Lot Valley, France
Reviews
“Each day brought a new trail and each trail was a new adventure that makes you want more.”
Horses
Type of horses:
Mixture of breeds and types - Thoroughbreds, Lusitano x, Anglo, Spanish, Paint, Trotter, Merens and other French regional types.
Nature of horses:
Well schooled, responsive horses for all personalities and experience. They are all sure-footed, and loyal.
Height of horses:
13 hh to 16.2 hh
Weight limit:
100 kg.
Tack type:
English tack
Weather
Current Conditions:
Fair, 21 C
Forecast:
Sat - Rain/Thunder. High: 30 Low: 19
Sun - Partly Cloudy. High: 28 Low: 18
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Tailor Made Programme
As featured in the Horse Deals magazine Issue 96 March 2009, page 58.
Holidays are all inclusive - accommodation, all food, all drink (including soft drinks, beers & wines) and all riding. Should the group ride to a restaurant for lunch, the cost will be covered. As a reduction for non-riders is offered, the cost of entry fees to visitor attractions etc is not included.
Adults £115.00 per night.
Children £95.00 per night.
Non-riding partners and guests £95.00 per night.
Transfers from Toulouse or Rodez airport are available. Toulouse is £130.00 return up to a party of four. Rodez is £50 return for a party of up to four.
French Festive Fun - Christmas Programme
£138.00 per person, per night for Christmas eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Eve and New years Day, this will include full board accommodation, guided rides, champagne, high quality gifts and other festive extras, as per itinerary.
All other nights will remain at the normal price:
Adults £115.00 per night.
Children £95.00 per night.
Non-riding partners and guests £90.00 per night.
All inclusive - accommodation, all food, all drink (including soft drinks, beers & wines) and all riding. Should the group ride to a restaurant for lunch, the cost will be covered. As a reduction for non-riders is offered, the cost of entry fees to visitor attractions etc is not included.
Mid Summer Night rides
As per tailor made programme.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
Take the opportunity to relax and unwind in the charming environment of Asprieres, a small village in the Aveyron. Not only the perfect setting for a chance to unwind but a time to experience the fun and excitement of riding in such a beautiful setting.
The countryside here allows the rider to trek through beautiful and unspoilt woodlands, with an abundance of fascinating wildlife, to follow the rivers and gorges down into the valleys and to canter over rolling landscapes. There are enchanting villages to be explored and much to be experienced here. The local wildlife, often seen, includes deer, wild boar, red squirrel, hares, buzzards and kites.
The hosts are English but have lived in France for many years. Their knowledge of the area allows them to provide a wonderful experience for both riders and non-riders alike and they can provide excellent communication in both English and French. Derek is a farrier and has vast experience with horses - his family are known on the show-jumping and horse-ball circuit in the South of France.
The horses here live an enjoyable and natural life. They live out all year round on good, sheltered grazing and all have hard feed and as much hay as they need. They are let loose in temporarily taped off areas during lunchtime stops so that they may enjoy a well earned rest. All horses are inspected annually by the Jeunesse des Sport for their health and suitability.
This holiday is comfortable and enjoyable with the hosts adding a real personal touch to everything. Food and drinks are included and to the highest standards and both riders and non-riders are catered for wonderfully. Time spent riding is lead by the desires of the guests and they are welcome to ride for the whole day which is usually about five hours all in all. Those who wish to ride less are welcome and ride lengths can be tailored to suit the individual members of parties, though all try to meet for the enjoyable lunchtime picnics. The horses are handpicked by Derek for their abilities and character so that all riders may enjoy the comfort of a well trained and good spirited companion.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Here you will find Gîte accommodation, which features a communal kitchen and dining area, two twin bedrooms with a shower room, and two double bedrooms with shower room. .
The accommodation here presents a tradition country style that is light and airy to match the renowned calming ambience of Asprieres. All towels, bed linen and a hair dryer are provided and the gîtes are cleaned daily. There is a beautiful pool surrounded by a tiled terrace, with sun loungers, and patio furniture. There is also an outdoor shower, toilet, utility area and barbecue.
You will also find wireless internet connection here and washing facilities.
All food and drink is provided and being that food is a big part of the French way of life, nothing is different here. All tastes and requirements are catered for, including vegetarian and vegan diets, to the best standard. Breakfast is enjoyed in the gîte or it maybe enjoyed in your own time, either around the big family table in the kitchen or out on the terrace.
Lunch is taken at a leisurely pace to allow time for a rest and some relaxation for both you and your horse before the afternoon ride. It may be served on the terrace or, should you be out riding at lunchtime, it is provided 'en route' in the style of a delicious picnic featuring local foods and wines. The horses also enjoy their own picnic as the sites are chosen so that they may be temporarily fenced off - this allows the horses to have a roll and be fed and watered at their own leisure. Lunch is delivered to the sites by a 4x4 and trailer and chairs, a table and cloth etc are all brought along. Should the group ride to a restaurant for lunch to enjoy a change, the cost will be covered.
When you return from your day of riding, you are provided with cold drinks and snacks. In the evening, a sumptuous four course dinner with wine is served to bring your day to the perfect end.
Activities
For the non-riders or those who want a break from the saddle, there are several available activities. These include mountain biking, fishing, golf, walking and visits to the beautiful surrounding villages. The pool allows for a gentle swim and those interested may also enjoy watching the variety of local wildlife such as deer, wild boar, red squirrel, hares, buzzards and kites.
Further Details
Languages: English, French.
Health requirements: General good health and fitness.
Age limit: None.
Tuition: Yes, They now offer instruction with a qualified English instructor by prior arrangement
Included: Accommodation, all food and drink (inc. soft drinks, wines and beers) and all riding.
Not included: Entry fees to visitor attractions etc for non-riders.
Travel Information
Frequent flights available to both Rodez and Toulouse. The hosts can meet you at the airport or you are welcome to hire your own vehicle should you prefer (off-road parking is available).
Transfers from Toulouse or Rodez airport are available. Toulouse is £130.00 return up to a party of four. Rodez is £50 return for a party of up to four.
Airport: Rodez
Alternative Airport: Toulouse
Programmes
Tailor Made Programme
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The time spent riding here can be catered to suit the guests but a typical day is as follows: The group may ride for between two or three hours in the morning, exploring the stunning Aveyronese countryside and wandering through the forests and perhaps down into the river valley. There are opportunities for the more adventurous to have a canter along the paths or open fields before it is time for the gourmet picnic lunch, consisting of home cooked food using fresh local produce and regional wines. When the horses and riders are feeling rested and refreshed, the ride continues with enthusiasm on into the afternoon. You will enjoy seeing a lot of the countryside and local culture on horseback but should you prefer sightseeing, visiting local places of interest or just a change one day, this is offered as well. Please Note: They now offer instruction with a qualified English instructor by prior arrangement. This ride was featured in the Horse Deals magazine Issue 96 March 2009, page 58. |
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| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | All abilities are provided for. |
| Type of ride: | Trail. |
| Total riding time: | Up to 5 hours per day. |
| Departure dates: | Dates to suit. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
French Festive Fun - Christmas Programme
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This programme was a great success last year and a whole lot fun, so don't miss out this year!! Come and join the team at the Lot Valley to enjoy the festive season in this family atmosphere. During this festive period you will enjoy morning group rides, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, a murder mystery evening, Champagne breakfast with special Christmas gifts and a traditional Christmas dinner. For the three days of the Christmas itinerary, they will guide an interesting shorter ride, up to half day. The rest of the day will be spent taking part in festive activities and enjoying larger home-cooked midday meals in this cosy, family environment. New Years Eve and New Years Day will also follow a similar format. All other days will be in the normal format and will consist of tailored riding hours to suit guests and weather conditions. Christmas Eve: Today you will enjoy a pre-Christmas ride, lunch and festive activities. The evening will be festive party time. You will enjoy the Lot Valley Christmas party, Champagne toasts a festive buffet and carols. Christmas Day: On this Christmas morning you will enjoy a Champagne breakfast and a morning ride. This will be followed by mulled wine and roasted chestnuts and a delicious traditional, home-cooked Christmas dinner. The afternoon will run through into the relaxed evening with after dinner games, a light supper and wine a plenty. Boxing Day: Today will start with a Lot Valley hair of the dog (Bucks Fizz and Continental breakfast). This will be followed by a morning ride, yummy hot mince pies and hot festive punch. The evening will consist of festive fare and Mas De Clamouze murder mystery. New Years Eve : Today you will enjoy a half day ride, lunch and in the evening you can look forward to a gourmet dinner, where you can enjoy fine wines, champagne and a fireworks display. New Years Day : The day will start with a Lot Valley hair of the dog, this will be followed by a mounted treasure hunt and winter picnic. This evening you will enjoy a delicious home-cooked, traditional French meal and wine. Guests can still arrive and leave flexibly as they wish and still get loads of riding in too! |
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| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | All abilities are provided for. |
| Type of ride: | Based |
| Total riding time: | Up to half day rides during the festive day and up to five hours on normal days |
| Departure dates: | To suit |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Mid Summer Night rides
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This fantastic programme offers an exciting and romantic adventure for one month only! Both horse and rider will enjoy this adventure immensely, and you will be inspired by the wild and romantic nature of the Aveyron. The following (optional) ride, is available for the month of June 2009……. A Mid Summer Nights Dream! After relaxing by the pool in the sunshine and enjoying a leisurely lunch on the terrace at the head of the valley during the day. You will groom and tack up your horse and leave the base as the sun cools and dusk starts to fall. You will wind down through the valley and explore the surrounding area accompanied by the hooting of owls and glimpses of the wildlife that often hide away from the heat of the day. Eventually you will find your way to a clearing under the stars where you will turn the horses away for the night before enjoying an alfresco meal under the stars, served around a roaring bonfire. This is a unique opportunity for most riders, as there are very few places where you can access miles upon miles of safe off road trails offering the chance to enjoy a real adventure. The riding will be entirely off road and will be over terrain that the horses are familiar with to ensure absolute safety. At the end of the trip they will return you safely to your accommodation to enjoy the rest of the night in the comfort of your chamber. The night rides are optional and will be limited in availability, so please enquire when you book if you would particularly like to experience one of these magical evenings. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | novice and above |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | |
| Departure dates: | June 2009 only: One night in every week. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |