General Info

Take a riding vacation in the beautiful French countryside in Vienne, the northernmost department of the Poitou-Charentes region, a historic region in west central France. There a variety of itineraries, including center based riding vacations and farmhouse or inn to inn riding holidays. Itineraries take you on French bridle paths through valleys, hills, rivers, small villages and isolated farms in rural France.

Explore along old Roman tracks and trails lined with low stone walls. Check out prehistoric caves, water mills and mountain springs. This area of France can be hilly and is known for its two key rivers, the Vienne River and Gartempe River. Along the Gartempe, you'll ride back in time to see grand homes and period castles.

The trail riding vacations are suitable for competent riders who are confident at all paces. Depending on the terrain, there is a mixture of walking with some long trots and canters. You should be fit enough for the sometimes long hours in the saddle and able to mount from the ground. A horse is selected for you for the week and it then becomes your responsibility to tack up and care for it during the ride. This is a great chance to bond with your equine partner. The group size is small with a usual maximum of six riders.

Less experienced or less fit riders or those who want a more relaxed horse vacation can join the short break and center-based riding holidays, but must still be able to rise to the trot and be confident enough to canter. In addition to the set dates you'll see listed with itineraries, trail riding vacations can also be customized for a minimum of three people. Additional dates may also be possible for these Cerfcheval riding vacations, so please ask if the dates outlined do not work for you.

Packing

You'll enjoy a Mediterranean climate on this France riding vacation, meaning warm summers, mild springs and autumns, and cool winters.

Please see Equitrekking Travel’s General Packing List. Please ask our preferred agents who have taken this trip about packing upon booking to get first-hand insight.

 

About the Horses

A horse is selected for you for the week for this France riding holiday and it then becomes your responsibility to tack up and care for it during the ride. The group size is small with a usual maximum of six guests.

Activities/Events

Ride from farmhouse to farmhouse in rural France. This is a great trip to get to know the locals, as on some evenings you are hosted by the owners and farmers from different homes and holiday accommodation, gaining insight into French daily life.

At Cerfcheval itself, you will stay in accommodations on the farm. There are twin and double rooms, with shared bathroom facilities.  

Accommodations/Food

There are a variety of accommodations for this France riding holiday, depending on the itinerary that you choose. On the inn to inn or farmhouse to farmhouse riding vacations some are modern and some are older. On some evenings, you are hosted by the owners and there will be the opportunity to talk to the farmers and locals about their day to day lives.

The accommodation in this rural part of France is in simple and authentic gîtes, which is a holiday home usually fully furnished and equipped for self-catering. To be called a gîte, the owner normally must live close by in order to provide help, assistance, and a warm welcome to guests. The accommodation is comfortable, but not luxurious. You must be prepared to share a bedroom (maximum of two guests per room). On some nights it may be necessary for a bathroom to be shared between two bedrooms.

At Cerfcheval itself, you will stay in gîte accommodation on the farm. There are twin and double rooms, with shared bathroom facilities.  

Food

Most of the overnight stops used on the trails are small farmhouses and gîtes owned by French families who will cook traditional French farmhouse food for you and maybe join you for supper to give an insight on their country life. Lunch is at a scenic spot along the way, perhaps one day beside a river and the next day in a forest clearing. 

The Ideal Traveler

Travelers who want to experience an authentic, un-touristy area of France and ride horses through the French countryside. You should be an intermediate or above rider who wants to meander through a variety of terrain including valleys, hills, rivers, small villages and isolated farms to enjoy the history and culture of rural France.

Center Based France Riding Holiday

A seven night riding vacation in the French countryside based at Cerfcheval. Take morning lessons in the arena to improve your riding skills. In the afternoon, explore the area surrounding Cerfcheval on horseback with short trail rides.

Dates & Rates 2013

May 25-June 1, June 8-15, June 22-29, Aug 4-11, Oct 12-19, Nov 2-9

Please contact us for rates.

In addition to the set dates you'll see listed with itineraries, trail riding vacations can also be customized for a minimum of three people. Additional dates may also be possible for these Cerfcheval riding vacations, so please ask if the dates outlined do not work for you.

Day One

You should aim to arrive at La Vallee des Cerfs after 4 p.m. This afternoon you will have time to settle into your room. If the weather is warm, you may like to have a swim in the pool.

In the evening have dinner together with your hosts and learn about the week ahead.

Over night at Cerfcheval.

Day Two

This morning you will meet your horse and spend around 2 hours at the stables. Get to know your mount as you groom and tack-up. Your guide will be on hand should you require assistance with this.

Get to know your horse in the arena with a lesson of approximately one hour. First you will do some groundwork. Under the guidance of your instructor, ask your horse to back-up, go sideways and practice leading. On mounting, your instructor will put you through your paces in walk and perhaps trot or canter (depending on your level).

After your lesson and once the horses have been un-tacked and brushed off, there may be time for a stroll around the farm before lunch.

Lunch will be at Cerfcheval, made with local produce.

In the afternoon, set off on a short hack (c. 1.5 - 2.5 hours) through the hills of the southern Vienne region. These hills are the beginning of the main mountain ranges in France, the Massif Central.

Return to Cerfcheval, un-tack and brush off the horses and then you are free to relax on the terrace before dinner.

Dinner and overnight at Cerfcheval.

Days Three to Seven

Follow a similar routine, with a lesson in the morning, lunch at Cerfcheval and a short ride out in the afternoon. The lessons will be tailored to the needs of the group.

Perhaps you will work on your balance and position, or there could be a chance for more confident riders to improve their transitions and may be work without stirrups.

When you are not riding, you are free to relax in your room or in the garden, or perhaps have a swim in the pool during the warmer months of the year. For those with plenty of energy left, there is a good variety of walking routes allowing you to discover the farm and surrounding countryside on foot.

Day Eight

After breakfast, transfer back to Poitiers for your flight home.

*This itinerary is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are subject to changes due to the weather, the trip guide's discretion and other factors. 

Land of Two Rivers

Explore the French countryside on horseback around Montmorillon with its two key rivers: the large and calm Vienne River and the wilder Gartempe River. Pass period castles and grand houses. The terrain may be suitable for faster riding at times.

Dates & Rates 2013

April 20-27, June 15-22, Aug 24-31, Sept 7-14, Oct 19-26

7 nights $1,729 USD* (€1,218)

* Prices shown are subject to daily exchange rate fluctuations. Prices are indicative only; the price of your chosen holiday will be reconfirmed by your travel consultant, prior to your making a booking. Single rooms are not usually available and so you should be prepared to share. The only exception is the center based ride at Cerfcheval, where there are a limited number of single rooms, subject to availability.

In addition to the set dates you'll see listed with itineraries, trail riding vacations can also be customized for a minimum of three people. Additional dates may also be possible for these Cerfcheval riding vacations, so please ask if the dates outlined do not work for you.

Included
Riding; seven nights accommodation (4 nights for Valley of Vienne); all meals; aperitif; wine and coffee with dinner; riding and guiding.

Not Included
Travel to France, Tips and Transfers. You can travel to Poitiers and Limoges by air, ferry or train. Return transfers from both cities are $50 USD* (€35) per person.

The minimum number of guests for the Monts de Blond ride, Land of Two Rivers ride and Pilgrim Trail to run is usually three. However if there are only two riders booked the ride date will run, but with a modified itinerary which includes two days of riding from La Vallee des Cerfs and a four day trek.

Sample France Riding Holiday Itinerary

Day One

You should aim to arrive at La Vallee des Cerfs after 4 p.m. for your France riding holiday. This afternoon you will have time to settle into your room. If the weather is warm, you may like to have a swim in the pool. You will also have the chance to meet the horses in the afternoon.

In the evening have dinner together with your hosts and take a look at the maps to see where the week’s ride will take you. Overnight at Cerfcheval, a farm in the Poitou region in West Central France.

Day Two

After getting to know your horse in the arena, ride into the Vienne valley in the direction of Queaux, a village located on the heights of the hillside of the Vienne river. Make your way along narrow paths, through woods and up to the banks of the Vienne river. On a clear day there can be some lovely views. Journey through small villages like Moussac and Nérignac and pass by castles, grand houses and isolated farms.

Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Persac.

Day Three

Ride through Lussac les Châteaux to Montmorillon. En route you will see “la Fosse aux Loups” (the wolves’ pit) with its legend about the capture of the last wolf in the area. In Lussac itself, ride around part of the large lake and also see some traces of the old castle drawbridge and prehistoric caves where human drawings have been discovered. In the afternoon, the landscape is flatter and there may be some good opportunities for some controlled canters. Overnight in Montmorillon.

Day Four

Ride through part of Montmorillon, with its narrow medieval streets and see the “Maison Dieu” (“House of God”) with its octagonal building. Visit Saint Savin, famous for its mural frescoes in the Abbey (classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site).

Take a picnic today in Jouhet, a small village next to the Gartempe river, with its small chapel where you can also find some frescoes. Alongside the Gartempe you will be able to see several castles and a few beautifully grand houses.

Dine at a local eatery and spend the night in Saint Germain.

Day Five

Leave the Gartempe area and journey towards La Trimouille. After passing through the woods of Saint Savin, you ride through a much more cultivated landscape and heath land. A detour by the Benaize valley leads you to the isolated church of Villesalem, also a Roman monument.

Overnight in bed and breakfast accommodation.

Day Six

Travel across large cultivated fields and later in the afternoon ride across the hilly country of Lathus. You will stop near the castle of Bourg Archambault, which was built over various different periods. Towards Lathus, find the wild Gartempe river again with its granite rocks. “Le roc d’enfer” (“the rock from hell”) is also not far away…! The countryside encountered today will be full of cattle and sheep; the pathways will be quite narrow in the forests and in the fields.

Stay in bed and breakfast accommodation tonight. Experience the culinary skills of your host with a meal made from fresh local produce.

Day Seven

This is the last day of your French riding vacation and you will head back to base at La Vallée des Cerfs, following the path between the Vienne and the Limousin regions. Ride on tracks through forests, alongside lakes and through fields. Lunch is on the trail in Epinay, a beautiful grand house where you picnic near the lake. For the last stretch, it will be necessary to ford the river twice, before arriving back at base. The last night is spent around a camp fire or the fireplace; a great way to end your ride around this lovely rural part of France! Overnight at Cerfcheval or a nearby bed and breakfast establishment.

Day Eight

After breakfast, transfer back to Poitiers for your flight home.

*This itinerary is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are subject to changes due to the weather, the trip guide's discretion and other factors. 

Monts de Blond

This France riding holiday takes you riding along Roman tracks and paths bordered by low stonewalls. See prehistoric caves, old bridges, water mills and mountain springs in rural France. 

Dates & Rates 2013
June 1-8, June 29-July 6

7 nights $1,729 USD*  (€1,218)

* Prices shown are subject to daily exchange rate fluctuations. Prices are indicative only; the price of your chosen holiday will be reconfirmed by your travel consultant, prior to your making a booking. Single rooms are not usually available and so you should be prepared to share. The only exception is the center based ride at Cerfcheval, where there are a limited number of single rooms, subject to availability.

In addition to the set dates you'll see listed with itineraries, trail riding vacations can also be customized for a minimum of three people. Additional dates may also be possible for these Cerfcheval riding vacations, so please ask if the dates outlined do not work for you.

Included
Riding; seven nights accommodation (4 nights for Valley of Vienne); all meals; aperitif; wine and coffee with dinner; riding and guiding.

Not Included
Travel to France, Tips and Transfers. You can travel to Poitiers and Limoges by air, ferry or train. Return transfers from both cities are $50 USD* (€35) per person.

The minimum number of guests for the Monts de Blond ride, Land of Two Rivers ride and Pilgrim Trail to run is usually three. However if there are only two riders booked the ride date will run, but with a modified itinerary which includes two days of riding from La Vallee des Cerfs and a four day trek.

Sample France Riding Holiday Itinerary

Day One

You should aim to arrive at La Vallee des Cerfs after 4 p.m. for your French riding holiday. This afternoon you will have time to settle into your room. If the weather is warm, you may like to have a swim in the pool. You will also have the chance to meet the horses in the afternoon. In the evening have dinner together with your hosts and take a look at the maps to see where the week’s ride will take you. Over night at Cerfcheval.

Day Two

After getting to know your horse in the arena ride out to Availles Limouzine. Lunch is a picnic by the Vienne River with fresh French fayre. After lunch, experience pretty views and ride near to the lake at Jousseau. Your first night is spent in a small ‘gite’ in Availles Limouzine next door to the farmhouse belonging to a sheep breeder. He and his wife will hopefully join you for supper tonight and tell you a little bit about his country life. The evening dinner is prepared with lots of delicious fresh farm produce.

Day Three

Today you ride into a different ‘departmente’. Visit Esse, a small village lost in the countryside of the Charente area. Follow paths along the small River Issoire. On the way, you see a re-production of a Gallo-Roman village. Overnight in the village of Esse in gite accommodation with dormitory style rooms.

Day Four

Today you see the Monts de Blond on the horizon. There may be some good opportunities for faster riding along grassy tracks. Many people in this area breed cows and sheep, so it is an agricultural landscape.

Overnight in the foothills of the Monts de Blond. Accommodation is either in gite accommodation in Saint Christophe or in bed and breakfast accommodation in Saulgond. Have dinner with your hosts.

Day Five

Discover a more mountainous landscape today; ride along small paths bordered by low stone walls. Often you pass through woodland, but you also cross fields and ride around old villages. On the way you see the granite rocks known as “la pierre des sacrifices” (“the stone of the sacrifices”) and “le pas de l’âne” (“the step of the donkey”). Overnight in Saint Christophe.

Day Six

Discover a country of legends where monsters invaded the villages to snatch away the girls. This is a quiet part of rural France, where you often feel as though you are the only people around! At several points en route, find springs from which your horses can drink; the water is crystal clear. Travel along the ancient Roman paths and picnic next to a small chapel located almost at the top of ‘Les Monts de Blond’ with fabulous views on a clear day. Overnight in a rural bed and breakfast and dine with the family.

Day Seven

Today you leave the Monts de Blond and head northwards. Travel through the woods and at times have the chance to ride a little faster. Return to Cerfcheval by car – the horses will be transported back in the lorry.

Overnight at Cerfcheval.

Day Eight

After breakfast, transfer back to Poitiers for your flight home. 

*This itinerary is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are subject to changes due to the weather, the trip guide's discretion and other factors. 

Petit Suisse Riding Vacation

This seven night riding vacation is perfect for those who are less fit or less confident in the saddle. Your first three nights are spent at Cerfcheval, then follows two nights at different guesthouses. Your last two nights are back at Cerfcheval. During the first few days there is a chance to boost your skills and confidence with a mixture of instruction in the arena and full and half day rides through the beautiful Vienne region.

Dates & Rates 2013

March 31-April 7, July 7-14, July 28-Aug 4, Aug 11-18, Sept 8-15

Contact us for up to date pricing.

Single rooms are not usually available and so you should be prepared to share. The only exception is the center based ride at Cerfcheval, where there are a limited number of single rooms, subject to availability. In addition to the set dates you'll see listed with itineraries, trail riding vacations can also be customized for a minimum of three people. Additional dates may also be possible for these Cerfcheval riding vacations, so please ask if the dates outlined do not work for you.

Included
Riding; seven nights accommodation (4 nights for Valley of Vienne); all meals; aperitif; wine and coffee with dinner; riding and guiding.

Not Included
Travel to France, Tips and Transfers. You can travel to Poitiers and Limoges by air, ferry or train. Return transfers from both cities are $50 USD* (€35) per person.

The minimum number of guests for the Monts de Blond ride, Land of Two Rivers ride and Pilgrim Trail to run is usually three. However if there are only two riders booked the ride date will run, but with a modified itinerary which includes two days of riding from La Vallee des Cerfs and a four day trek.

Sample France Riding Holiday Itinerary

Day One

You should aim to arrive at La Vallee des Cerfs after 4 p.m. This afternoon you will have time to settle into your room. If the weather is warm, you may like to have a swim in the pool.

In the evening have dinner together with your hosts and learn about the week ahead.

Over night at Cerfcheval.

Day Two

This morning you will meet your horse. Get to know your mount as you groom and tack-up. Your guide will be on hand should you require assistance with this.

Get to know your horse in the arena. First you will do some groundwork. Under the guidance of Anne, ask your horse to back-up, go sideways and practice leading. On mounting, your guide will put you through your paces in walk, trot and canter.

Have lunch at Cerfcheval, made with local produce.

In the afternoon, ride along the paths of “Le Petit Suisse”, the numerous hills of the southern Vienne region. These hills are the beginning of the main mountain ranges in France, the Massif Central. Ride through the small village of Mouterre and pass through some fords. Journey past isolated sheep farms and old oak trees.

Day Three

This morning, ride in the direction of L’Isle Jourdain, the main village of the area. Join the Vienne River and pass over the viaduct which gives some really nice views over the river. Stop in L’Isle Jourdain to visit the village on foot. Have lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, ride along the old railway line which should allow for the occasional canter. Return by small paths through fields of cattle and sheep with lovely views.

Day Four

Today you will leave for your three day trek. Prepare your horses with saddle bags and the things you will need for the day. Your luggage will be transported by car.

Leave Cerfcheval behind and look forward to your three day horse ride through the beautiful Vienne region. Picnic by the side of a pond in Adriers, with good views stretching to the village and its church beyond.

This evening, overnight at a guesthouse in the village of Moulismes. Dinner will be made with lots of local produce. The horse will overnight in a field, with big oak trees to rest under.

Day Five

Set off from your guesthouse after breakfast. Ride through woodlands and pass by a reserve for white herons who fish in the lakes of the surrounding area. The landscape is less hilly today and so there should be the chance for some canters. Ride to Saulgé village and have lunch on the banks of the Gartempe River. Depending on the conditions, you may have the chance to splash about in the river with your horse.

In the afternoon, follow the path of the river. You may catch sight of some castles and old mill houses. Ride in the direction of Les Bordes farm, where you will overnight.

Dinner and overnight at Les Bordes farm.

Day Six

After breakfast, set off on your ride back to Cerfcheval. Pass through the village of Saint Remy, ride in sight of lakes and woods.

Close to your picnic spot, there are a lot of lakes where fish are bred. After lunch, ride along some lovely paths through fields and woodland.

Dinner and overnight at Cerfcheval.

Day Seven

Circular ride from Cerfcheval. You may return to the farm for lunch, or perhaps have a picnic out on the trail.

Dinner and overnight at Cerfcheval.

Day Eight

After breakfast, transfer back to Poitiers for your flight home.

*This itinerary is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are subject to changes due to the weather, the trip guide's discretion and other factors. 

Short Riding Vacations

These Short Riding Vacations consist of a four night ride. Stay the first night at Cerfcheval and then set off on a three day trek through the Vienne region, staying at two different guesthouses en route. Your last night is back at Cerfcheval.

Contact us for dates and rates! In addition to the set dates you'll see listed with itineraries, trail riding vacations can also be customized for a minimum of three people. Additional dates may also be possible for these Cerfcheval riding vacations, so please ask if the dates outlined do not work for you.

Sample Short Riding Vacation Itinerary
Day One

Aim to arrive at Cerfcheval after 4 p.m. Settle in to your room and meet the horses. If there is time, you may have a short introductory ride. In the evening have dinner with your hosts and take a look at the maps to see where the ride will take you. Overnight at Cerfcheval.

Day Two

Ride in the direction of Moulismes, passing the highest point in the Vienne region. Stop for a picnic lunch in Adriers, a small village at the side of a lake. Overnight in gîte accommodation; your hosts this evening breed chicken, duck and geese.

Day Three

Take a ride through lovely woodland tracks in the morning, stopping for lunch in a local restaurant. Later, take your horse splashing through the Gartempe River and then follow its course. Pass by old mills and castle ruins. Overnight in gîte accommodation, with a swimming pool.

Day Four

Ride through the hills of the Vienne and stop for a picnic lunch at the side of a lake. Later, cross the River Blourde and its tributaries. Overnight at Cerfcheval.

Day Five

After breakfast, transfer back to Poitiers for your flight home.

*This itinerary is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are subject to changes due to the weather, the trip guide's discretion and other factors. 
 

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Traveler Reviews

What an amazing week. I still can't believe that we achieved so much. There were so many amazing moments. Our hosts were always wonderful; including us in their lives. The rides out are through beautiful and varied countryside. There are miles of wide bridleways and stunning views across tree-filled valleys. There is also the odd château to look out for.
-- Alex, United Kingdom

Reading List

Good Books for Horse Lovers and Equestrians

Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior (Paperback) by Temple Grandin
Philosophers and scientists have long wondered what goes on in the minds of animals, and this fascinating study gives a wealth of illuminating insights into that mystery. ---Publishers Weekly

The Horse: A Miscellany of Equine Knowledge (Hardcover) by Julie Whitaker with Ian Whitelaw
The Horse is an informative gallop through everything to do with the horse:  evolution, history, biology, breeds, behavior, training, competition, health, and care—all gathered into an accessible gallery of solid information, essential facts, and fascinating trivia.                                                           

Hunter Seat Equitation (Hardcover) by George H. Morris
A classic by a world-renowned teacher and master equestrian--the definitive work on the art of teaching and riding the hunter seat, now updated to include refinements in Morris's insightful program of riding instruction.

The New Encyclopedia of the Horse (Hardcover) by Elwyn Hartley Edwards
Chronicling the history of the horse, this guide encompasses the early domestication of the horse, classical riding styles, as well as a survey of the great stud farms and current international sporting events.