Horse riding holidays in France vary enormously, but all will show you the real essence of France. The country is the largest in Western Europe and has a huge diversity of landscapes, cultures and climates waiting to be discovered on one of Unicorn's many horseback holidays here. It is a farming nation and produces more food for export than any other country in the European Union. If you are travelling from elsewhere in Europe then France will be almost on your doorstep and you will be spoilt for choice with many airlines, including the low cost budget carriers, competing for your custom.
France is of course know as the gastronomical maestro! Whether it's melting croissants with steaming coffee for breakfast, cordon bleu meals for dinner or something in between - French food is sublime with great attentin paid to fresh ingredients and proper time for appreciation of meals. You will of course need something to wash it down and what could be better than a glass of French wine, internationally recognised as the best in the world. You'll be hard pressed not to ride through the French countryside without coming upon a vineyard or two. All the famous varieties can be found here, from Cabernet Sauvignon to Chardonnay, Merlot to Médoc. Then of course there is the king of them all - bubbly Champagne. Nothing rounds off a day's riding better than a delicious French meal and a glass or two of local French wine.
Unicorn has many horse holidays throughout France and below we have outlined some of them and the region each is located in.
Languedoc-Roussillon is quite simply stunning. This is the area in the extreme south of France, bordering Spain in the south, then running north-eastwards along the Mediteranean coastine. It is packed with mountains, gorges, vinyards, pretty villages and beaches. This is Cathar country so it is bursting with history and you will see ancient Cathar castles in various states of disrepair, perched high upon the mountain tops. They are certainly worth the climb to visit. The town of Carcassonne has a gorgeous walled old town and a fabulous castle with a multitude of towers and turretts and evidently Walt Disney based his Cinderella's Castle on Carcassonne's. Perhaps you will have already read the 2005 best seller Labyrinth by Kate Mosse which is set in this region in Cathar times. If not, it could be your holiday read.
We are delighted to have some very popular rides in this area. The Carcassonne Pyrenean Trail is a week long trail in spectacular scenery and can be taken either guided or unguided. The Short Break version of this ride will satisfy both the advanced rider and novices too. Did you know that you don't have to go to America for a ranch riding holiday? Indeed you don't, when here in the Haute Langeudoc Natural Parc there is a fantastic ranch with western riding style. You'll have a mix of trail riding, cattle work and team penning. If you need lessons in cattle work then these can be arranged for a small supplement. You'll need to book early if you want to experience the cowboy lifestyle French style - this is one of our most popular riding holidays in France.
Perhaps you would prefer a horse riding holiday in the Dordogne. This region of France is dominated by its three rivers - The Dordogne, the Tarn and the Lot which meander from the Massif central to the Atlantic. Over the centuries the Dordogne river has carved out wonderful fertile valleys just perfect for growing grapes and hence the famous wines from this region. The river is also responsible for creating some wonderful caves, but prehistoric man is responsible for the amazing paintings in them. The most famous is at Lascaux. The picturesque countryside is dotted with impressive chateaux and beautiful golden stone villages and makes for superb riding holidays. We have several horseback holidays in the Dordogne. You can choose from some wonderful trail rides with comfortable accommodation each night or if you prefer a centre based stay we have a holiday where you can can ride out each day in the glorious countryside. The Limousin Trail is another great gastronomic experience and ideal for riders wanting a relaxed pace and plenty of comforts.
Then we have yet more great rides in the Gironde area of France which borders the Dordogne and this is where Bordeaux is located. This area has a superb coastline bordering the Atlantic Ocean and it's here you'll find the famous resort of Cap Ferrat. Inland is a plethora of vineyards producing such famous varieties of wine as Médoc, Entre deux Mers and St Emilion to name but a few, which are assisted in their production by the lovely temperate climate. Our horse riding holidays in this area of France are quite different. If you are a wine lover then you can't fail to be tempted by our Bordeaux Wine Trail. On this horseback holiday you'll tour the famous vineyards, sampling the world reknowned wines. You'll will even cross the Gironde Estuary by ferry with your horse. Riding is faster than average so you'll need to be fit.
Unicorn has an excellent riding holiday in the Midi-Pyrenees area. In the Landes department we offer the Armagnac Trail which gives fit riders the chance to ride either accompanied or unaccompanied through beautiful rural France. Be prepared for long days in the saddle. With rolling hills there are plenty of opportunties for long canters.
The Loire valley is a very popular and well known area of France. It is often called the 'Garden of France' and with good reason. The Loire has a landscape of great beauty and is very impressive architectually but its most outstanding feature is its huge number of castles - about 300! Not surprisingly our ride here is called Castles of the Loire. Ride along the routes of kings from times past to visit one superb castle after another. Actually overnight in a castle after a wonderful candlelit dinner washed down by - yes you've guessed - fabulous wines from the region. Along with faster than average riding on fit Anglos Arab horses, this is a journey of discovery not to be missed.
Whether you want an exhilorating trip or something more relaxing, we hope you have been tempted to take a horse riding holiday in France. There is something for everyone in our large range. Contact us to discuss your options. Don't forget we can always arrange extensions to your holiday - perhaps a city visit to Paris or Lyon, or a beach stay. Just ask and we will tailor these to your requirements.
To further help you to choose a horse riding holiday in France from our extensive list, you'll find below the riding categories that are applicable to at least one our trips in France:
beach horse riding holidays
trail riding holidays
unguided horse riding trail holiday
ranch riding holidays
adventure riding holidays
western riding holidays
mountain horse riding holidays
faster riding horse back holidays
advanced rider holidays
centre based riding holidays
beginner horse riding holidays
tuition on a horse riding holiday
heavier rider horse holidays
horse riding holidays that can also accommodate non riders
Unicorn also has rides in the following European countries. Just click on the link to jump to the relevant web page:
horse riding holidays Europe
horse riding holidays France
horse riding holiday Spain
equine holidays Ireland
equestrian holidays Portugal
horseback holidays Greece
horse riding holiday Cyprus
equestrian holidays Great Britian
horse riding holidays England
equine holidays Wales
short riding breaks UK
horse riding holidays Iceland
horse riding holidays Turkey
horseriding holidays Sweden
horse riding holidays Italy
horse riding holidays Germany
horse riding holidays Eastern Europe
horseriding holiday Russia
horse riding holidays Bulgaria
horseback vacations Czech Republic
horse riding holiday Hungary
horseback vacation Romania
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