Livradois Forez, France
Reviews
“Fantastic - the best horse riding I've ever done. A great combination of cool forest trails and beautiful scenery. I rode a well mannered, fit, responsive Appaloosa whom I would have loved to own. Monique and Maurice were faultless in the attention they showed to us, Monique prepared a vegetarian option solely for me each meal. I really appreciated her trouble.”
Horses
Type of horses:
Haflingers, Arabs, Appaloosas
Nature of horses:
Horses to suit all abilities. Kind temperaments.
Height of horses:
14 - 16 hh
Weight limit:
85 kg
Tack type:
Trekking/endurance saddles
Weather
Current Conditions:
Unknown, -4 C
Forecast:
Sun - Mostly Clear. High: -4 Low: -12
Mon - Sunny. High: -3 Low: -12
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Livradois Forez Trail
2012 prices: £777 per person based on shared accommodation. Price includes all riding and accommodation on a full board basis.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Marguerite Based Ride
2012 price: £688 per person based on shared accommodation.
Non-riders: £519 per person.
Includes all riding and accommodation on a full board basis. Non riders are also welcome.
Marguerite Half Week Ride
2012 price: £414 per person based on shared accommodation.
Non-riders £261 per person.
Includes all riding and accommodation on a full board basis.
Star Week
2012 Price: £688 per person based on shared accommodation.
Non riders £454
Includes all riding and accommodation on a full board basis.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
The Auvergne is a region known for its exceptional natural beauty - a rugged landscape where water springs from the rocks which were formed by the lava flow of ancient volcanoes. The mountains have acquired various unique features as this region, although 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 perfect for exploring on horseback as there is terrain to challenge both rider and horse but also a sense of escape which comes from being in this glorious countryside. The small and 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) lies this wonderful destination, suitable for all the family, which allows riders and non-riders to enjoy a quiet relaxing holiday and 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 fabulous Monts du Livradois, 80km 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.
Riding here is done in small manageable groups on well trained horses. They are all sure-footed with kind temperaments and there is a choice to suit all experiences, from sturdy little Haflingers to graceful but hardy Arabs and Appaloosas. You ride in trekking saddles which are ideal for long distance riding, providing safety and comfort so that you can focus on your surroundings and enjoy the abilities of your horse.
This was one of Far and Ride's earliest destinations and Monique and Maurice can be relied upon to offer you, your friends and your family a fantastic and rewarding holiday. Sue has visited this riding destination so feel free to call the office to chat to her about it.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
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 and guests have the use of a comfortably furnished lounge. The garden is perfect for sunbathing, relaxing with a book and enjoying a glass of wine or dinner on the terrace.
The farmhouse has been tastefully modernised by your hosts and encompasses a large lounge with a feature fireplace and very comfortable seating, ideal for rest and relaxation after a long day of riding. The double bedrooms are simply but very tastefully furnished with wonderful views of the countryside.
This destination offers substantial Dutch breakfasts (as the hosts are Dutch) which include bread, cheese, pastries, cooked meats, yoghurt and fruit juice. This is served "al fresco" on the terrace, along with unlimited tea and coffee, and is the perfect way to start the day. Lunch is usually a tasty picnic and the delicious three course dinners consist of home-cooked "country" style fare served with wine (included). 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: We recommend a reasonable level of fitness.
Age limit: 12+ (14+ for some trails)
Tuition: No. Riders need to be comfortable in trot and canter to enjoy this ride.
Included: Riding, accommodation and food as described. Transfer to and from Ambert.
Not included: Flights, travel insurance and transfers not mentioned above.
Travel Information
Airports serving Lyon include Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Heathrow, Liverpool, Gatwick, Manchester, Stansted.
Flybe fly from Southampton into Clermont Ferrand
Transfers are available on request:
St. Etienne - 55 euros single per car
Vichy Railway Station - 45 euros single per car
Thiers Bus Station - 25 euros single per car
Clermont Ferrand - 45 euros 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
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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 |
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| 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. Minimum age: 14 years. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 23 hours |
| Departure dates: | 2012: Dates on request |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Marguerite Based Ride
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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 the 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. |
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| 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: | Based |
| Total riding time: | One half and four whole days riding (approximately 23 hours) |
| Departure dates: | 2012: Dates available on request. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Marguerite Half Week Ride
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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 the 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 (2.5 days) |
| Departure dates: | 2012: Wednesday & Saturdays |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Star Week
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This is a week long package including seven nights of full board accommodation and four and a half days of riding. You ride through this beautiful part of France with an experienced guide on well trained horses who are familiar with their environment. This enables you to relax and enjoy both your ride and the natural beauty of the surroundings. On the Star Week your hosts can offer you a two day trail where you sleep in a very comfortable auberge one day's ride from the farmhouse before returning to base on 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 allocated horse. You will encounter steep rocky climbs, mountain streams, pine forests and fields whilst discovering tiny picturesque villages. Because of the challenging nature of the ride the horses here 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. This is a super family option as riders 12+ are welcome, provided they are happy at walk, trot and canter in open countryside. It is also exceptional value as the price includes full board accommodation with a three course meal each night. |
|
| 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: | Based rides with a two day trail |
| Total riding time: | Approx 23 hours |
| Departure dates: | Saturday to Saturday (arrival 15:00 departure 12:00). |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |