Burgundy Morvan, France
Overview
Horses
Type of horses:
Anglo-Arab and part-bred Arabs
Nature of horses:
Endurance trained and kind
Height of horses:
14.1 - 15.3hh
Weight limit:
95kg / 15 stone
Tack type:
Endurance or trekking saddles and bridles which are good quality and French made.
Travel Advice
Please ensure you read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice before you travel.
Ride Description
The 'Morvan' is a green island in the heart of Burgundy which became a natural reserve thanks to the efforts of the local community. The diverse landscape is known for its rolling hills, large forests, rivers, lakes and characteristic villages. There are uncountable miles of unpaved country roads which are perfectly suited for a riding trail.
The horses are all endurance horses, most of which were born and raised with your hosts. These are sporty horseback rides and the pace is high! You will cover 40-50km each day with an average of 9km/hr. Some of the canters and gallops last several tens of minutes across varied terrain on bridlepaths in the hearts of forests and across scrubland.
Our partners here also transfer their horses to Brittany/Normandy for trails there, and to the Alsace for another trail, so be sure to check those out too if these dates don't suit you.
A back-up vehicle carries your luggage and meets you each lunchtime so you can easily access your belongings if needed.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
You stay in a mixture of different hotels and guesthouses, ranging from a simple Auberge to a castle! Most of the hotels are 2 or 3 star depending on what is available in the area.
All meals are included and are typically French and of the region.
Breakfast is classically French with tea, coffee and bread with butter and jams.
Lunch is always laid out on a table and may include a hot dish or various salads with cheese and dessert.
Dinner will be a regional speciality and three/four courses including a start, main, dessert and cheese. The main could be either meat or fish.
Vegetarians and some allergies can be accommodated with advance notice.
Drinks are included with lunch but payable locally with dinner.
Activities
Non-riders are welcome to join but will need their own vehicle. Special activities are not offered, but non-riders are free to explore the area. Breakfast and dinner with the group is included, but lunch can be sourced locally.
Further Details
Languages: French and English
Health requirements: General good health and fitness
Age limit: 18 years and older
Tuition: No
Included: Accommodation, riding, all meals, drinks with lunch, transfers from train station
Not included: Flights/trains, drinks in the evenings, tips
Travel Information
You should arrive by train into Autun station, which is 300km south of Paris and 200km north of Lyon. The train (TGV) takes c. 1 hour 20 mins from Paris and c. 40 minutes from Lyon.
Airport: Paris Charles de Gaulle
Alternative Airport: Lyon
Programme
Morvan Trail
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Day One: You should aim to arrive at the train station of Autun in the afternoon and will then be transferred to Sommant for dinner and to overnight. Day Two: Meet your horses and set off on your trail in the direction of Lac des Settons, passing through the picturesque village of Vignerux and the woods of Anost, famous for the finest hams. Stop deep in the forest for a picnic lunch and then continue until reaching the lake at Planchez. Follow the lakeshore until reaching your accommodation in an interesting hotel which overlooks the lake. Dinner at the hotel Day Three: Today you will cross numerous creeks and rivers before climbing the mountain of Perouse, showing the versatility of your mounts. The view from the top is spectacular. In the middle of a thick forest you find the Waterfall of Gouloux and then follow mountain creeks and wild streams to reach Dun les Places where you have dinner and overnight in a cozy Auberge (guesthouse). Day Four: It's your longest day in the saddle today and you will cover almost 50km (40 miles). You will have bonded with your horse by now so will enjoy all the fast canters and gallops along the Cure River, the wildest and most important river in the region. Upon reaching the northern border of the national park the scenery opens up to reveal meadows and field. Eventually you reach Vezelay, which is located along the Jacobs Pilgrim Trail to Santiago de Compostella. It was here that the 'Holy Bernard of Clairvaux' challenged his followes to the second crusade in the 12th century. Dinner and overnight at the Relais du Morvan in the town centre. Day Five: In the morning you visit Vezelay before continuing your ride to Pierre Perthuis with its world famous bridges where you stop for a picnic. Todays shorter ride of 40km (c. 25 miles) will be covered as a quick and fast three hour ride until reaching the Castle of Lantilly where you have dinner and overnight. There is the possibility to visit Vauban's Castle Bazoches if you have time. Day Six: Follow the Yvonne river in the direction of Chateau Chinon. Stop for lunch beside a lake where both horses and riders can take a swim! Finally you reach the medieval town of Chateau Chinon which is worth a stroll through before dinner at your hotel. Day Seven: Ride in the direction of Bibracte, following ancient forest trails which have remained unchanged for centuries. Ascend to the highest point of the trail - the 800m Beuray mountain. Here lies one of the most important archaeological digs in France relating to the Gall and Roman occupation. After lunch you reach your destination - Saint Leger sous Beuvray for dinner and overnight in a hotel. Day Eight: Today you ride back into the higher mountains from the start of your trail, past castles and through creeks and rivers. Your horses will know they are heading home so the day will finish with fast paces! A farewell dinner is provided at the same hotel as you started. Day Nine: After breakfast head back to the station for your train home. |
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| Minimum group size: | 6 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | You need to be a capable rider who is used to long hours in the saddle at a decent pace. Some days you cover 40-50km at a pace of 9km/hr so you should expect long trots and canters, sometimes lasting for several tens of minutes. |
| Type of ride: | Mobile trail |
| Total riding time: | 8 nights |
| Departure dates: | 2020: 20-28 June, 25 July-2 August, 29 August-6 September, |
| Pricing: |
2020: £1449 per person sharing £341 single room supplement (only payable to guarantee a single room) Non-Rider: £545 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. |