ARMAGNAC TRAIL - FRANCE

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This trek is a wonderful opportunity to see rural France at its best for fit riders. An average of 6 hours a day in the saddle, mostly on soft tracks through natural forests and along shady lanes, passing through the occasional picturesque village. There is plenty of opportunity for fast riding here. Every night we find a new accommodation, showing us yet another aspect of this fascinating region. From gites to chambre de hote in rural farms, your hosts are always welcoming and an aperitif of the local Armagnac is never far away. For experienced riders who have been on treks before it is possible to do this trek unaccompanied. With a map and a route description you you make your own way to each nights destination. Your luggage is delivered to you each night. However you must be able to speak a few words of French for this - enough to ask the way or find the nearest phone box in case you do get lost or need help.

Trip length 8 days / 7 nights / 6 days riding Ride price detailed prices price promise 2010: double pp £955/€1,005/$1,425 Departure dates 2010: Sunday to Sunday from April to October, dates by arrangement. Approximate riding time per day approximately 5 - 7 hours in the saddle daily Riding ability required Must be riding fit and able to walk, trot and canter for trail. Min age 12. Group size 2-6 (unguided) for safety reasons 3-6 (guided) Meeting point (getting there) Gabarret bus station. Transfer Flights to arrive in Bordeaux before 3 pm.The return flights should be booked to depart no earlier than 14:30. Included if arriving at Gabarret train or bus station. There is a regular and direct train from Bordeaux to Marmande or Agen and good bus/train connection to Gabarret. Flight guide London - Bordeaux £90-£130 return. See below for flight info. Single supplement detailed prices No single rooms available. Riders must be prepared to share.

SAMPLE ITINERARY - ARMAGNAC TRAIL

Day 1
Pick up at Gabarret, catch a train from Bordeaux to MARMANDE or AGEN then a bus to Gabarret or arrive by car at stables by 5pm. Welcome drink, introduction to other riders and horses. Discussion and explanation of the route with the map. Drive to Gentiane (5min drive) where we enjoy an aperitif and then dinner.

Day 2
The first day of our trek we head east. A disused railway provides plenty of opportunities for long canters. For a part of the way we follow the Grand Randonne route which makes part of the Pilgrims route to Santiago de Compastela. We end our day near the village of Lauraet after about 5-6 hours of riding.

Day 3
Today we first head east before turning north. We visit the ancient little village of Larressingle with its walled fortifications as well as the bastide of Fources along the way. The terrain is full of rolling hills with lovely small paths. We end the day at a large house in a dell, owned by a French couple. Again about 5-6 hours of riding.

Day 4
Today we descend to another disused railway line which we follow for quite some distance. In the morning first through rolling and more open landscape to and through a huge pine forest with sandy tracks. Hidden in the middle of this large peaceful forest we come up our resting spot for the night with a family of French organic farmers. Around the huge open fire place we are now familiar with, we can exchange stories about horse ownership, riding, organic farming and other interesting topics. Today we ride about 5-6 hours again.

Day 5
Today we continue on in the forest at first with some ideal opportunities for fast canters along the sandy tracks. We reach the ancient village of Sos where we turn north and make an extra loop along some particularly good riding paths and undulating terrain with lovely views. This evening we again find a lovely French couple where the madame of the house cooks us a very good and welcome meal. Monsieur speaks some English and can communicate with hands and expression besides! Again 5-6 hours riding.

Day 6
Today is a long day and we try to leave on time in the morning. After having enjoyed the usual breakfast we head off with our lunches in our saddle bags (provided, part of numnahs) again. We ride via the pine forest of the departement of Landes heading west to the village of Creon. Here we overnight with Henry and Monique, possibly enjoying a dinner of barbequed duck while sitting on the terrace. Today is 6-7 hours of riding.

Day 7
Today we head back home, straight south, past the beautiful Lac de L'Uby (a good place for our picnic lunch and chance to cool off with a swim) and along another piece of disused railway till we return to our starting point. A short break for refreshments, then it is good-bye to our faithful horses who have carried us on this epic horse riding holiday and back to Gentiane where we can relate all the events of our trip.

Day 8
After breakfast a last goodbye as we depart to the train station.

Please note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

The weight limit for this ride is 14 st/198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.

WHAT IS INCLUDED
Includes 3 meals daily and wine with meals, all accommodation in home stay shared accommodation with shared bathrooms. No single supplement is charged or possible and riders must be prepared to share if neccesary. All riding, guiding on guided trails and luggage transfer.
Transfer from Gabarret.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Travel to Gabarret train station. Please note: the order of the days in the above itinerary may need to be altered at certain times of the year and accommodations may be substituted with similar acommodations. You are asked to help saddle and groom and feed your horse on the trail. To do the unaccompanied trek, you must be able to speak some French (enough to ask the way or, find a telephone if you are lost).

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