This 4 night equestrian Summer vacation is located in the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park overlooking the Cele Valley in Lot. To avoid the intense mid-day temperatures, horseback rides are planned for the mornings, and guests spend 2-3 hours exploring gentle equestrian trails through this beautiful hilly region of rural France. The afternoons are spent on visits and excursions to a wine tasting, cheese maker and the fascinating Pech Merle cave and St Cirq Lapopie, when non-riders can join in the fun.
Accommodation for up to 6 guests is in a beautifully restored traditional farmhouse with twin bedrooms and shared bathrooms. The small group size ensures personal attention.
The hosts are 'foodies' and each meal is special, with vegetarian and vegan meals available with advance notice when booking.
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Day 1
Saturday: Meet the transfer at Toulouse Airport and arrive at the accommodation in the late afternoon. After settling in, a relaxing tour of the property and first meeting with the horses, settle down to a welcome dinner.
Day 2
Sunday: After breakfast, saddle up and set off to discover the Causse on horseback. Ride through shady woods that are criss-crossed by low dry-stone walls. This is stone country, and it is used everywhere including houses, roads, and (of course) monuments, like the Bélinac menir. After lunch at the Mas, riders have the afternoon to relax by the pool before enjoying an evening wine tasting. Dinner at the Mas.
Day 3
Monday: Once breakfast is over, head out on a ride that descends into the Célé valley towards the village of Corn with its typical Quercy houses. Follow the St Jacques de Compostelle trail for a section before heading back up towards the Causse. Lunch at Le Mas, followed by a late afternoon visit to a local cheese producer's farm. Dinner at the Mas.
Day 4
Tuesday: Meet up with the horses after breakfast, for a ride to the Puy-Blanc ponds. The site is a former clay quarry which, following its closure, has been returned to nature to become a Unesco-listed sensitive natural area. Lunch at Le Mas, followed later in the afternoon by a visit to the Pech Merle cave. An authentic prehistoric decorated cave, where the group can admire the majestic fresco of the "punctuated horses". At the end of the visit, head for St Cirq Lapopie, for the last evening and farewell dinner.
Day 5
Wednesday: After breakfast say goodbye to the hosts and depart for the airport.
The ride portion of this itinerary is done in the mornings to avoid the intense mid-day tempratures. The afternoons are spent on visits and excursions that non-riders can join.
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 farm has about 30 horses from different sizes and breeds of which 12 are used for guests to ride. They are between 150 and 155cm (15-15.2hh) and very well adjusted - they live in a herd in large paddocks on the property. Saddles are English and saddle bags are provided. Riding helmets are compulsory and available to borrow on site, body protectors are available for teenagers only.
The pace of the ride is fairly slow mainly due to the terrain which can be steep and hilly with beautiful views. There is usually trotting and occasionally cantering where possible.
Your guide is one of the owners, who is a riding instructor, behaviourist and long distance rider with more than 8000 km throughout the world on long journeys under her belt.
Non-riders are also welcome on this hike. Apart from the equestrian part, they share the same programme of activities and visits.
Riders participating in this trip must be comfortable at all 3 paces outdoors. The pacing of the rides will be different according to the days, depending on the nature of the terrain crossed.
Minimum riding age is 12 yrs Maximum rider weight is 90kgs.
The weight limit for this ride is 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
The accommodation is in a recently restored historic building. The ground floor features original paving made of Causse stones, a traditional fireplace (Cantou) and a lounge area leading directly onto a shaded terrace, the private garden and a large swimming pool with wooden deck.
On the first floor there are three double bedrooms which can be made up with twin or double beds, allowing a maximum of 6 participants. The whole atmosphere is warm and friendly. The bathroom, shared, is composed of two independent shower cubicles and the toilets are separate. There is a small reading area on the patio upstairs.
The host is responsible for all the fresh meals prepared on site. He is also a professional equine photographer and will accompany riders during the different cultural visits.
The meals are home cooked from regional fresh produce with regional dishes featured. Vegetarian and Vegan diets can be catered for with advance notice. Please advise when booking. Meals are taken 'family style' with the hosts family and children. If you wish to dine separately, that can be arranged.
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 aren't unknown. Summer is warm and can be very hot. Summer showers are possible. Autumn is very pleasant for riding although the days become shorter towards the end of October.
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).
There is no specific health risk in this area. Be aware that it is peak summer weather, so a suitable sunscreen is recommended.
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.
There is good mobile reception and wifi is available. If using a GoPro please ensure you have the permission of the group to be filmed.
Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:
ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards – (some locations, mostly in the EU, can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
Riding boots designed for riding and walking
Chaps
At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best for anything, except western riding (Jeans)
Long sleeved shirts
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Water bottle
Mobile phone
WARMER CLIMATES
Lightweight long sleeved shirts – light colours are best
Insect repellent/sun screen
Nice to have extras
Cycling shorts/padded underwear/seat saver if not used to long days in the saddle
Hosts supply saddle bags. Helmets are available if needed.
5 day / 4 night / 3 Riding day itinerary departing Saturdays during July and August
2025: 12, 19, 26 Jul; 2, 9, 16 Aug
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | Dbl per person | 709 |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | Single supplement | 139 |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | Non Riders (sharing with rider) | 455 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | Dbl per person | 809 |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | Single supplement | 159 |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | Non Riders (sharing with rider) | 519 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | Dbl per person | 985 |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | Single supplement | 195 |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | Non Riders (sharing with rider) | 629 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | Dbl per person | 9,245 |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | Single supplement | 1,825 |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | Non Riders (sharing with rider) | 5,935 |
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
The Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park is a haven for many bird species, including birds of prey like the peregrine falcon . Twenty-six different species of bat also live here. The flora is not to be outdone, with a multitude of species adapted to the limestone environment.
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.
