Massif Central and the Vosges.

Except for the north and northeast coast of the border, the country is mostly surrounded by oceans, seas and natural borders: the Rhine, the Jura, the Alps and the Pyrenees.

France has four coastlines: the North Sea, the English Channel, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

We can enjoy a pleasant ride on a quiet Mediterranean beach, on the Côte d'Azur; around the dramatic cliffs on the Emerald Coast, in northern Brittany; or on the beaches and cliffs of the island of Corsica.

Besides these impressive landscapes, we can also explore some amazing French cities, brimming with architectural heritage, monuments and museums. Its capital is the wonderful city of Paris – a cultural centre that brings beauty and arts together.

You will discover the charm of both large cities and small rural villages, with all their traditions and excellent cuisine.

The pleasure of riding amid vineyards and castles

Although riding possibilities in France are countless, most horseback riding vacations offer a combination of nature, culture and history.

Its many castles allow riders to learn about the rich history of the country, while enjoying French cuisine and wine.

Of course, its gastronomy is always an attraction on your riding tours. French cuisine is world famous. And if you extend your ride, France offers accommodation in cosy inns and picturesque castles.

The magic trails of Loire are popular in France. In this region, they offer riding tours around the magnificent Renaissance castles, allowing you free time to go sightseeing.

If you are looking for some peacefulness and relaxation, you can visit Castelnaud-la-Chapelle with views over the confluence of the Dordogne and Céou Rivers, characterized by its terraces, which can be reached by climbing narrow and steep streets.

In France, you have to see Burgundy, in the heart of Morvan Regional Natural Park, a French pride. It has a total area of 281,400 hectares and it is a wild and rolling granitic massif, with beautiful vegetation and surrounded by lakes Les Settons, Pannecière, Chaumeçon, Saint-Agnan, Chamboux and Le Crescent.

Some equestrian tourism outfitters in France

Ampascachi Horse Riding Holidays has selected some suppliers of Equestrian Tourism that should be taken into consideration to know the best of France on horseback.

Cheval & Châteaux

Located in the heart of the Valley of the Kings, Cheval & Châteaux will take you on a horseback riding tour around the most beautiful castles in the Loire Valley, as well as Normandy, Romania and the Alps.

Cheval & Châteaux makes you will be accommodated in luxury castles, enjoy picnics with foie gras, visit the chateaux along with the pleasure to taste the gastronomy from the heart of France.

B&B accommodation is provided in châteaux, which combine charm and comfort, and which are always located close to the castles that you ride to. You will enjoy the magic of the 18th century, the Renaissance… the mystery of old-stone dwellings and hundred-year-old trees.

Gourmet gastronomy and dinner with candlelight – these details make a difference.

Their horses

Here you can choose the horse that will accompany you during your equestrian adventure in France. The choice of the horses has been motivated above all, by the strong desire to make you enjoy your trip in total safety.

Your trek companion is chosen for you according to your level, height and weight.

The horses are mixed breed horses trained for the trail riding. They use English saddles.

Their routes

They offer different programs, all of which cover the Loire Valley. On the routes there are many castles to stay. They also organize horseback tours in Normandy, the Alps and Romania.

Excursions are coached by a state certificated and experienced staff.

Required levels according to the itinerary you choose.

Check which category you are in to choose your ride:

• Beginner : you have never been on a horse before or only tested walking.
• Novice : you rode probably many years ago or attended a few lessons in a riding school. You are able to mount and dismount without help. May not be totally comfortable with the three gaites: walk, trot, canter/gallop. You have only limited experience riding inn terrain.
• Intermediate : you are able to ride all gaites reasonably well. You do not ride frequently but may have done that in the past; or perhaps riding in an indoor arena may be once a week.
• Strong Intermediate : you ride different types of horses, in all gaites. You can manage your self and your horse, are confortable with riding in terrain and you enjoy a good canter or a fast gallop.
• Experienced : you are a seasoned rider, ride diffrent kinds of horses, in all gaites. You can manage your self and your horse and can do long days in the saddle. You muster difficult terrain and you enjoy a good canter and a fast gallop. You are physically fit and accustomed to even difficult trail rides.

There are many more rides to discover on their web site: www.cheval-et-chateaux.com.

Touraine Cheval

Situated in the lovely city of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, they are a centre specialized in well-being and recreational riding, which means that they do not practice sport competitions.

Their riding lessons and activities focus on the well-being of both riders and horses.

They aim to help you discover horseback riding in a natural environment, where people can feel free to meet a dear animal.

Their staff is a team of qualified instructors and their horses are carefully selected for their kindness, good temperament and especially for the safety they give.

Touraine Cheval offers one-on-one riding lessons, different from the ones you can take in a riding centre. Their state-certified instructors are very competent and attentive, and they will meet all your expectations.

Their routes

They offer one, two, three-day and week rides, in which every detail has been taken into consideration. They also organize private tours.

Touraine Cheval organizes horseback tours open to everyone, beginners or experienced riders. They believe that you don’t need to be a veteran rider to enjoy the pleasure of riding. There are different ways to meet the expectations of riders and their level.

Whether you want to learn or improve, go for one hour or several days, you just have to choose your ride!

Discover new places while enjoying a nice atmosphere and bonding with a very reliable and receptive animal. It is the best way to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy a ride with your family or friends.

For more information enter the web: tourainecheval.com.

Sommant Horse Team

Situated in the heart of Morvan Regional Natural Park, in Burgundy, offers a wide range of horse riding programs in France, as well as many different activities related to the equestrian world.

On the one hand, they breed their own endurance horses, organize competitions and training courses, and participate in diverse equestrian events.

If you are an enthusiast of equestrian tourism or the TREC and Endurance equestrian disciplines, you will love this supplier.

At the same time, they conduct endurance horseback trips in Morvan, Burgundy, Brittany, Normandy, Lozère, Alsace and Auvergne. Is the only Equestrian Tourism Centre in France offering so many destinations.

They also organize customized trips in Sommant for families and private groups.

For more information enter the web: sommanthorseteam-equitation.com.

Either on extensive green fields, surrounded by some majestic castles, or on crystalline beaches, you can discover France on horseback. Enjoy its small villages, its history and culinary tradition.

Are you also passionate about the idea of travelling the world on horseback?

Argentina is a country with a long-standing tradition of horses. Exploring the country on horseback is something unique – a highly recommended experience. In our eBook "Discover Argentina, the Land of the Gaucho, on Horseback" you will find our options to enjoy Argentina on horseback.