Ask a Question

Check Availability

Special Offer!

Early Booking Offer - Historical Malbec Trail itinerary

Book a ride in 2026 before 31.12.25 for the 2025 price!

Offer ends Dec. 31, 2025

Overview

This riding trip traverses a part of France considered by National Geographic and many others to be one of the worlds “unspoiled and undiscovered earthly paradises”. Starting in the vineyards of ‘Cahors’ with its famous Malbec grape, located within the Lot valley and interspersed with chateaux, sma…

Highlights

  • Ride through the vineyards of Cahors, famous for Malbec
  • Ride to the prehistoric caves of Peche-Merle
  • Pass troglodyte houses, rivers and ride up into hills
  • Wine-tastings and some wines with dinner are included
  • Sample local specialities such as famous black truffles

Essential Facts

  • 2 itineraries available
  • £2845 $3820 €3285 - £3440 $4615 €3975 per person
  • Max 7 riders per group
  • Average of 4 - 5 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 85kgs / 187lbs / 13 stone 5 lbs

Description

This riding trip traverses a part of France considered by National Geographic and many others to be one of the worlds “unspoiled and undiscovered earthly paradises”. Starting in the vineyards of ‘Cahors’ with its famous Malbec grape, located within the Lot valley and interspersed with chateaux, small country villages, woods and pastures; you will ride into more and more wild and isolated country. You ride to the famous prehistoric caves of Pech-Merle and visit its incredible Magdalenian cave paintings. Your journey will take you along rivers and up into the hills, with breathtaking views, passing troglodyte houses perched on towering cliffs, as you traverse the isolated and picturesque Célé valley. In this isolated region of France, within the cliffs that prehistoric man inhabited, you will feel like you have stepped through time. By the end of the week, you will have been immersed into a world of rugged beauty, history, culture and dined on the fine cuisine of the region - truffles, cheese, foie gras, magret, wine.......

Our partner here also offers trails discovering the vineyards of Bordeaux and the medieval history of the Dordogne, so if you've enjoyed this trail then you may wish to choose another one next time, or if the dates for this one don't suit, check out the others instead.

Horses & Riding

Tack

The horses are predominantly trained and therefore ridden in good quality, comfortable western saddles during these trails. However, if guests would prefer it, there is a small selection of English and McLellan saddles available on request. Please let us know at the time of booking if you would prefer an English-style saddle.

Horses

The horses are a mixture of breeds, with some French saddle, Quarter and Paint horse influence. All the horses are well-mannered, well-trained and responsible making them ideal partners on the trail. Personal saddle bags are provided for each guest to keep small items and additional layers in during the riding day.

Riding

There are 2 itineraries:

  • Historical Malbec Trail is a trail ride
  • Trails, Truffles & Tastings in Malbec is a based ride

Ages

16+ years

Health

We recommend riders for these trails ensure they are in generally good physical fitness and health. There are some sections of the ride where it will be necessary to dismount and lead your horses over some more difficult terrain.

Weight

85kgs / 187lbs / 13 stone 5 lbs

Food & Accommodation

Food

France is renowned for it's excellent food and wine, and this trail enables you to sample both. At most dinners, guests will have the chance to choose what they like - options include specialities of the region and should be a delight.

Breakfast will be taken at your hotel and is traditionally French with plenty of coffee or tea and fresh bread or croissants. Lunch is often a picnic which is brought by the back-up crew and will include fresh cheeses, pate, cold meats, breads and salads. Dinner is taken in the hotels own restaurants or in nearby restaurants. Menus are varied and in most cases you will have a choice from a menu. Vegetarians can be catered for with advance notice. A moderate amount of wine with dinner is included (c. 1/2 bottle per person) but if you require extra or would like additional spirits, these are payable locally.

Accommodation

You stay in a mixture of rural hotels, charming B&B's and chateaux - these are equivalent to 2 or 3* standard. Some places will have swimming pools for guests to use, and all have private bathrooms. Two nights will be spent at the same hotel in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, but you will move on every other night.

Itineraries

Historical Malbec Trail Standard accommodation.

Trails, Truffles & Tastings in Malbec Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

Some visits on foot are included, such as the prehistoric caves at Pech-Merle and the village of Cremps, but this ride is not suitable for Non-Riders.

Travel

Transfers are included at set times from either Bergerac airport or the nearest train station. If you cannot arrive at the set time then a private transfer is available at extra cost. The set transfer times are:

Arrival: 3:30pm at Bergerac train station or airport
Departure: Cahors train station (any time) or Bergerac airport (2h 30min drive).

Testimonials

Elizabeth C., June 27, 2019

The ride was excellent. Michel was very a nice, attentive guide. His horses were fabulous and well taken care of. He offers a nice range of walking, trotting and cantering whilst enjoying marvellous scenery. The accommodations were always good. Lunch every day was excellent, Beatrice, was a fabulous host and always fed us well at lunch.


Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

You will be met at 3:30 pm on arrival at Bergerac railway station or airport and transferred 1.5 hours to your comfortable B&B which is set in beautiful grounds in a rural location and has a swimming pool. After settling in, enjoy a classic French dinner with excellent local wines.

Day 2

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

After breakfast, the horses are allocated and you set off riding east, through the woods and many of the area's vineyards. Stop at the Chateau Chambert, an award-winning Cahors vineyard that has been producing Malbec wine since the 12th century. There is an opportunity to visit the cellar and taste the Chateau's wines before lunch.

The afternoon ride continues through vineyards, forests and hillsides before reaching a quiet, secluded chateau where you spend the night, after enjoying another delicious dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Day 3

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

After breakfast, and a long morning ride crossing the calcareous and wild plateau of the Lot region, you will stop at the small 13th-century village of Le Montat. After a wonderful lunch, and a short ride through the varied countryside, valleys and oak woodlands you will arrive at Chateau Hautes-Serres, another award-winning Malbec vineyard, where you can visit and enjoy a wine tasting. Afterwards, you are transferred by vehicle to a charming B&B nearby which is located within the centre of the Quercy black truffle region. At dinner, you will sample the "Black Diamond" truffle which is world renowned for its delicate and rich flavour. The truffles are paired with stunning local wines, making your dining experience one to remember.

Day 4

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Today starts with a short morning ride to the small village of Cremps where you can enjoy a quiet walk around the village and its 12th-century church before a picnic lunch in the village. In the afternoon your ride continues northwards through the village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie which is perched on a cliff face with commanding views of the Lot valley. After settling into your hotel within the village, there is time to explore the village, which is considered one of the most beautiful in France. Dinner will be in one of the local restaurants where you will have another chance to dine on traditional French cuisine.

Day 5

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Today you ride close to the Lot river and then cross the plateaus above the valley before reaching the Chateau de Cenevieres - this 11th-century chateau has some impressive additions and renovations from the 14th and 16th centuries. Enjoy lunch before being taken on a guided tour of this private chateau. The afternoon ride loops back along the river valley to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie for a second night. (If you prefer, then you can choose not to ride today).

Day 6

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

A spectacular morning ride today, along the cliffs and crossing the Lot river to reach the prehistoric caves of Pech-Merle, which are decorated with Magdalenian stone paintings. Visit the caves after enjoying another picnic lunch.

In the afternoon you ride through the beautiful Cele valley before stopping at the peaceful village of Cabreret which is built amongst a circle of cliffs which contain amazing troglodyte houses. This evening you will transfer to Cahors to spend your final night and to enjoy a farewell dinner.

Day 7

Riding: No riding.

Your accommodation is very near to Cahors train station, so you may depart from there at any time. Before leaving Cahors, it's recommended to take some time to wander through the tiny streets of the medieval downtown on this Saturday morning market day. Also, you shouldn't miss the great opportunity to see and walk on the Valentré Bridge, a remarkable example of medieval architecture built on the Lot River during the 14th century and now registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the pilgrimage road to Santiago de Compostela. If departing from Bergerac airport, plan for a 2h30 minutes drive.

Accommodation

You stay in a mixture of rural hotels, charming B&B's and chateaux - these are equivalent to 2 or 3* standard. Some places will have swimming pools for guests to use, and all have private bathrooms. Two nights will be spent at the same hotel in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, but you will move on every other night.
Experience Intermediate / Experienced

You need be at least a confident intermediate rider with previous trail riding experience. Although the pace of riding each day is slow to moderate, the terrain is challenging and will require skill and knowledge to negotiate.
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 7
Departure windows

Aug. 31, 2025 - Sept. 6, 2025

April 26, 2026 - May 2, 2026

May 31, 2026 - June 6, 2026

Aug. 30, 2026 - Sept. 5, 2026

Pricing

2025
Rider, sharing		 £2845 $3820 €3285
Included 6 nights accommodation in shared rooms, all meals from dinner on arrival day until breakfast on departure day, some wine with dinners, 5 days of riding, wine tastings and entrance fees. Set time transfers from Bergerac airport or station are included on arrival day, as well as transfer to Cahors station or Bergerac airport on departure.
Not included Flights, train tickets, travel insurance, other transfers (if required outside of set times or to locations other than those specified), additional drinks, tips and other personal expenses.

Extras

2025 - Single Supplement £385 $520 €450 per person
Paid to Far and Ride
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

Day 1 - Arrival

Riding: No riding.

You will be met at Bergerac Train Station or Airport around 3:30 pm and will be driven to your cozy, countryside Bed and Breakfast (appr. 1 hour 15 minutes). This newly renovated “Chambres d’hôtes” “Aux Truffes de Combecave” is in the heart of the Malbec region near the village of Mauroux. The area is known for its medieval villages, slow-moving rivers and rolling hills covered with vineyards and orchards.

Take the time to enjoy the outdoor pool and terrace or maybe take a stroll through the “Truffiere” (Truffle Orchard) on the property. Enjoy a relaxing dinner with your host on-site.

Day 2

Riding: 4 hours

After a lovely continental breakfast, you will head to the stables and meet the horses. This morning’s ride offers opportunities for trots and canters, winding through the woods and hilly farmland of the Lot Valley. You will stop for lunch at a charming local restaurant surrounded by vineyards.

After the afternoon ride, you should have time to relax around the pool. Tonight, you will dine at a nearby restaurant where you can try some of the region’s culinary specialties.

Day 3

Riding: 3 hours

Today, you ride south through the quiet woodlands and countryside on your way to the Royal Bastide of Tournon d’Agenais for lunch. After eating in the quaint village square, you can meander through this lovely little French village, built in the 13 th century by Philippe III, son of King Saint Louis.

After your visit, riders will loop back through the forest to the stable then head back to your accommodation for dinner with your host.

Day 4

Riding: No riding.

Today the horses have a rest, while you take an exciting excursion into the small town of Cahors.

Your first stop will be at the 14th century Pont Valentré. This incredibly well-preserved bridge is emblematic of medieval construction and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Historical Monument. From LePont, you can wander into the old town and experience local market day. You will not want to miss a visit to the 12th century Saint Etienne Cathedral, a glorious example of Romanesque and gothic architecture. This site is also a classified Historical Monument and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The adjacent cloister, is certainly worth visiting - it was added to the Cathedral in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Enjoy lunch at the Michelin restaurant located inside the exquisite 13th century Chateau de Mercuès. Afterwards, there’s an option to enjoy a tasting of the Chateau’s award-winning wines. After this gastronomic experience, you can return to your accommodation to relax for the remainder of the afternoon.

In the evening, dinner will be onsite with your host.

Day 5

Riding: 6 hours

Heading east from the stables, today’s ride crosses hill and dale to reach the Chateau de Chambert, home to an award-winning vineyard, producing Malbec and other wines since the 12th century. You will enjoy lunch on the hillside terrace at the Chateau’s Tapas-style Café served with a sampling of the Chateau’s famous Malbec region wines.

The afternoon ride heads back to the stables via another scenic route. However, the afternoon ride is optional if you prefer a little extra time on your own back at the B&B then your hosts will take you back.

This evening, you return to Chateau de Chambert for a formal dining experience at their gastronomic restaurant.

Day 6

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

Today you will ride north, crossing the Lot River enroute to Bonaguil Castle, a medieval fortress built on a rock face during the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries. Bonaguil was classified as an historical monument in the 19th century and to this day remains a premier example of classic medieval architecture.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch in a café-restaurant. After lunch and a self-guided tour of the castle, you will be driven back to the B&B for your farwell dinner.

Day 7 - Departure

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast, transfer to Bergerac train station or airport arriving by 12 noon. If you are flying from Bergerac airport, please plan a departure flight around 1:00 pm or later.

Accommodation

You will stay in a charming B&B "Aux Truffes de Combecave" which is a mere 6-minute drive from the stables where you will set off from and return to each day.
Experience Intermediate / Experienced

You need be at least a confident intermediate rider with previous trail riding experience. Although the pace of riding each day is slow to moderate, the terrain is challenging and will require skill and knowledge to negotiate.
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 5
Departure windows

July 12, 2026 - July 18, 2026

Aug. 16, 2026 - Aug. 22, 2026

Pricing

2026
Rider, Sharing		 £3440 $4615 €3975
2026
Non-Rider, Sharing		 £2230 $2990 €2575
The non-rider must have own vehicle.
Included 6 nights accommodation in shared rooms, all meals from dinner on arrival day until breakfast on departure day, some wine with dinners, 3.5 days of riding, wine tastings and entrance fees. Set time return transfers from Bergerac airport or station.
Not included Flights, train tickets, travel insurance, other transfers (if required outside of set times or to locations other than those specified), additional drinks, tips and other personal expenses.

Extras

2026 - Single Supplement £360 $485 €420 per person
Paid to Far and Ride
For those requiring a single room
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.