Livradois Forez, France
Overview
Programmes
Horses
Type of horses:
Haflingers, Arab, Appaloosa
Nature of horses:
Horses to suit all abilities. Kind temperament
Number of horses:
10
Height of horses:
14 - 16 hh
Weight limit:
85 kg
Tack type:
English or Western and Trail
Pricing
Livradois Forez Trail
Price includes all riding and accommodation on a full board basis.
The price for this trail is £595.
Marguerite Based Ride
Price includes all riding and accommodation on a full board basis. Non riders are also welcome.
The price of this ride is £520
The price for non riders is £330
Marguerite Half Week Ride
Price includes all riding and accommodation on a full board basis. Non riders are also welcome.
The price for this trail is £325
The price for non riders is £195
Star Week Long Package
Price includes all riding and accommodation on a full board basis. Non riders are also welcome.
The price for this week is £545
The price for non riders is £345
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
The Auvergne is a region known for its exceptional natural environment, a rugged landscape where water springs forth from the outcrops of rock formed by the lava flow of ancient volcanoes. The mountains have acquired various unique features, This region, although it is in the centre of the country, was long cut off from the rest of France because of the lack of roads and railways. It is an area of immense natural unspoilt beauty perfect for exploring on horseback. The small seemingly isolated town of Ambert lies in the middle of a low wide plain between the Livradois and Forez mountains.
In these lovely surroundings just 5 km from Ambert we offer a based holiday suitable for all the family allowing riders and non riders to enjoy a quiet relaxing holiday and enjoy the first class hospitality of your Dutch hosts. Monique and Maurice moved to this area in 1999 and since then have carefully renovated their 100 year old traditional farmhouse to provide a beautiful home for themselves and wonderful facilities for their guests. The farmhouse is situated at an altitude of 720m in the beautiful Monts du Livradois, 80 km south east of Clermont Ferrand overlooking the valley of the River Dore and the mountains of the Forez Regional National Park. The farmhouse is surrounded by five acres of pasture with stunning views all around.
Your accommodation is in one of the bedrooms in the farmhouse. There are four bedrooms one with a double bed and three with twin beds. All are simply but comfortably furnished in typical French style. Whilst the bedrooms have no en-suite facilities, there are excellent new shower and toilet facilities. The clients have the use of a comfortably furnished lounge. The garden is perfect for sunbathing, relaxing with a book and enjoying a glass of wine.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation is in a farmhouse tastefully modernised by your hosts with a large lounge with a feature fireplace and very comfortable seating ideal for rest and relaxation after a long day's riding. The double bedrooms are simply but very tastefully furnished with wonderful views of the countryside.
Full breakfast. Picnic lunch and three course dinners including wine. Unlimited tea and coffee. Vegetarians catered for.
Activities
Non riders will also enjoy this leisurely break. There is much to do in the area including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, delta air, para-gliding, swimming, museums, castles and trips to the city. There is the Livradois-Forez tourist train and a Parc Zoologique for the children nearby. Also non riders are driven to join the picnic lunch with the riders.
The local town of Ambert has much to offer. Visitors will enjoy a pleasant stroll through the historic centre which has retained some of its timber framed houses. There are many interesting shops including one offering a tantalizing choice of cheeses including the local specialiity Fourme d’Ambert There is also a museum devoted to cheese making.
Further Details
Languages: Your hosts speak English and your guides will be fluent in English, Dutch and French
Health requirements: No special vaccinations are required. We recommend a reasonable level of fitness.
Age limit: No children under 12 unless by prior arrangement 14 and over for trails
Tuition: No. Riders need to be comfortable in trot and canter to enjoy this ride.
Included: Transfer to and from Ambert.
Not included: Transfer
Travel Information
Transfers are available on request:
St. Etienne - 50 euros single per car
Vichy Railway Station - 40 euros single per car
Thiers Bus Station - 20 euros single per car
For those who prefer the train - Clermont Ferrand is four hours from Paris on the Eurostar, There are regular Eurostar to Paris trains from London and Ashford. There is a bus to Ambert.
Airport: Lyon
Alternative Airport: Clermont Ferrand (CFE)
Programmes
Livradois Forez Trail
|
Saturday Arrive late afternoon to settle in your accommodation at the farmhouse where you will spend the night. After a welcome drink and a delicious dinner at the comfortable farmhouse you will have the chance to discuss the programme amongst your new friends. Sunday After a good healthy breakfast in the farmhouse, you will be introduced to your horse and get to know the other riders. You then embark on a three hour ride in the surrounding countryside. This will give you a chance to make sure you are happy with your horse. Drinks and dinner await in the evening accompanied, of course, by a chance to reminisce about the day with your companions. You will sleep once again the peace and quiet of the farmhouse. Monday Today you leave for the four day trail up into the mountains of the Forez. This is a challenging trail taking you to heights of up to 1650 metres through rocky terrain, steep tracks and crossing small streams. This is the night you will be camping in two man tents, however, warm showers and toilets are available. Tuesday Today you will leave for the "Col de Beal" a completely different world with ground conditions perfectly comfortable for fast gallops. All your stress with disappear, only fresh air, you and your horse. No tent tonight you will sleep at the "Jas du Mas" a very comfortable gite where you will experience local hospitality and good food and wine. Wednesday Today your horse will take you past the lake "Pradeaux", through the beautiful highlands here nature is at its best. In the late afternoon you will arrive at an old watermill (the Pacros) where you will stay for the night. This mill accommodation is excellent and you will spend a comfortable night here. Thursday After breakfast you will ride into the valley of the River Dore and climb up into the dark forest of the "Champetieres". You will arrive back at the farmhouse in the afternoon - tired but content. Friday You will enjoy a day off at the farmhouse before returning to the 'real world' on Saturday. Today you can relax and enjoy the surroundings. Tonight you will enjoy a farewell dinner and reminisce over the week with your new friends. Saturday Departure |
|
| Accommodation: | Nights one and two are spent at the comfortable farmhouse. Night three is camping in tent (two persons) so you will need a sleeping bag. There are warm showers and toilets here. Night four is spent at "Jas du Mas" which is a comfortable gite. Night five is spent at a watermill called the "Moulin du Pacros" a very comfortable establishment. |
| Minimum group size: | 4 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Experienced riders who are riding fit |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 23 hours |
| Departure dates: | 5-12 July (one place left) 19-26 July, 2-9 August, 23-31 August (arrival 15.00 departure 12.00). |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Marguerite Based Ride
|
This is a week long package which is flexible. You ride with an experienced guide in small groups on well trained horses who are familiar with their environment enabling you to relax and enjoy both your ride and the natural beauty of the surroundings. Trekking on the trails through the Livradois Forest offers adventurous riding for both you and your horse. You will encounter steep rock ascents and descents, mountain streams and rides through pine forests and fields discovering tiny picturesque villages.Because of the challenging nature of the ride our horses are sure footed and ridden on a long rein to enable them to find their way safely and securely across the varied and sometimes difficult terrain. |
|
| Accommodation: |
Accommodation is at the stone built farmhouse surrounded by pastures ensuring privacy, tranquility and stunning views of the Livradois mountains The farmhouse has been tastefully modernised by your hosts with a large lounge with a feature fireplace and very comfortable seating ideal for rest and relaxation after a long day's riding. The double bedrooms are simply but very tastefully furnished with wonderful views of the countryside. |
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate. Riders must be competent in walk, trot and canter. |
| Type of ride: | Trails |
| Total riding time: | One half and four whole days riding (approximately 23 hours) |
| Departure dates: | Saturday to Saturday (arrival 15.00 departure 12.00). |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Marguerite Half Week Ride
|
This is a mid week package inclusive of four nights and two whole days and one half day of riding. You ride with an experienced guide in small groups on well trained horses who are familiar with their environment enabling you to relax and enjoy both your ride and the natural beauty of the surroundings, Trekking on the trails through the Livradois Forest offers adventurous riding for both you and your horse. You wil encounter steep rock ascents and descents, mountain streams and rides through pine forests and fields discovering tiny picturesque villages. Because of the challenging nature of the ride our horses are sure footed and ridden on a long rein to enable them to find their way safely and securely across the varied and sometimes difficult terrain. Non riders welcome. Activities in the area include mountain biking, rock climbing, delta air, para-gliding, swimming, museums, castles and trips to the city. There is the Livradois-Forez tourist train and a Parc Zoologique for the children. |
|
| Accommodation: |
Accommodation is at the stone built farmhouse surrounded by pastures ensuring privacy, tranquility and stunning views of the Livradois mountains The farmhouse has been tastefully modernised by your hosts with a large lounge with a feature fireplace and very comfortable seating ideal for rest and relaxation after a long day's riding. The double bedrooms are simply but very tastefully furnished with wonderful views of the countryside. |
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate - riders must be competent in walk, trot and canter. |
| Type of ride: | Trails |
| Total riding time: | 13 hours |
| Departure dates: | Saturday arrive 15.00 depart Wednesday 12.00. Departure dates between 1 April and 1 November 2008 |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Star Week Long Package
|
This is a week long package which is flexible. You ride with an experienced guide in small groups on well trained horses who are familiar with their environment enabling you to relax and enjoy both your ride and the natural beauty of the surroundings. On the Star Week Package we can offer you a two day trail where you sleep in a very comfortable auberge one day's ride from the farmhouse and you will return the following day. There are bedrooms at the auberge but you will need to bring a sleeping bag for this night. Trekking on the trails through the Livradois Forest offers adventurous riding for both you and your horse. You will encounter steep rock ascents and descents, mountain streams and rides through pine forests and fields discovering tiny picturesque villages. Because of the challenging nature of the ride our horses are sure footed and ridden on a long rein to enable them to find their way safely and securely across the varied and sometimes difficult terrain. |
|
| Accommodation: |
Accommodation is at the stone built farmhouse surrounded by pastures ensuring privacy, tranquility and stunning views of the Livradois mountains. The farmhouse has been tastefully modernised by your hosts with a large lounge with a feature fireplace and very comfortable seating ideal for rest and relaxation after a long day's riding. The double bedrooms are simply but very tastefully furnished with wonderful views of the countryside. On the trail overnight accommodation is an old watermill one day's ride from the farmhouse. |
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate. Riders must be competent in walk, trot and canter. Minimum age 12 years |
| Type of ride: | Trails |
| Total riding time: | 23 hours |
| Departure dates: | Saturday to Saturday (arrival 15.00 departure 12.00). Departure dates 1 April - 1 November 2008 |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |