Discover the wild Ligurian mountains and coastline on this 8-day, point-to-point equestrian trail crossing from France into Italy on willing, sure-footed horses. Enjoy horseback riding through mountain passes and pine forests before visiting ancient, medieval villages. This equestrian trail is for adventurous riders who want to get away from it all. Accommodation is in hotels and B&Bs in small villages along the trail. there is also the option to undertake a shorter version of this ride, completing a 6-day ride rather than the full 8 days.
This equestrian trail passes through an area considered to be one of France's last true wildernesses. The rich pasture and abundant wild flowers in this alpine valley support a huge range of wildlife, and what better way to get up close to ibex and deer than on horseback. Riders should look forward to enjoying spectacular views of the sea as they ride through the Alps that border France and Italy. Accommodation is in small hamlets along the trail, generally hotels or agriturismos where riders will be able to refuel with authentic Ligurian meals made with local produce.
Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.
Review received from MM of Stourport on Severn on 19/05/2022
Please note the below is an sample itinerary of the 9 day / 8 night / 7 riding day package. The 7 day / 6 night / 5 riding day package is similar, but shorter. The final itinerary of your chosen holiday will be provided before your departure.
Day 1
Transfer: Meeting at 4pm at NICE AIRPORT TERMINAL 2, DEPARTURE LEVEL, GATE A3. Night @Saint Yves hotel in Sainte Agnes (or similar)
Day 2
(6hr riding): As soon as the first day begins the general scenery sets in - sea on the bottom, mountains on top! The first trail is perfect for the riders to get the feel of their horses. Pass the hamlet of Monti and the Castellar village as the trail transitions from civilization to scrubland. Cross the border by a cow path that leads to the next part of the ride. Overnight at Alto Blu (or similar), dinner at village restaurant
Day 3
(7h riding): Start the discovery of the Liguria region as the route crosses the mountains with views of the sea and pass medieval villages of Villatella, Torri, Collabassa, formerly deserted and now restored where the group enjoy coffee. Cross the first of the trails valley's to reach Gol di gouta (or similar), the overnight stop. Overnight in an apartment in the village
Day 4
(7h riding): Today's route crosses the Bévéra to reach the hamlet of Fanghetto. While climbing an ancient path, riders will see the remenanta of past generations. Reach the Alta via a military track that follows a high ridge offering great views of the sea in the distance. Overnight: in a dormitory in Gol di Gouta
Day 5
(7h riding): Descend to the village of Pigna on a seemingly overgrown path. Stop for lunch in the ancient village of Pigna for a delicious lunch. Head to Langan in the afternoon. The reminders of past cultures are evident in the dry stone walls, arbergh and drinking troughs. Arrive late afternoon in al Rifugio, a farmhouse with spectacular views over the valley. Night in a double or triple room in an Agriturismo (or similar)
Day 6
(7h riding): Today's route heads through the undergrowth before emerging in the Trioria valley. The village can be seen in the distance as the group follows the river. Stop at Molini di Trioria, a village known for it's witches! Follow a path away from civilzation through a landscape that hasn't change over the ages. Overnight in double or triple room. Dinner prepared by the hosts.
Day 7
(6h riding): Today's route descends to the sea by different tracks and paths. Cross an abandoned military camp before picking up the path to Monte Ceppo; 2 flat hills with peaks of approx 1600m that offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean and the Alps. Arrive in the village of Bajardo and overnight in a local guest house and enjoy dinner in a village restaurant. Overnight in double or triple room: B&B Camelie del bosco (or similar). Dinner in a village restaurant
Day 8
(6h riding): Today's route follows tracks through Liguria. Enjoy coffee while taking in the view of Mont Bignone before heading along the mountain ridges toward the sea. Lunch overlooking the bay of San Remo. Depending on the group, the ride ends with a hike to Seborga, or near the port of Bordighera. Say goodbye to the horses as they are loaded into trailers for the trip home. Riders are transferred by car
Day 9
Transfer back to airport to arrive around noon
Itineraries may change due to weather and other factors.
Currently the Itinerary includes one night's accommodation before the start of the tour. This can be changed to a night after as the ride finishes in the late afternoon, or an additional night at the end can be booked on request depending on arrival and departure times.
Riders must carry everything they need in the provided saddlebags. There is no baggage transfer on this trail although they can leave suitcases etc at the base.
Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
The focus here has always been to allow the horses to live the most natural life possible. The horses are raised in open pasture and they mature in the wild with their companions. They are not stabled, nor fenced into small paddocks, but instead, graze and wander free.
The horses are a mix of breeds, temperaments and ages, including Merens, Spanish, Portuguese, Arab and Pottoks. There are natural leaders among the group of course and the young horses learn from the behaviour of the more experienced horses. The horses are trained and ridden with simple hackamore bitless bridles. Most saddles are Portuguese military types, there are also some English saddles. During your ride, you will very much ride in a natural way, allowing the horses to follow their own path and pace and with the pack horses loose amongst the ride.
As this is a point-to-point trail, your horses will be carrying your belongings. You will be provided with a 'banana' saddle pack (located at the back of the saddle) of about 18 litres where all your personal belongings have to fit (toiletries, change of clothes for the night, etc.). Please bring a 'Sheet bag' (a kind of single duvet cover - www.decathlon.fr/browse/_/N-cxmp77/c0-tous-les-sports/c1-camping-bivouac/_/N-cxmp77 ) and not sleeping bags because they won't fit in the 'banana bag', a towel will be useful. You can put your daytime clothes (sunscreen, telephone, etc.) in the horses' saddlebags. Riding hats and half chaps are also available to borrow.
There is between 5 and 8 hours per day of riding/walking. The rides are on rolling country and high alpine terrain. On steep ground, riders will need to dismount and lead their horses, so walking boots are essential as they are more practical than flat soled riding boots. Half chaps and riding hats are provided. A decent weight of jeans or jodhpur is recommended. Riders should bring a waterproof coat, as the weather can change very quickly in the mountains. All of the guides are well qualified, speak French, English, Italian and sometimes Spanish and Portuguese. Safety briefings will be given where appropriate.
Riders must be confident in walk, trot and canter and happy riding on steep terrain. A reasonable level of fitness is required, as the rides are full days with 7/8 hours either riding or leading your mount, and with significant ascents/descents. Riders must be able to mount and dismount unaided.
Help to catch, groom and saddle are welcome but not compulsory.
The weight limit for this ride is 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
Accommodation is in comfortable hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses; private rooms are available for a supplement when possible. Guests should be prepared to share rooms and bathroom facilities on this ride. All rooms are gender neutral. Examples of accommodation used on this trail can be found here:
http://bb-le-camelie-del-bosco.baiardo.hotels-italian-riviera.com/en/
Generous picnics and meals use local and/or organic products. Special dietary needs can also be catered for.
Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling. Passport and Visa requirements can change regularly depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france In the USA: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/France.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/france
Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions
Due to the different altitudes and landscapes covered on this ride the climate can vary quite a lot. Temperatures will be cooler in the mountains and there will be a higher chance of rainfall. The following is based on climate data for Sainte-Agnes. During the months June, July, August, September and October you will experience pleasant weather with a nice average temperature. Most rainfall (rainy season / monsoon) is seen in October and November. On average, the warmest month is July. On average, the coolest months are January and February. November is the wettest month. This month should be avoided if you don't like too much rain. July is the driest month.
COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.
Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in France and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.
Please take along sun cream and anti-allergy medicine for possible insect bites.
The emergency phone number in France is 112. If you need to contact other emergency services, call 15 (medical), 17 (police) or 18 (fire).
In France the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.
Electricity is available all nights to recharge batteries, as well as Wifi. Mobile phone reception is limited.
As this is a point to point trail, your horses will be carrying your belongings. You will be provided with a 'banana' saddle pack (located at the back of the saddle) of about 18 litres where all your personal belongings have to fit (toiletries, change of clothes for the night, etc.). Please bring a 'Sheet bag' (a kind of single duvet cover - https://www.decathlon.fr/drap-de-sac-polyester-gris-id_8382711.html) and not sleeping bags because they won't fit in the 'banana bag', a towel will be useful. You can put your daytime clothes (sunscreen, telephone, etc.) in the horses' saddlebags. Riding hats and half chaps are also available to borrow.
- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384 (One can be provided, but we recommend you bring your own)
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Chaps
- Good quality walking boots with a deep heel - due to the terrain and the need to walk leading the horse at times it is recommended you choose walking boots over riding boots.
- Waterproof clothing - jacket and trousers or slicker
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Warm jumper/fleece
- Sports bra for women
- Comfortable clothes for the evenings
- Comfortable shoes for the evenings
- Warm night clothes
- Towel
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
- A knife is not mandatory but useful to cut the bread and cheese during picnics.
- A sheet bag (https://www.amazon.com/Cocoon-COCO-01-Cotton-TravelSheet/dp/B001DX803W)
- Earplugs are useful for people who need silence to sleep as some night we might sleep in the same rooms
Provided by hosts
Walking boots there is a range of boots available to borrow on site.
Riding Helmet there is a range available to borrow on site.
7d / 6n programme with 5 riding days or 9d / 8n programme with 7 riding days on set dates.
2025: 6 night: 27 Apr - 3 May
2025: 8 night TBC
For those nights when a single room is available, a supplement will apply, please enquire at the time of booking.
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2025 - Ligura 6 nights | 7d/6n | 5 | per person sharing | 1,375 |
| 2025 - Ligura 6 nights | 7d/6n | 5 | single supplement when available per night | 52 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2025 - Ligura 6 nights | 7d/6n | 5 | per person sharing | 1,599 |
| 2025 - Ligura 6 nights | 7d/6n | 5 | single supplement when available per night | 60 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2025 - Ligura 6 nights | 7d/6n | 5 | per person sharing | 1,929 |
| 2025 - Ligura 6 nights | 7d/6n | 5 | single supplement when available per night | 70 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2025 - Ligura 6 nights | 7d/6n | 5 | per person sharing | 18,209 |
| 2025 - Ligura 6 nights | 7d/6n | 5 | single supplement when available per night | 665 |
Un Sherpa dans le Mercantour - Malou Ravella
Brumes du Mercantour Jean Sicardi
Mercantour Patrick Merienne
La sente étroite au bout des Alpes: Carnets de voyage dans le Mercantour - Caroline Audibert
Dans les brummes du Mercantour - Dominique Marie Rousseau
Theodore Zeldin ‘The French’,
Francoise Sagan ‘Bonjour Tristesse’,
Peter Mayle ‘A Year in Provence’ and ‘Toujours Provence’,
Louis Stevensons ‘Travels with a Donkey’ and
For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback, visit www.thelongridersguild.com. An excellent source of equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com
There are several species of mountainous goat and antelope including chamois, ibex and mouflon as well as red deer and roe deer that can be spotted in the undergrowth lower down. Marmots, ermine, hares and wild boars, partridges, golden eagles and buzzards, numerous species of butterflies and even Italian wolves can also be found within the National Park
This ride is not suitable for non-riding companions.
The French wrote the book on la vie en rose and gave the world champagne and camembert, de Beauvoir and Debussy, the Tour de France and the Eiffel Tower. It is a country steeped in history. Staggering monasteries and castles dotted all over the country are a reminder of a turbulent and often violent past, especially in the Carcasonne region where the Gnostic Christian organisation the Cathars, held fast against a crusade launched in the 11th century by an angry and vengeful Catholic church for over twenty years. Despite their vow of non-violence they had a strong support base, including the Knights Templar, and their name often pops up in the legend of the Holy Grail. The French character has undoubtedly been influenced by their past, today they are a proud and patriotic people famed for enjoying the finer things in life and displaying a great generosity in their willingness to share their country with the millions of visitors they receive each year. Food is very important in French culture, almost a passion. Families eat dinner together late in the evening and their diet is usually very healthy, packed with home grown fruit and vegetables. You will hardly ever see anyone eating on the street; if you do chances are they're not French! France is one hour ahead of GMT and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. The international dialling code for France is +33.
