France - Sancerre - Land of Heritage

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Day 1
Saturday arrival. Meet the transfer at 6pm at the Tracy Sancerre station for transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel Le Panormaic (or similar).

Day 2
Morning ride: After breakfast and the distribution of horses, set off along the paths of the Sancerre vineyards to Chavignol for a picnic. The village of Chavignol is actually a hamlet of Sancerre. Set in a basin in the middle of the vineyards, this winegrowers' village is organised along a road that climbs towards the church and then up to the Graveron lookout, from where the view over Sancerre is magnificent. This hamlet is the origin of the crottin de Chavignol (goat's cheese). The afternoon is free to discover the charming town of Sancerre. The 40m Tour des Fiefs is the town's only defensive tower and the last vestige of the Château of the Counts of Sancerre. It offers a panoramic view of Sancerre for those fit enough to climb the 195 steps. Overnight stay and dinner in Sancerre. (Hotel Le Panormaic (or similar)).

Day 3
Continue discovering the Sancerrois landscape. Leave the vineyards and head into fields of crops on the way to the village of Assigny for a picnic. This is where the highest point in the Cher is located, at Fait des Marnes (365m). Take in the semi-circular panoramic view over the Loire Valley Set off for Vailly sur Sauldre with its backdrop of vine-covered hills. Pays Fort stretches out over fertile woodland and pastures. The Pays Fort boasts a rich rural heritage in its 16th century timber-framed dwellings, old mills and wash-houses, and the famous pyramid-shaped barns (17th and 18th centuries). Overnight stay and dinner at Vailly sur Sauldre. (Hotel le Cerf (or similar).

Day 4
Today the route heads for Blancafort and its castle, and a picnic on the banks of the old Sauldre canal. Blancafort castle was built in the 15th century on the site of an ancient seigneury dating back to the 11th century. Afterward head for Aubigny sur Nère in the Berry region. As a concession, during the famous Hundred Years' War, Charles VII, gave the seigneury of Aubigny to John Stuart de Darnley, Constable of the Scottish army. For almost 400 years the village lived on Scottish time, with kilts, bagpipes and whiskies lining the streets. It returned to French ownership in the early 19th century, but the Scottish heritage is still very much alive today. Overnight stay and dinner in Aubigny sur Nére. (Hotel le Chaumiére (or similar).

Day 5
Morning Ride: After breakfast head to the Renaissance Château de la Verrerie in Oizon for a picnic. It was owned by the Stuarts for two centuries before being given to Louise de Kéroualle, Duchess of Portsmouth, by Louis XIV. On the visit to Aubigny sur Nère the Scottish influence is everywhere. From the Stuarts' castle, now the town hall, to the unique collection of half-timbered houses, to the Aubigny Auld Alliance whisky brand proudly displaying the local colours, the only thing missing is the rain! Overnight stay and dinner in Aubigny sur Nère. (Hotel le Chaumiére (or similar)).

Day 6
Today's picnic spot is the Château de la Verrerie in Oizon for a picnic. Spend the afternoon in Aubigny sur Nère.This town is located on the Jacques Coeur Historic Route, and is complemented by heritage features such as the Philippe Auguste enclosure, the Gothic church of Saint-Martin and the Augustins cloister. The large gardens, inspired by Le Nôtre, were bequeathed by the Duchess of Portsmouth. Overnight stay and dinner in Aubigny sur Nère (Hotel Chambre d'otes le Cep Sancerrois (or similar).

Day 7
Head to the Tour de Vesvre in the region of Neuvy deux Clochers for a picnic. This fortified house with its massive, thick walls dates back to the 13th century. The Tower was listed as a historic monument in 1993. The adjoining 13th-century farmhouse was a fortified farm with a stable, dovecote and barn. The barn and dovecote have recently been restored. Finish the last day at the Bête Noire farm, where the ride began. Overnight stay and dinner in Sancerre. (Hotel Chambre d'otes le Cep Sancerrois (or similar)).

Day 8
After breakfast, departure or transfer to Tracy Sancerre railway station.

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 horses used on this trip are pure or cross-bred Paint, Arabian or Thoroughbreds and warmbloods varying in height from 15.5hh to 17hh. Most of them were born at the local farm. The horses are calm, experienced, well-behaved and suitable for all types of rider. Comfortable trail riding saddles, saddlebags, poncho, and water are provided but riders are asked to bring water bottles with them. Horses are ridden in “Myler” bits. Riding hats are mandatory and are not provided. The terrain varies day by day and includes rolling hills, vineyards, farmland and woods. There are no drop-offs or extreme terrain.

Experienced riders comfortable at walk, rising trot, canter in a forward seat, on varied terrain, in open spaces and for long distances.
Riders are asked to send their exact weight, height, riding level and physical condition in order to respect the safety of the group and the health of the horses.
Rider weight limit : 198 lbs/90 kg (depending on height, physical condition and riding ability)

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

Riders will be staying at a hotel / guest room every night. Double (couple) or twin (two separate beds) rooms, 

Continental breakfasts are served at the accommodation. The lunches are normally picnics with a wide choice (adapted to particular diets) with wine, coffee and water, organized by the team. Dinner at the bed and breakfast, restaurant or hotel (wine and other extras not included).

Intended hotel listed below.  This is a guide only, if hotels are full, hotels of a simalr standard will be used instead

1st and 2nd nights Le Panoramic in Sancerre

3rd night Hôtel le Cerf in Briare

4th and 5th nights Hôtel la Chaumière in Aubigny sur Nère

6th and 7th nights Chambre d'Hôtes le Cep en Sancerrois in Sancerr

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

France is at its best in spring, though winter-like relapses are not unknown. Autumn is pleasant but the days are fairly short. Bordeaux's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean ensures a fairly mild climate. Average annual temperature : 12.3°C: Average in winter: 5 - 7°C, Average in summer: 19 - 21°C.

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.

Mobile phone reception is available most days, Wifi is available at the accommodations (but this is not guaranteed). If using a GoPro ensure you get permission from the group to be filmed.

We ask the riders to have only one soft suitcase of 20 kg/44 lbs maximum and a small day pack for travel. We also ask that for environmental reasons that riders bring their own water bottles. This avoids unnecessary plastic use. Drinking water will be provided.

We have put together a suggested packing list for your trip. This should be used as a guideline
- Riding Helmet - mandatory. We strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet
- Jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts
- Sunhat, suncream & Sunglasses
- Fleece - Although the weather is generally very warm, the evenings can be a bit cooler
- Warm layers - At times the evening temperature drops significantly
- Casual Clothes - for when out of the saddle
- Water Bottle - (reusable)
- Raincoat - it is always a wise idea to pack a waterproof/ windproof jacket!
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take inset repellent and plenty of sun cream
- Camera and Spare Batteries/Charger - 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 copy of your passport and travel insurance

**Baggage: Riders should only bring one soft bag/suitcase (size 69cm x 47cm)**

Provided:
-Two small saddle bags

8 days / 7 nights / 6 riding days with fixed date departure.

2025: 13 - 20 Sep; 21 - 28 (Full) Sep
2026: 19 - 26 Sep

None if willing to share

• £
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Adventures on the Wine Route: A Wine Buyer’s Tour of France - Kermit Lynch

The Finest Wines of Bordeaux: A Regional Guide to the Best Châteaux and Their Wines - James Lawther

The Road from the Past: Traveling through History in France - Ina Caro

‘The French’, Theodore Zeldin

‘Bonjour Tristesse’, Francoise Sagan

‘A Year in Provence’ and ‘Toujours Provence’, Peter Mayle

‘Travels with a Donkey’ Louis Stevensons 

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  

Wine tastings (can be arranged payable on site.)

Sancerre, located in the Loire Valley of France, is known for its vineyards and picturesque landscapes. The region's diverse habitats, including forests, rivers, and fields, support a variety of wildlife. The region boasts a variety of wildflowers, which change with the seasons. Oak, beech, and chestnut trees dominate the forests, while hedgerows often consist of hawthorn and blackthorn. Buzzards, kestrels, and owls are frequently seen.

We ask that riders have only one soft suitcase (20kg/44lb) and a small day-pack for travel.
Please note that if the rider/group ask to stop the ride of their own decision, there is a 300 euro fee for the transportation of the horse/s. Should the guide judge that a rider does not have the level or skills to do the trek on horseback, they can decide to stop it without refund.

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.