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:
13hh to 16.2hh
Weight limit:
100kg.
Tack type:
English.
Weather
Current Conditions:
Unknown, -7 C
Forecast:
Sun - Partly Cloudy. High: 0 Low: -9
Mon - Sunny. High: 1 Low: -9
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Tailor Made Programme
2012 prices per person:
Adults: £140 per night.
Discounted Weekly Rate (7 nights): £940.
Children (up to 15 years old) and Non-Riders: £125 per night.
Discounted Weekly Rate (7 nights) for children: £835.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
French Festive Fun - Christmas and New Year Programme
Each festive day and night costs £140 per person. Children's price is £95 per day and night.
The price for Christmas eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Eve and New years Day 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 as in the normal itinerary.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
This destination is the ideal opportunity to enjoy some exciting riding in the beautiful Averyonese countryside, whilst also relaxing when out of the saddle. The charming surroundings offer both excellent riding terrain and an all round beautiful setting which different levels of rider can explore. The countryside here allows for trekking through enchanting French villages and unspoilt woodlands with an abundance of fascinating wildlife such as deer, wild boar, red squirrel, hares, buzzards and kites. There are rivers and gorges leading down to open valleys where riders can canter over the rolling landscapes or try their hand over the valley’s cross country course of eleven jumps.
Your 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 English and French. They have a vast experience with horses and whilst their primary focus is great riding out, they also have a well-equipped jumping paddock (in addition to the cross country course mentioned) and can introduce you to playing Horseball or even driving a trap. A local instructor can provide tuition and there is a selection of good-natured horses to suit various riding abilities.
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. Your host is recognised by guests as a talented horseman and there is nothing so invigorating as riding a happy horse through these wonderful landscapes.
This holiday is comfortable and enjoyable with the hosts adding a real personal touch to everything. Food and drinks are included, Anne’s cooking being a delight, and both riders and non-riders are catered for wonderfully. Ride lengths and routes can be tailored to suit the individual members of parties, though all try to meet for the enjoyable lunchtime picnics accompanied by regional wines. This is a destination not to be missed and has been visited by Far and Ride staff to ensure that it really is this wonderful!
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Here you will find traditional 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 is simple and of traditional country style - light and airy to match the renowned calming ambience of the area. All towels, bed linen and a hair dryer are supplied. 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 laundry facilities.
This destination offers a relaxed and friendly environment where guests can socialise with one another. Your hosts also own some very cute dogs!
All food and drink is provided and as 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 a good standard. Breakfast is enjoyed in the gîte or perhaps 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 and French.
Health requirements: General good health and fitness.
Age limit: None within reason.
Tuition: Tuition with a qualified instructor can be arranged with prior notice.
Included: Accommodation, all food and drink (inc. soft drinks, wines and beers) 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.
Not included: Flights. Entry fees to visitor attractions etc for non-riders. Transfers from Toulouse or Rodez airport are available at an additional cost: Toulouse is £130.00 return up to a party of four. Rodez is £50 return for a party of up to four.
Travel Information
Frequent flights are available to both Rodez and Toulouse and are often very affordable. Airports serving Toulouse include Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds/Bradford, Gatwick, Heathrow, Gatwick and Newcastle.
Airline include BA, Bmi Baby, easy jet, Flybe, Jet2.com, Thomas Cook.
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 £150.00 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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A destination that is not to be missed! The riding here is fantastic and they have horses for all abilities and personalities. The terrain is interesting and fun for the experienced rider or beneficial to the novice rider as it helps to find a more balanced and secure seat. You will enjoy seeing a lot of the stunning countryside, local culture, farms and charming villages on horseback but should you prefer sightseeing, visiting local places of interest or just a change one day, this is offered as well. 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. Rides can include a visit to their homemade cross country course, adventure rides, moonlight rides or even learning some horseball! Tuition from a qualified instructor can also be arranged. |
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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: | All year round: Dates to suit. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
French Festive Fun - Christmas and New Year 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. Enjoy riding through the French countryside before returning home to a roaring log fire. The evening will be festive party time. You will enjoy the pre Christmas party, Champagne toasts a festive buffet and carols. Christmas Day: On this Christmas morning you will enjoy a Champagne breakfast and a leisurely morning ride. This will be followed by mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and a delicious traditional, home-cooked traditional Christmas dinner. Every guest will receive a Christmas gift! 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 horse, 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 |