Lords of the Vineyard Unlike many of the other well-known wine regions of France, the Cahors vignoble is located in one of the most beautiful and varied areas of the country. You will be riding in this famous wine region which boasts over 200 vineyards and is redolent with history and scenery. The route winds through vineyards, forests and farmland, past medieval villages and chateaux, stopping each night at three and four-star accommodations. Even if you are not a wine drinker, this tour has been designed to please and pamper just about anyone. The accommodations and food are superb, the trails and scenery unforgettable, and the opportunity to do it all on horseback makes this a truly unique experience.
ITINERARY
Day 1: You will be met upon arrival at Agen railway station and taken to your hotel, a traditional and comfortable, country hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: After allocation of the horses, ride through the countryside to the fortified town of Tournon d’Agenais, perched at the top of a hill with a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. After a picnic lunch below the village ramparts, continue on across the plateau to Chateau de Chambert, one of the top vineyards of the region. Enjoy a visit of this award winning vineyard that has been producing Cahors wine since the XII century. After the visit and tasting, we transfer you to a nearby, charming bed and breakfast where you will spend your first night on the trail. You will have the opportunity to taste more of the local wines during the evening meal.
Day 3: In the morning head off through the forests and hillsides, stopping for lunch in the village of Belaye. This small medieval village is perched above the Lot River with a spectacular panoramic view of the valley. After lunch, the ride continues down into the valley, offering a chance to photograph the 13th century Chateau Grezels and its spectacular views of the valley. Continue on, crossing through vineyards and over the Lot River before climbing into the hills again. Once on the other side of the valley you will spend the evening at a very quiet, secluded chateau where you will be able to enjoy the chateau's wine with another wonderful meal.
Day 4: Today we take a break from riding (or not - you can opt for another day's ride instead at an additional supplement) and head off for some sightseeing and shopping in the town of Cahors - founded in the 1st century BC. Our first stop will be in the beautiful and historic downtown center to visit the town market. Guests will have the opportunity to wander through the market and shops at their leisure. In the afternoon, after lunch in a downtown café, we will visit the famous Pont Valentré bridge - classed as a Major site on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The only fortified bridge with 3 towers in the world, the Pont Valentré is the symbol of Cahors. After sightseeing, guests will return to the Chateau for another meal in the private dining room.
Day 5: Your ride continues in the wooded hills north of the Lot valley, stopping off at the Domaine du Theron for lunch and a private wine tasting. This charming vineyard was given a new lease on life when, in 1997, it was taken over by an entrepreneur and lover of French wines. The most modern vineyard in the Lot region, Domaine du Theron offers outstanding wines and an equally beautiful view from the doors of the winery. After lunch, the ride continues back into the valley before finishing at another vineyard for a private wine tasting with the owner - Count Jean-Baptiste Monpezat. After the tasting we will have a very short drive to your hotel for the evening. This small hotel is also one of the Lot valleys best restaurants and the evenings meal is another gastronomic delight.
Day 6: Today’s ride continues along the river and in the valley, passing through the beautiful village of Albas. After crossing the river, you will have an opportunity for a long canter before stopping at another lovely bastide, Castlefranc, for lunch. Picnic on the banks of the Lot River, below the walls of this old bastide once belonging to the Bishop of Cahors. The afternoon's ride will take you back up onto the plateau, offering some spectacular views of the valley and vineyards below. Finishing at Chateau LaGrezette, you will have the chance to be able to taste what is considered the best of the best Cahors wines. After the tasting, you will be transferred to the nearby Chateau de Mercues for a special farewell dinner. This 13th century castle, perched on a promontory overlooking the Lot River and vineyards below, was once the favorite residence of the Bishops of Cahors. The chateau has recently returned to its vocation as a wine-producing estate, while also being converted into a four-star hotel and restaurant.
Day 7: After breakfast and a last chance to enjoy the chateau grounds, transfer to Cahors Railway Station.
2010 Tour Details Departures: July 4-10, August 22-28, October 3-9 Length of Ride: 7 days, 6 nights, 4 full days riding, 1 day sightseeing (or optional day riding at a 100 € supplement per person) Accommodations: 3 to 4 star Price: 1920 € Single Supplement: 350 € Amount of Riding Each Day: 5 - 6 hours Weight limit: 200 lbs. (90 kgs.) Group size: Minimum 2 riders, Maximum 6 riders Pace: Moderate Riding Ability: Intermediate Meeting Point: Agen 4:00 PM or Bergerac Airport Departure Point: Cahors 12:30 PM
