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Horseback Riding in France

Normandy Ride

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Overview

This area on the Normandy coast is well suited for a riding tour with some fine opportunities for beach galloping and history galore.

It has special significance for Americans because it was here at Omaha Beach that our soldiers successfully made the D Day invasion which was a great turning point of the Second World War.  Our bloody victory came at a great cost, as some 10,000 American soldiers are buried nearby.  As you canter along the beach you can still see the formidable German fortifications built to repel the invasion and the sight cannot fail to fill your heart with pride.

The lodgings on this ride are mostly historic estates and chateaux, each of which is interesting in its own way.  You will have a chance to canter on the beach below the Abby/Fortress of Mont St. Michel, one of the most spectacular fortresses in Europe, built on a rocky promontory at the end of a long tidal peninsula.  At low tide you can walk there, but at high tide it is surrounded by  water, making it almost impregnable against attack.

Accommodations

Accommodation ranges from chateaux to coastal hotels. All combine charm and comfort, with private bathrooms.

Meals & Drink

Food is of the traditional style of the region, with picnic lunches, and gourmet dinners.

Ride & Horse Details

  • Overview:
    The mixed breed horses used on this ride are well suited to their environment. These hardy horses are a variety of breeds: Camargue, Arab, Selle Francais, Thoroughbred, French Trotter and Spanish cross horses standing 14-15.5 hh. They are chosen for their temperament, hardiness and comfort. English saddles are used along with a few trekking saddles.
  • Horse Breeds:
    Hardy local breeds, like Camargue, cob, Selle Francais. Arabian, Thoroughbred, draft crosses as well.
  • Trip Pace:
    Moderate to fast
  • Tack:
    English
  • Weight limit:
    205 lbs

Meeting Point

Bayeux

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Bayeux

Arrive at Chateau de Bellefontaine in Bayeux. Meet your guide and the group at 7pm for a briefing and dinner.

Day 2

Collevile - Omaha Beach

AM – start the first ride by the cliffs according to the tide, passing through Normand countryside to reach the famous Omaha beach. Hopefully you’ll experience a great canter on the beach before lunch in a local restaurant. About 2 hrs riding.
PM – Ride with great views of the sea and more beach canters according to the tide before visiting the WWII American Cemetery. About 1.5 hrs riding.

Dinner and overnight at Chateau de Bellefontaine

Day 3

Omaha Beach - Arromanches

AM – Ride along the cliffs and the countryside of Colleville and along Omaha beach. Lunch in a local restaurant near the bacl. About 2 hrs riding.
PM – Continue riding with the fabulous ocean views from the cliffs to arrive in Arromanches, where you can see the famous WWII Mulberry port. About 2 hrs riding.

Dinner and overnight at La Marine hotel in Arromanches

Day 4

Arromanches - Ryes - Cruelly

AM – This morning’s ride will contineu on the cliffs above the beach and through the rolling hills. Visit the village of Ryes and its  churches there from the XI and XIII century before lunch in a local restaurant. About 2 hrs riding.
PM – Ride to the old city of Cruelly. Visit the medieval chateau de Cruelly, from which the BBC reported the Normandy battle of 1944. About 2 hrs riding.

Dinner and overnight at La Marine hotel in Arromanches

Day 5

Bayeux - Saint Lo

AM – Visit the Bayeux cathedral, which houses the famous tapestry from the 11th century listed as a “Memory of the World” by UNESCO. Transfer by car to Saint Low, followed by lunch in a local restaurant.
PM – Ride in the Saint Lo countryside and  visit Haras de Saint Lo, a farm at the heart of Selle Francais breeding. Transfer by car to Manoir du Brion in Mont Saint Michel Bay, where French kings stayed for their pilgrimage to Mont Saint Michel abbey. About 1.5 hrs riding.

Dinner and overnight at Manoir de Brion

Day 6

Mont Saint Michel bay

AM – You’ll be led by a private guide in Mon Saint Michel bay to admire the spectacular views of the monument and the sea. About 4 hrs riding before lunch in local creperie.

PM – Free time in Mont Saint Michel where you will have time to visit the monument or shop.

Dinner and overnight at Manoir de Brion

Day 7

Departure

Breakfast and departure. Transfer to Avranches or TGV Rennes station (transfer not included).

Itinerary Addendum

This itinerary is flexible and changes may occur at the guide's discretion due to the season and weather conditions.

Tour Map

Tour Dates & Pricing

2025 Departure Dates and Pricing Options

Departure Dates

Trip Starts
Trip Ends
Sep 21, 2025
Sep 27, 2025

Pricing & Options

  • Base Price
  • $5,495

  • Single Supplement
  • $845

Additional Pricing Information:
Prices are based on the dollar/euro exchange and are subject to change. Ride price is set, guaranteed, and final at the time deposit is paid.


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Do you have questions about this tour itinerary? Do you want to make sure that this it is the right tour for you? Or are you ready to book? Please call or email our experienced and friendly ride consultants for more detailed information. With first-hand knowledge of the exciting tours we offer, the tour consultants at Equitours look forward to answering any questions you might have

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Contact Megan Barrett

I can't say enough about our hosts, the care and quality of their horses and the lovely rides through the Tuscan beauty. The trails were varied and exhilarating. We rode by villas, castles, through the lovely wooded area of the area. The hosts supplied a villa apartment at the facilities that was so lovely that I could have stayed there permanently. I am a life time equestrian and I due to a back condition have not been able to ride for four years. The hosts accommodated me with shorter rides in walk when my back would no longer take the longer rides. We rode in the mornings and spent the afternoons exploring the medieval quaint towns of the area. This was a perfect experience. I would recommend this tour highly. It was so much fun.

Wenzel, 2018

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