An unguided horseback riding trip in the rugged countryside of France near the Spanish border is the ultimate adventure for experienced riders who are prepared to take full responsibility for themselves and their horses.
It is a chance to do your own exploring in a beautiful, mountainous area redolent of history. The route is carefully mapped out and arrangements made for riders and horses to spend each night in comfortable lodgings with excellent dinners, traveling about 15-20 miles daily.
A minimum of two riders traveling together is required.
Arrive at the farm in Granes in the afternoon where you meet your horse and have an orientation and description of the ride. Dinner and overnight at the center.
Granes. Today is a ‘test’ ride with a guide to see how well riders read their maps, handle their horses while riding, and on the ground, and to determine if tomorrow they strike off on their own! Ride through woods past the mysterious village of Rennes-le-Château. After a picnic lunch, return to Granes through a green oak forest for dinner and overnight as on the previous night.
Granes to Puivert (about 5 hours). Traverse the upper valley of the Aude River studded with vineyards and arrive on the plateau of Puivert. Cross the plateau and ride right up into the courtyard of the castle ruin where the traveling troubadours used to enchant the lords of the castle with their songs and tales. Overnight lodging is in the village nearby.
Puivert to Labau (5 to 6 hours). Today’s route goes through the forest of Picaussel with its huge hemlock, deciduous and pine trees, climbing to a lake, then down through forests and clearings to the ancient village of Labau on the side of a hill.
Labau to Ayguebonnes (5 hours). Follow the valley of Rebenty where there are some good places to canter and you will begin to really appreciate the qualities of your horse. You have a chance to visit another famous castle called Puylaurens perched high on a mountain, almost in the clouds, which is a textbook example of military architecture. Spend the night in a farmhouse where the owners raise cattle.
Ayguebonnes to Bouchard (6+ hours the longest day). After crossing the valley of Fenouilledes with its small castles, you will ride up to the plateau of Malabrac at the base of Bugarach Peak (4,500 ft.) and then down to the Bouchard estate where it may be possible to see deer and wild boar. Overnight at Bouchard.
Bouchard to Granes (5 hours). Ride through the reserve with deer and wild boar, following the valley of Bugarach at the north base of Bugarach Peak, and on through pine, beech and oak forest, following a small valley with large calcareous rocks before returning to your starting point in Granes.
Depart after breakfast.
This itinerary is flexible. Changes may occur due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Tell us more about your riding experience and trip preferences below so we may find the perfect options to meet your needs. We will research availability and get back to you with a booking confirmation detailing suggested departure, cost and extended ride itinerary.
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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This is my 4th ride. I loved all, but this one was tops! Really LOVED it!! The outfitter is very pleasant and accommodating. All of the hosts were excellent, very caring and willing to visit.
Sally Rice, 2011
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