CARCASSONNE PYRENEAN TRAIL - FRANCE
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About an hour south of Carcassonne, into the Pyrennean Mountains, we have an excellent ride in the rugged countryside near the Spanish border. This is an adventure that can be done guided or unguided for experienced riders who are prepared to take full responsibility for themselves and their horses. It is a chance to explore a beautiful, mountainous area redolent of history at your own pace if wanted or with qualified experienced guides. For the unguided trail the route is carefully mapped out and arrangements made for riders and horses to spend each night in comfortable lodgings with excellent dinners. Your luggage is delivered to you each night. However you should be able to speak a few words of French for this and have a mobile phone to call for help if lost or in need of assistance on the unguided trail.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - CARCASSONNE PYRENEAN TRAIL
Day 1
Transfer and arrival in Granes in the afternoon and settle into your overnight accommodation with English speaking owners. Your guide will meet you over an aperitif and discuss the week ahead with you over dinner.
Day 2
Granes.
Today is a 'test' ride with a guide to see how well riders read their maps, handle their horses while riding, and on the ground, and to determine if tomorrow they strike off on their own! Ride through woods past the mysterious village of Rennes-le-Château. After a picnic lunch, return to Granes through a green oak forest for dinner and overnight as on the previous night.
Day 3
Granes to Puivert (about 5 hours riding).
Traverse the upper valley of the Aude River studded with vineyards and arrive on the plateau of Puivert. Cross the plateau and ride right up into the courtyard of the castle ruin where the traveling troubadours used to enchant the lords of the castle with their songs and tales. Overnight lodging is in the village nearby.
Day 4
Puivert to Labau (5 to 6 hours).
Today's route goes through the forest of Picaussel with its huge hemlock, deciduous and pine trees, climbing to a lake, then down through forests and clearings to the ancient village of Labau on the side of a hill.
Day 5
Labau to Ayguebonnes (5 hours).
Follow the valley of Rebenty where there are some good places to canter and you will begin to really appreciate the qualities of your horse. You have a chance to visit another famous castle called Puylaurens perched high on a mountain, almost in the clouds, which is a textbook example of military architecture. Spend the night in a farmhouse where the owners raise cattle.
Day 6
Ayguebonnes to Cubieres (6+ hours the longest day).
After crossing the valley of Fenouilledes with its small castles, you will ride up to the plateau of Malabrac at the base of Bugarach Peak (4,500 ft.) and then down to Cubieres, a picturesque village where we overnight.
Day 7
Cubieres to Bouchard (5 hours).
Ride through the reserve with deer and wild boar, following the valley of Bugarach at the north base of Bugarach Peak, and on through pine, beech and oak forest, following a small valley with large calcareous rocks before returning to your starting point in Granes.
Day 8
After breakfast a last goodbye as we depart to the airport. This route is for unguided trails. On the guided trail we go directly to Puivert on day 2. The itinerary on this horse riding holiday is for guidance only and may be altered due to weather or other local conditions.
NOTES - CARCASSONNE PYRENEAN TRAIL
This trip covers steep mountain terrain and you will need to dismount and lead your horse for up to 15 minutes at a time in a few places.
Unguided Trail
On the unaccompanied trek, it would increase your enjoyment if you can speak some French and it is necessary to have a mobile phone if possible. Your luggage is transferred for you by vehicle every day.
GETTING TO Carcassonne Airport
As a fully ATOL bonded and registered agency we would be delighted to book your flights for you. Should you wish to book your own flights please see our flights page for some options.
The weight limit for this ride is 15 st/209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
All meals, accommodation, wine with evening meal, riding (including instruction if required) and guiding.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Travel to and from Carcassonne in France in return transfers from Carcassonne to farmhouse - these are €30 return payable on site. Extra drinks other than with meals.
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