Horse riding holiday in the Mercantour
| country: | France |
| location: | Mercantour, French Alps |
| departures: | Horse riding breaks can be enjoyed in the Mercantour from mid June to the end of September, and in Sainte Agnès above Menton for the rest of the year. Small group departures also available on dates shown below |
| price: | From £545 - £660 (5-6 days) excluding flights, full board. Price depends on tour option chosen and accommodation type. |
| late availability: | Places still available for a 5 day trail ride 19 - 23 September (please enquire for more details) and our Transhumance Autumn ride 25 – 29 September |
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the amazing things you'll be doing
Our horse partner, Denis Longfellow is based in Sainte-Agnès near Menton from the end of September to April. He makes the annual Transhumance up to the Mercantour with his troupe of of Merens horses for the summer months, and the reverse trip in the autumn
Riders can join Denis on his bi-annual transhumance or alternatively take an exciting trip out to the Italian border where kayaking and the warmth of thermal baths can be enjoyed. Nights will be spent in comfortable lodges with full board. The Mercantour National Park is just an hour’s drive north of Nice airport, easily accessible from most UK airports.
Riders should be accustomed to riding all day for the trips below. Hats and chaps are provided. Courses, rides for the less experienced, short breaks and activity holidays also available. All activities are lead by fully qualified activity personnel.
Parcs sans Frontières à Cheval:
Hotel & refuge based, full board - £660 (6 days) ex flights, departs mid June to end September.
Arrive Thursday, spend the first night at a hotel in Le Boréon, and then join Denis Longfellow, and his magnificent Merens horse troupe for three magical days on horseback crossing into Italy and back.
Enjoy thermal baths, a morning of kayaking, and stay in mountain refuges, the last of which is our favourite at Mollières. Return to spend the last night (Monday) back at your hotel at Le Boréon. The route goes from Le Boréon to Terme di Valdieri, to La Questa, to Mollières and back to the base at the Boréon.
Transhumance à Cheval:
Hotel & refuge based, full board - £545 (5 days) ex flights. Small group departure 25 Sep 2008
The annual migration of stock from high pasture to low pasture and back is still very much part of life in the Mercantour National Park. They are celebrated events, attracting all manner of fêtes and activities along the routes.
Join Denis Longfellow as he takes three days to move their stock between their winter base at the coast at Sainte Agnès above Menton, to Le Boréon near St Martin Vésubie. The itinerary below covers the trip in the early summer. The return trip in the autumn is precisely the reverse. Day 1 is a transfer to the Hotel du Boréon.
Riders can join Denis on his bi-annual transhumance or alternatively take an exciting trip out to the Italian border where kayaking and the warmth of thermal baths can be enjoyed. Nights will be spent in comfortable lodges with full board. The Mercantour National Park is just an hour’s drive north of Nice airport, easily accessible from most UK airports.
Riders should be accustomed to riding all day for the trips below. Hats and chaps are provided. Courses, rides for the less experienced, short breaks and activity holidays also available. All activities are lead by fully qualified activity personnel.
Parcs sans Frontières à Cheval:
Hotel & refuge based, full board - £660 (6 days) ex flights, departs mid June to end September.
Arrive Thursday, spend the first night at a hotel in Le Boréon, and then join Denis Longfellow, and his magnificent Merens horse troupe for three magical days on horseback crossing into Italy and back.
Enjoy thermal baths, a morning of kayaking, and stay in mountain refuges, the last of which is our favourite at Mollières. Return to spend the last night (Monday) back at your hotel at Le Boréon. The route goes from Le Boréon to Terme di Valdieri, to La Questa, to Mollières and back to the base at the Boréon.
| Day 1: | Arrive Nice airport, transfer to Le Boréon – about 90 minutes. |
| Day 2: | On horseback from the Salèse valley via Col Merciere and the Baisse du Druos to the C.A.I. refuge at La Questa. |
| Day 3: | Morning – kayak the Lago delle Portette, and in the afternoon take the short ride down to the Hotel des Terme di Valdieri. Swim in the evening in the thermal baths at 34 degrees C. |
| Day 4: | Cross over the Col de Fremamorte and then down to Mollières. Stay in the private refuge. |
| Day 5: | Return to the Le Boréon by Wolf Valley, and then on to your hotel. |
| Day 6: | Transfer back to Nice. |
Transhumance à Cheval:
Hotel & refuge based, full board - £545 (5 days) ex flights. Small group departure 25 Sep 2008
The annual migration of stock from high pasture to low pasture and back is still very much part of life in the Mercantour National Park. They are celebrated events, attracting all manner of fêtes and activities along the routes.
Join Denis Longfellow as he takes three days to move their stock between their winter base at the coast at Sainte Agnès above Menton, to Le Boréon near St Martin Vésubie. The itinerary below covers the trip in the early summer. The return trip in the autumn is precisely the reverse. Day 1 is a transfer to the Hotel du Boréon.
| Day 1: | Arrive Nice airport, transfer to Sainte Agnès – about 90 minutes. |
| Day 2: | Depart on horseback to Peira Cava. Stay at Chambre d’hôte with Jean- Paul and Carine. |
| Day 3: | Traverse over the high country and the old Maginot line fortifications at L’Authion to descend into the Gordolasque valley. Overnight at Hôtel du Gran Capelet. |
| Day 4: | Finally traverse over the Baisse de Prals to the Vallon de la Madone de Fenestre, and then on to Le Boréon. Stay at the Hotel du Boréon. |
| Day 5: | Transfer back to Nice. |
travellers' tales
Most memorable was perhaps climbing to what seems like the top of the world on horseback, arriving at a mountain refuge in a cloud and then realizing the stupendous view in the morning.
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how this holiday makes a difference
 As permanent residents in the Mercantour, our business is fully integrated into the community in the Vésubie valley – using local qualified guides paid a living wage, and individually run hotels which ensures that all revenue generated is beneficial to the life of the area. In line with the published code of the National Park, our clients are encouraged to treat the region with respect and thus uphold the standards of conservation required in such a fragile area. Our gite As we await permission to fulfill our vision for our centuries old farm house and land, we are keen to implement as many environmentally sympathetic measures as possible. We encourage the preservation of our pure water which comes straight off the mountain and use our splendid climate for laundry drying outside. As much waste as possible is re-cycled, including pony manure which goes straight onto our vegetable patch. We aim to be as self sufficient as possible from your own garden. Gite guests are welcome to help themselves to fruit and vegetables. When meals are provided they are prepared with local produce only, often solely from the Vésubie valley. Vegetarians are willingly catered for. Energy efficient bulbs are used throughout the house. We try to minimise the use of paper in our office. Guests are encouraged to shop locally and of course to respect the integrity of the National Park. Working relationships We only work with qualified guides for all activities. These passionate locals create a genuine and rich experience for our visitors. They are paid the appropriate rate for professional guides. Our local accommodation partners are chosen for their warm welcome and a willingness to share their love for the region. Business development In the longer term we will use abundant natural resources (wood and sunshine) for heat and light as well as providing alternative accommodation on our land. A project for three bases in the Alpes-Maritimes is underway. This would provide an inspiring holiday venue for young and old alike. Access for the handicapped would be included. We are planning to use pack animals so our guests can share their adventures with a faithful companion, and leave directly from Berthemont. |
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