Lot Valley Stationary Ride: Chateau Rouffiac or Haut-de-Baran Located in the heart of the Dordogne, Périgord and Quercy regions, the secluded Haut de Baran and Chateau Rouffiac are the perfect place to get away from it all. Their central location in the wooded hills above the Lot River and valley allows us to pick from a wide variety of different trails and many different sites to visit. Haut de Baran (www.hautbaran.com) itself boasts modern accommodations in historical chateau surroundings, offering 7 beautiful bedrooms with individual bathrooms and entry, plus a lovely outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Chateau Rouffiac (www.chateau-de-rouffiac.com), located only a short distance north-east of the Baran, is a working vineyard, whose manor house offers five bedrooms, continental breakfast on the terrace or dining room, plus a lovely swimming pool. You will be riding in a picturesque land of farms, vineyards, lovely wooded hillsides and gently winding rivers, and charming old villages. This area is known not only for its natural beauty, but also for its fine cuisine, cheese, wine and “foie gras”. This surely is rural France at its best.

ITINERARY Day 1: You will be met upon arrival at Cahors Railway station and taken to the Haut de Baran or Chateau Rouffiac for dinner and the evening (drive time - approx. 40 minutes). Day 2: After breakfast and allocation of the horses, the day’s ride will be through the quiet woodlands and countryside north of the Lot River. At the end of the morning we will ride through the quiet village of Frayssinet, with its ancient convent, church and covered passageways, before stopping at a small lake on the outskirts of the village. After a delicious picnic lunch, riders will remount and circle back through the forest to the Baran/Rouffiac. Tonight’s dinner will be at a nearby restaurant where you will have the opportunity to try some of the areas wonderful cuisine. Day 3: Today’s ride will take you eastward, winding through the woods and farmland on the plateau above the Lot River before stopping for lunch and a private wine tasting at the Domaine du Theron. The Domaine du Theron, one of the most modern vineyards in the Lot region, offers outstanding wines and an equally beautiful view from the doors of the winery. After the afternoon's ride, guests can relax around the pool or soak tired muscles in the Jacuzzi before the evenings meal at the manor house. Day 4: Today we take a break from riding and enjoy a day of sightseeing in the area. Our first stop will be at the beautiful medieval town of Sarlat on market day, an exceptionally preserved city with more than 1000 years of architecture living in the lanes, walls and buildings of the old town. Growing up around a Benedictine Abbey, Sarlat has more medieval, Renaissance and 18th century facades, carved doorways, fountains, turrets, gables and unusual roofscapes than can be photographed in a week of fine days.The local shops provide a good hunting ground for souvenirs, particularly the gastronomic products of the region. After a morning wandering through the old town center and its market, you can enjoy some of the local specialties during lunch at one of the many restaurants in town. After lunch we drive to the magic caves of Cougnac. Discovered just 50 years ago, the caves of Cougnac contain one of the greatest collections of concretions known today and some of the oldest paintings yet dated in the world. There are over 300 motifs/paintings located within its deepest chamber, dating between 25 000 and 14 000 BP. At the end of the day, guests will return for another wonderful dinner with their hosts. Day 5: Heading south today, we cross the Lot river, riding through the valley and many of the areas vineyards. The countryside is dotted with small medieval villages and farms to enjoy, before stopping at Chateau Chambert. During lunch, we will have the opportunity to try the chateaux wine before a private visit of the cellar. The afternoons ride heads back into the valley and towards the medieval village of Puy L'Eveque, considered one of the most picturesque places in the Lot valley. Ride beneath it's ancient houses of ochre-yellow stone, overlooked by its 13th century keep. Dinner this evening will be back in Puy-Leveque at its finest restaurant, which overlooks the Lot river and valley. Day 6: Today’s ride heads into the woods north of the Lot valley, towards the Chateau de Bonaguil, a medieval fortress built on a rock face in the fifteenth century. Before visiting the castle, riders will enjoy a last picnic lunch above the village and castle. Dating back to the Hundred Years War, Chateau de Bonaguil was classified as a Historical monument in the 19th century, and is a remarkable castle to explore. After the visit, your guide will circle back to your accommodation for the evening. After returning to the Baran/Rouffiac, guests will enjoy a last farewell dinner. Day 7: After breakfast, transfer to Cahors Railway Station. 2010 Tour Details Departures: April 24-30 (Haut Baran only), June 6-12 (Chateau de Rouffiac only), July 11-17(Haut Baran and/or Chateau de Rouffiac), August 15-21 (Haut Baran and/or Chateau de Rouffiac) Length of Ride: 7 days, 6 nights, 4 full days riding, 1 day sightseeing Price at Haut Baran: 1900 € Single Supplement: 260€ Price at Chateau de Rouffiac: 1550€ Single Supplement: 250€ Amount of riding each day: 4 - 6 hours Weight limit: 200 lbs. (90kg) Group size: Minimum 2 riders, Maximum 6 riders Pace: Moderate Riding Ability: Intermediate Meeting Point: Cahors 4:30 PM or Bergerac Airport Departure Point: Cahors 12:30 PM or Bergerac Airport