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Bordeaux Wines

Overview

These rides take place in the wonderful Bordeaux region of France and are exceptional riding experiences. Not only will you enjoy the company of great horses but you will explore the most famous wine lands in the world, crossing prestigious vineyards including the Médoc, Côtes de Blaye, Côtes de Bo…

Highlights

  • Explore the world famous wine lands on horseback
  • Canter through landscapes of forests and vineyards
  • Ride through the Dordogne valley and past castles
  • Stop for wine tastings such as Saint Emilion & Medoc
  • Enjoy glorious lunchtime picnics of cold meats & cheese

Essential Facts

  • 1 itinerary available
  • Max 10 riders per group
  • Average of 4 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 90kg / 198lbs / 14st 3lbs

Description

These rides take place in the wonderful Bordeaux region of France and are exceptional riding experiences. Not only will you enjoy the company of great horses but you will explore the most famous wine lands in the world, crossing prestigious vineyards including the Médoc, Côtes de Blaye, Côtes de Bourg, Fronsac, Lalande de Pomerol, St Emilion, l'Entre deux mers, Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, Graves and Sauternes.

There are two itineraries, which both start from Moulis en Medoc.

The usual Great Bordeaux Wines Trail takes you to some beautiful areas of historical and cultural interest such as the Citadelle de Blaye, built in the 18th century by Vauban, the medieval city of St Emilion, the abbey of the Sauve Majeur and the fortified town of Cadillac dating from the 13th century.

The Medoc Beaches Trail takes you through the vast Landes pine forests to the Gironde estuary and the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. You'll pass a succession of lakes (Hourtin, Carcans, Lacanau) and ride across the marsh areas of the lower Medoc as well as the long straight beaches which are perfect for canters (tides permitting).

The ride organisers are responsible for a number of fascinating horseback tours across France and use their own herd of horses for the different trails, transporting them to the different starting points of the rides. You will always be accompanied by a certified guide and, if necessary, a translator.

Horses & Riding

Tack

You will ride in comfortable trail saddles during these trips. Saddlebags are available to keep personal belongings in during the day and ponchos and water are provided. All the horses are ridden in English style bridles with "myler" type bits.

Horses

The ride organisers have a lovely mixed stable of horses including paints, Arabian, Thoroughbred and French warmbloods (both pure and cross-bred). Many of the horses used on these rides have been selectively bred by your guides and hosts for the task. The horses live out in a large herd together during the down season and are well-mannered and well-rounded in their education.

Riding

There is 1 itinerary:

  • Great Bordeaux Wine Trail is a trail ride

Ages

16+ for trails.

Health

Riders should be fit and comfortable in the saddle for long hours. Canters may last several minutes at a time and you will be asked to ride in a light/forward seat, throughout.

Weight

90kg / 198lbs / 14st 3lbs

Food & Accommodation

Food

Full board meals are included. Dinners are in a traditional French regional style taken in restaurants and hotels along the route. Picnic lunches tend to be buffets involving cuts of cold meats, cheese and various mixed salads (including local wine). Breakfasts are continental style.

Please note that appetisers and drinks are not included with dinners.

Accommodation

You will stay at various hotels and B&Bs during this trip. Price is based around sharing a double or twin room, though single rooms are available for a supplement. Nearly always there are bathrooms joined onto the bedrooms.

Itineraries

Great Bordeaux Wine Trail Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

During the ride you will enjoy cultural visits and wine tasting.

Travel

A set time airport transfer is available from and to Bordeaux airport. Riders meet at Bordeaux airport Hall B, near the snack bar “Brioche Dorée” strictly at 6.30pm. Those arriving in Bordeaux by train will need to take a shuttle to the airport in time for the transfer.

On departure day there is a group transfer back to Bordeaux airport and you will arrive there by 11am at the latest.

The cost for transfer is paid locally on arrival (see individual itinerary). Please note that no alternative transfers will be offered.

Testimonials

Katy S., Nov. 1, 2022

A fantastic Experience - a wonderful riding trail through magnificent French vineyards, sampling delightful wines in beautiful chateaus. (A real highlight) riding into St Emilion - the day was fabulous! The ride, wine tasting, and visit to St Emillion - we had amazing weather too! Lovely forward horses - knew their job (& enjoyed it!) but had personality and their own minds!


Lisa H., Oct. 25, 2022

The whole experience - Perfect


Andrea P., Jan. 25, 2019

I thoroughly enjoyed it and thought it was a great experience. The holiday was both exhilarating at times and relaxing at others. It was a great way to build riding confidence and meet new people. The food was very good and the accommodation comfortable. One guesthouse was 'unique' with dated decor, however, it was very French and the owner was delightful - no criticism. I was very happy with my horse which I think was matched perfectly to me. I had great confidence in him. Tack was good and I was very pleased with the rain poncho and water bottle in the saddle bag. (Favourite memory?) There are many:- cantering through the vineyards; riding through the streets of St. Emilion, but also the good food and French hospitality and taking the horses on the ferry.


Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

Arrival at Bordeaux airport for the set time transfers strictly by 6.30 pm. You will be driven to the B&B 'Domaine de Quittignan Brillette' in Moulis en Médoc for your first dinner and overnight.

NB. Please note that this itinerary sometimes runs in reverse, starting in Sauternes and ending in Moulis.

Day 2

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

Breakfast at c. 8:00 am, before you are transferred to the horses at c. 9:00am to begin riding at c. 10:00am. You will start to head out over a flat landscape between vineyards and forests. A first picnic will be taken on the banks of the Gironde river, before a tasting of Medoc wine after lunch. You will then cross the Gironde by ferry boat, with the horses, heading towards Blaye (crossing time of approx. 40 mins). Upon arrival at the other side, you will visit the 18th-century Citadelle Vauban on horseback. Night at the Porche hotel

Day 3

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

The day starts the same as yesterday and you will be riding by around 10.00am. The ride today leads you through the Côtes de Blaye and Côtes de Bourg region, crossing a hilly landscape. The picnic today is at Chateau Lamotte where a wine producer is based. You will enjoy a tasting of the Côtes de Bourg. At 3.00pm it's time to get back on the horses and ride for Cubnezais over flatter landscapes, travelling through some humid areas where there are no vineyards. The evening tonight is at Gravette's vineyard and you will have a tasting during the meal. Overnight on site,

Day 4

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

Breakfast at c. 8:00 am, before departure on horseback at c. 9:30 am. Today you will ride through a region where vineyards alternate with little forests and which will lead you to the castle Mayne Veil. Here you will enjoy a picnic and tasting of Fronsac wine. In the afternoon you will ride towards Libourne, you will pass through the famous region of Pomerol. Leaving the horses at the place they will stay tonight in Pomerol, you will go to the castle Belles Graves to taste the famous wine Lalande de Pomerol. You will spend the evening at the La Tour hotel in Libourn

Day 5

Riding: 1 hours

You will begin today heading in the direction of Saint Emilion passing through the famous properties of château Pétrus, Cheval Blanc and château Figeac. Picnic in Saint Emilion with a tasting of the namesake wine, followed by a free visit to the city of St Emilion. In the afternoon you will leave St Emilion to ride through the Dordogne valley and finally arrive near the Chateau Courros (where a wine tasting will take place) by 7:00pm. You will leave the horses here and transfer to Saint Jean de Blaignac. You will spend the night there in a Bed and Breakfast.

Day 6

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

Breakfast at c. 8:00 am before departure on horseback by 9:30 am. You will now be in the region of the l'Entre deux mers, with its varied landscapes, hills and woodland, and its beautiful wineries. You pass by to the 13th-century castle of Rauzan. In the afternoon you will ride through gently undulating landscapes where vineyards alternate with forests and which will lead you to the castle of Broustaret (B&B). you will enjoy dinner in the city of Cadillac where you will taste the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, and later enjoy a nighttime visit of the city.

Day 7

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

Breakfast at c. 8:00am before departure on horseback at 9:30 am. Heading towards Cadillac the region is very hilly. You will then pass through the valley of Garonne to reach the vineyards of Graves and Sauternes. Picnic at the castle of Myrat, where the Comte of Pontac will give a guided tour and propose a tasting of this gold-coloured wine. In the afternoon you will enjoy gallops between the vineyards and forests that will lead you to Sauternes. During the meal here you will taste the wine of Graves and spend the night at the hotel.

NB. Please note that this itinerary sometimes runs in reverse, starting in Sauternes and ending in Moulis.

Day 8

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast, it's time for your transfer back to the Bordeaux airport. There will be one group transfer today with no possibility for later transport.

* Please note that this itinerary may run in reverse!

Experience Experienced

You need to be capable in all four paces (walk, rising trot, canter and gallop in a forward seat) across varied terrain in open spaces. You should ride regularly and be fit to canter for long distances, with soft hands. You should also be a confident rider. Those who are assessed to not have the required level for the ride may be asked to stop riding and will be charged additionally (c 300€ euros) for the transport of your horse back to base. No refunds will be given in this case.
Minimum group size 5
Maximum group size 10
Departure windows

Sept. 23, 2023 - Sept. 30, 2023  (Reverse Trail (Sauternes - Moulis))

Oct. 1, 2023 - Oct. 8, 2023  (Moulis - Sauternes)

Oct. 14, 2023 - Oct. 21, 2023  (Reverse Trail (Sauternes - Moulis))

Oct. 22, 2023 - Oct. 29, 2023  (Moulis - Sauternes)

May 11, 2024 - May 18, 2024  (Reverse Trail (Sauternes - Moulis))

May 19, 2024 - May 26, 2024  (Moulis - Sauternes)

Sept. 28, 2024 - Oct. 5, 2024  (Reverse Trail (Sauternes - Moulis))

Oct. 6, 2024 - Oct. 13, 2024  (Moulis - Sauternes)

Oct. 19, 2024 - Oct. 26, 2024  (Reverse Trail (Sauternes - Moulis))

Oct. 27, 2024 - Nov. 3, 2024  (Moulis - Sauternes)

Pricing

2023
Sharing		 £1870 $2275 €2150
2024
Sharing		 £1985 $2420 €2285
Included 7 nights accommodation in shared rooms, all meals from dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day, wine with lunches and 6 days of riding as per the itinerary.
Not included Flights, train tickets, personal travel insurance, group set-time transfers, drinks in hotels and restaurants, entrance fees to museums and castles, tips and personal expenses. The wine tastings will also require guests to pay a small fee to take part. The cost for these totals approx. 30€ (EUR) per person.

Extras

2023/2024 - Bordeaux Airport Transfer €20
Paid locally
Set time return transfers, payable locally.
2023 - Single Supplement £350 $425 €405
Paid to Far and Ride
Payable by anyone requiring a single room.
2024 - Single Supplement £380 $465 €440
Paid to Far and Ride
Payable by anyone 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.