Ranch De Baralus : France-Riding Vacations

Medieval Dordogne: Fortresses and Gastronomy
The Dordogne is a very famous region in southwest France, known for its history, chateaux, bastides, caves and food, among other things. The beauty of the landscape, of cliffs overhanging cultivated plains and rivers, of the dense and mysterious forests, verdant farmland and pastures, make the area an unforgettable destination for travellers. Our ride takes you through this beautiful and varied region, giving you the opportunity to see many of the area sites while also taking the path less travelled - to give you a real feeling for the region and its people.

ITINERARY

Day 1:
You will be met upon arrival at Agen Railway station and taken to your hotel for the evening, a lovely, converted water mill in the countryside.

Day 2:
After breakfast and allocation of the horses, the days ride takes you through the countryside and, from time to time, along the famous Saint-Jacques de Compostelle trail. By mid-day, we will arrive at the Chateau de Biron, whose architecture spans eight centuries and is one of the best preserved castles in Europe. Lunch is followed by a visit to the castle. Ride into the Dordogne in the afternoon to Monpazier, the bastide famous for its superb architecture, which was founded by Edward the 1st, King of England in 1284. Riders have an opportunity to visit Monpazier, swim at the hotel's pool, or just relax before dinner in this beautiful bastide with its historic atmosphere.

Day 3:
This morning’s ride continues further north to the little village of Montferrand-du-Périgord. A listed site, it has conserved the authentic charm of its old houses, some of which are beautiful examples of Périgord homes with their Renaissance facades. Legend claims that the village has stood on the plateau since prehistoric times though the oldest remaining structures today are its 12th century chateau and church. Enjoy another delicious picnic lunch, under the 16th century covered market, before taking a moment to explore this lovely village. The afternoon’s ride takes you further north, through the farmlands and forests of the area, before arriving at your evening’s accommodation. Before dinner, enjoy an optional visit of the nearby village of Cadouin. With its 12th century Romanesque church and Gothic cloister, the abbey of Cadouin is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 4:
Today’s ride continues through the Bessède forest before arriving just outside of another beautiful and unique bastide - Belvès. Classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, you will be spending the evening within the walls of this 11th century fortified village. In the afternoon, guests have the opportunity to drive to the Gouffre de Proumeyssac - baptized the Cristal Cathedral. The largest developed abyss in the Périgord, the Cavern of Proumeyssac is a beautiful underground vault decorated with a multitude of crystallization. The visit is available in English and includes a beautiful light show at the beginning of the tour. After returning to Belvès, you can either relax at the hotel or take a tour of the village before dinner.

Day 5:
The day's ride takes us south now, through the chestnut woods of the Dordogne. For today’s lunch, we will be stopping at a lovely family run duck farm for a special tasting of the farm’s products, including “foie gras” and local sweet white wine from Monbazillac. In the afternoon, enjoy a ride through the forest before arriving at the medieval village of Villefranche du Périgord, a 13th century bastide built by Alphonse de Poitiers, brother of King Louis IX. Enjoy a short visit of the village, then transfer back to your hotel from the night before. During the evening’s meal you will have the opportunity again to try some of the area’s specialties.

Day 6:
The ride continues through the forests to the Chateau de Bonaguil, a medieval fortress built on a rock face in the fifteenth century. The picnic lunch is followed by a tour of this wonderful 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 lunch, we ride on through a wide variety of trails. Starting in the woods again, we pass through pristine villages, vineyards, farmers' fields of wheat and sunflowers. The ride ends at a charming hotel, located in the countryside. The farewell dinner in this lovely place is a wonderful end to a great week of riding.

Day 7:
After breakfast, transfer back to Agen Railway Station.

2010 Tour Details:
Departures: April 10-16, May 15-21, June 19-25, July 24-30, September 4-10, October 16-22
Length of Ride: 7 days, 6 nights, 4 1/2 days riding and 1/2 day sightseeing
Accommodations: 3 star
Price: 1680 €
Single Supplement: 265 €
Amount of Riding Each Day: 4 - 6 hours (2 1/2 - 3 hours on the half day)
Weight limit: 200 lbs. (90kg)
Group size: Minimum 2 riders, Maximum 6 riders
Pace: Moderate
Riding Ability: Intermediate
Meeting Point: Agen or Bergerac Airport

Below you will find our tours:

Chateaux and Vineyards of Bordeaux

Medieval Dordogne : Fortresses and Gastronomy

Lords of the Vineyard

Lot Valley - Stationary Ride: Chateau Rouffiac and Haut-de-Baran

Prehistoric Quercy : A Ride Through Time