Ride Description

This Chateau is the perfect retreat with spectacular and unspoilt natural beauty. Ideal if you are looking for something a little special in wonderful surroundings with excellent facilities, good company and a friendly atmosphere. Here you have the ideal place for a horse riding holiday. The horses range from pure Spanish dressage to Irish hunters.

In season hunting can be arranged with the Pau hunt. Whether you choose a gentle hack to take in the beautiful countryside, galloping in the vast open fields, cross-country or prefer jumping, you will be more than satisfied. Lessons are also offered to those who may not be so confident so you are able to make the most of fine horses and fantastic countryside. This is your holiday and your hosts firmly believe in their guests having a choice, setting a pace and having an all round amazing experience. This is why this ride is tailor made to suit your needs and most importantly your wishes.

Food & Accommodation

The Chateau built in the 17th Century was renovated in 1816 and was a family home for many generations. It is situated at the end of a long drive of linden trees and this impressive residence is flanked by two towers. It offers an exceptionally high standard of comfort and caters for the eccentric as well as those who are seeking tranquility.

Once inside, a vast hall decorated with ancient engravings and a grand staircase leads to a long corridor with a waxed parquet floor allowing access to the first floor bedrooms.

There are five spacious guestrooms stylishly furnished with French antiques, each with en-suite bathrooms as well as other comfortable accommodation. All of the guestrooms have tea and coffee making facilities and overlook the beautiful landscaped grounds of the Chateau and some with views of the Pyrenees,

From May there will be some new accommodation available adjoining the Chateau with ensuite facilities finished to a high standard.

The dining room is classically decorated and boasts an open fireplace. The country kitchen is in the heart of the castle and in the winter months, the large open fire creates a feeling of warmth and harmony. There is also a wonderful terrace.

Next to horses, good food and excellent wine is a passion of your hosts and is always sublime. All food is prepared using high quality fresh local produce and an array of courses makes your stay here a truly decadent one. Your host will produce the most amazing meal after which you can sample the famous local Armagnac which is still produced according to ancient techniques.

However those wishing to explore the area in order to experience local cuisine need not worry. Your hosts at the chateau invite you to dine with them as little or many evenings as you wish allowing you to sample the area's restaurants and share in local culture.

The terrace with its beautiful surroundings is wonderful for breakfast "al fresco" in the sunny mornings and is also an ideal place in the long warm summer evenings to dine under the stars by soft candlelight. In the kitchen you will be invited for a pre dinner cocktail with hors d'oeuvre and have the chance to chat about your days' activities.

Activities

There are many activities available whilst staying here. For those who prefer two wheels to four legs there are various bicycles which you may use for as long as you like to explore the lush country side and quaint local villages. All guests are invited to take a swim in the pool situated amoungst the picturesque gardens.Non swimmers may prefer just to unwind, take it easy and soak up the rays on a sun lounger.

Tennis courts are available for guests in the local village at no charge whilst badminton and volleyball can be played on the lawns of the Château. The Chateau has its own boulle/petanc pitch situated near to the swimming pool. There is golf, fishing and when appropriate skiing nearby.

Why not take your time and see this charming area by foot. The Chateau is surrounded by forest trails and parkland. After walking around the grounds of the château (6 hectares / 15 acres) you may like to embark on a leisurely stroll through the country lanes and admire the exquisite landscapes with blankets of yellow sunflowers, vineyards and pastures. In the autumn months when the forest green turns to gold and early morning mists shroud the hills, you can admire the wild goats and pick mushrooms. For the wine connoisseur, we offer a guided tour of the Madiran vineyards, sure to capture your interest.

Horses

Type of horses: Irish Sport Horses and hunters

Nature of horses: Well behaved and well schooled

Number of horses: 12

Height of horses: 15hh - 16.2hh

Weight limit: 102 kg

Tack type: English tack which is maintained to a high standard

Further Details

Languages: English, French and Spanish

Health requirements: None

Age limit: None

Tuition: Yes

Included: Food, accommodation, riding as arranged

Not included: Transfers

Travel Information

Pau is the nearest airport and there are daily flights from Stansted and Gatwick with Ryanair. Ryanair now fly from Bristol in to Pau. We can arrange transfer from the airport which will cost approximately 50 euros each way. Alternatively car rental is extremely reasonable. Please contact us to help with your arrangements.

Airport: Pau

Chateau Based Stay

Château Maubourget offers something more - the owners' speciality is horses! Whether you are interested in dressage, show jumping or cross country riding, this is the place to come for great riding. Guests can be beginners or proficient riders or at any level in between, and the château always has at least a dozen horses available from Spanish, Portuguese and French horses to their specialty horses - Irish Hunters. Equestrians will delight in the variety of activities available to them as guests of the château.

For all guests, regional attractions include visits to wineries, treks into the local towns and cities such as Pau or Tarbes, or pilgrimages to Lourdes. But those who stay at Château may find the temptation of the horses too much to resist, so riding lessons or recreational outings on horseback may occupy much of their time.

Minimum group size: 1

Maximum group size: 6

Ability description: Beginner to experienced.

Type of ride: Trail and tuition

Total riding time: Tailor made to suit

Departure dates: Departure dates all year to suit

Pricing: Programmes are designed to suit and are priced accordingly depending on riding, accommodation and meal choices.

1st September - 31 December 2008

Per night for 2 people £75
Per night 3 people (suite) £90
Per night 4 people (suite) £100

1st January - 1st September 2008

Per night 2 people £80
Per night 3 people (suite) £92
Per night 4 people (suite) £105

Extra Bed £15
Cot £11

Please note the above accommodation prices are inclusive of breakfast.

Dinner per person (adult) £25
Dinner per person (child) £15

Horse riding (per hour) £24

Bikes per half day £13

Hunting

Whilst you enjoy your stay at the Chateau - you have the opportunity to go drag hunting in this wonderful countryside. Fast riding for two to three hours on a fabulous fit horse returning to the Chateau for welcome drinks and the customary hospitality which is extended to you here.

Minimum group size: 1

Maximum group size: 8

Ability description: Experienced confident riders

Type of ride: Fast Paced

Total riding time: 2-3 hours

Departure dates: 1st October - 31st March

Pricing: Drag Hunting
£70 hunt fees and £85 for your horse in addition to the usual accommodation costs. Please contact the office for other details of other hunting days.