Bordeaux Wine Trail | Horse Riding Holidays in France | Globetrotting

Bordeaux Wine Trail, France

7 NightsStrong Intermediate to AdvancedFrom €2,285 EUR?Tour costs €2,285 EUR which is approximately $3,790 AUD

Get ready to trot and canter over rolling hills and endless rows of grape-laden vines, admiring the beautiful scenery this part of France has to offer. Whatever your taste, Bordeaux does not disappoint. Allez!

Here are a couple of reasons why we fell in love with the Bordeaux Wine Trail and believe it’s the PERFECT fit for our riding portfolio.

It’s a point- to-point ride, so every day you’ll wake up, leap into the saddle and move to a new destination in the famous grape-growing region of Bordeaux. From day one to day six, you’ll be tiptoeing through the dreamy French countryside on perky trail horses, exploring landscapes ranging from treeless grassy knolls to ancient forests to row upon row of vineyards to fields of lavender.

You will be entertained by your French guides and hosts, David and Britta, who are a wealth of knowledge about the region, the wine and the history. It’s in the saddle, through your horse’s ears, that you’ll get an intimate understanding, appreciation and grasp of this ancient wine region.

On a daily basis, you’ll stop for sunshine-filled picnics beside crumbling castles or in lush mountain meadows, where your horses will be tied up nearby as you sip on regional wines.

What also excites me about this ride is the change of pace: because of the open landscapes that you explore, there are plenty of opportunities to trot and canter on a daily basis, which is why we love to ride!

Whether you’re a wine aficionado (you’ll sample a range of white, red and rosé wines: Médoc, Côte de Blaye, Côte de Bourg, Bordeaux Supérieur, Lalande-Pomerol, St Emilion, Entre-Deux-Mers, Graves and the famous sweet and strong white in Sauternes) or looking to immerse yourself in a different culture, this ride aims to please. You’ll also get the chance to explore the historic Citadel of Blaye, the Medieval City of St Émilion, the feudal Castle of Rauzan and the medieval fortified town of Cadillac.

SO that’s why the Bordeaux Wine Trail is a Globetrotting match made in heaven.

Fast Facts

  • Horse Breed:You’ll be riding pure or cross-bred Paint, Arabian, Thoroughbred and warmblood horses varying in height from 15.3hh to 17hh. Most of the horses were bred at your hosts' equestrian farm. They are level-headed, experienced trail horses that connect with all types of riders.
  • Pace:The pace varies depending on the trail, with long periods of walking and plenty of trots and canters. The riding landscape varies from rolling hills to vineyards to French farmland and woods.
  • Weight Limit:A maximum of 90kg / 198lbs.
  • Type of tack:French trail riding saddles (with a gel pad!) equipped with saddlebags and a poncho. Horses are ridden in ‘Myler’ bits - this style of bit is one of the kindest available. It spreads the rein pressure exerted by the rider over several different areas. Initially, it acts on the nose, poll and back of the jaw, with the mouthpiece ‘floating’. A third of the total pressure will be felt in each of these three areas. Only if the rider continues to pull on the reins will the mouthpiece engage.
  • Seasons:May through to October.
  • Group size:A minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 guests.
  • Time in Saddle:On average, 4 to 6 hours per day.
  • Riding Ability:Strong intermediate to advanced. All riders must be comfortable and confident at all gaits (including gallop) over varied terrain in English-style tack. Good physical fitness is essential as you’ll be riding for up to 6 hours each day.
    PLEASE NOTE: A supplement charge of €300 will apply for additional horse transport should you opt to discontinue riding during the week due to lack of fitness or unsuitable riding ability.
     Not sure what your riding ability is? Watch THIS video to find out.
  • Accommodation:You will stay in a selection of quintessential French B&Bs and hotels. There are double and twin rooms available. At some of the accommodation houses you’ll need to share a bathroom, including those who have purchased the single supplement for your own room. Please take note that the accommodation is 2 or 3 stars, but is comfortable and clean. Oh, and it’s Europe, so be prepared to stay in modest-sized single beds in a twin-share room. If you prefer your own privacy and a double bed, we highly recommend investing in the single supplement.
    *Also note that some nights the group may be split between two accommodation locations, pending room availability, but you'll always share dinner together.
  • Ride Length:8 days, 7 nights with 6 riding days.
  • Inclusions:

    The price includes all transfers from the meeting points at set times, all meals, wine with lunch, accommodation in shared rooms with shared bathroom, riding, horses, tack, experienced guide, translator, luggage transport and excursions described in itinerary.

  • Exclusions:

    The price does not include international flights, travel insurance (compulsory), single supplement, drinks other than wine at lunch, any applicable entrance fees and staff tips (€10 per person, per day). Please note that transfers to and from the airport are not included in the ride price and can be paid direct in person for €20 per person, round-trip.

 

DEPARTURE DATES & RATES

NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% payment plan!
Departing FinishingAvailabilityTotal
May 11, 2024May 18, 2024SOLD OUT!
From: €2,285 EUR ?Tour costs €2,285 EUR which is approximately $3,790 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
From: €2,725 EUR ?Tour costs €2,725 EUR which is approximately $4,520 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
From: €1,495 EUR ?Tour costs €1,495 EUR which is approximately $2,480 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guest
May 19, 2024May 26, 2024SOLD OUT!
From: €2,285 EUR ?Tour costs €2,285 EUR which is approximately $3,790 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
From: €2,725 EUR ?Tour costs €2,725 EUR which is approximately $4,520 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
From: €1,495 EUR ?Tour costs €1,495 EUR which is approximately $2,480 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guest
September 28, 2024October 5, 2024SOLD OUT!
From: €2,285 EUR ?Tour costs €2,285 EUR which is approximately $3,790 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
From: €2,725 EUR ?Tour costs €2,725 EUR which is approximately $4,520 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
From: €1,495 EUR ?Tour costs €1,495 EUR which is approximately $2,480 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guest
October 6, 2024October 13, 2024SOLD OUT!
From: €2,285 EUR ?Tour costs €2,285 EUR which is approximately $3,790 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
From: €2,725 EUR ?Tour costs €2,725 EUR which is approximately $4,520 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
From: €1,495 EUR ?Tour costs €1,495 EUR which is approximately $2,480 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guest
October 19, 2024October 26, 2024Only 1 spot left!
From: €2,285 EUR ?Tour costs €2,285 EUR which is approximately $3,790 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
From: €2,725 EUR ?Tour costs €2,725 EUR which is approximately $4,520 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
Book

2.5% credit card surcharge

From: €1,495 EUR ?Tour costs €1,495 EUR which is approximately $2,480 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guest
October 27, 2024November 3, 2024SOLD OUT!
From: €2,285 EUR ?Tour costs €2,285 EUR which is approximately $3,790 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
From: €2,725 EUR ?Tour costs €2,725 EUR which is approximately $4,520 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
From: €1,495 EUR ?Tour costs €1,495 EUR which is approximately $2,480 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guest

*Solo globetrotters will be required to pay the single rider rate if we do not have another guest willing to share.

PLEASE NOTE: A supplement charge of €300 will apply for additional horse transport should you opt to discontinue riding during the week due to lack of fitness or unsuitable riding ability.

Non-riders will be required to have their own mode of transportation (i.e. hire car) to travel around each day and meet the riders at lunch locations as well as the new accommodation site each night.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes all transfers from the meeting points at set times, all meals, wine with lunch, accommodation in shared rooms with shared bathroom, riding, horses, tack, experienced guide, translator, luggage transport and excursions described in itinerary..

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price does not include international flights, travel insurance (compulsory), single supplement, drinks other than wine at lunch, any applicable entrance fees and staff tips (€10 per person, per day). Please note that transfers to and from the airport are not included in the ride price and can be paid direct in person for €20 per person, round-trip.

Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. Depending on the ride you choose to book and your country of residence, there will be a 1.2% to 2.9% surcharge.

Click HERE to read more about our fees and charges.
Click HERE to read our recommendations on which cards are best to use to avoid international transaction fees.
WHY IS THE PRICE QUOTED IN EUR?
With our riding destinations, the currency is dictated by our ride partner in that country. Therefore due to fluctuating exchange rates we have to quote in the same currency.

Itinerary

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*Please note: this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.
This holiday is all about the riding {the part we love most!}. Aside from the excursions mentioned in this itinerary, there is no scheduled time to explore your surrounds off the horse.

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  • Day 1

    Today is the day, the day you’ve been waiting for! You’re in France, tick, you’re in Bordeaux, tick, and you’re about to embark on a six day riding adventure through the French countryside on forward-moving horses, hopping from one vineyard to the next and staying in charming French accommodation houses. Does it get any better than this, globetrotters? I think NOT.

    If you’re catching the transfer service your hosts offer, you’ll be picked up from Bordeaux International Airport at 6.30pm and be driven to your first night’s accommodation, Quittignan Brillette Estate in Moulis-en-Médoc. Moulis, as it’s commonly known, is the smallest of the Médoc appellations and is the main artery to the world-renowned wine region of Bordeaux.

    You’ll have a group dinner at the guest house with your French guides and hosts, David and Britta, and get a run-down of the week’s riding.

  • Day 2

    HIP, HIP HOORAY – you get to meet your horses today! You’ll have breakfast (please note, the majority of your French breakfasts will consist of bread and croissants, there will NOT be a cooked breakfast) at around 8am before meeting the horses that will walk, trot and canter you through the charming landscapes of Bordeaux. This morning, your knowledgeable hosts will guide you through vineyards that merge into forest glades.

    For lunch you’ll picnic on the banks of the Gironde before sampling a fine Médoc at the wine museum of Maucaillou (remember, you may have to pay a small entry fee of approximately €10 per person). You’ll cross the Gironde with your horses on a ferry towards Blaye (crossing time of 40 minutes). Once ashore you’ll ride to Citadel Vauban (an 18th century fortress).

    Your home for this evening is the Porche Hotel, a boutique guesthouse in the city of Blaye.

  • Day 3

    After breakfast you’ll get back in the saddle by 10am and ride through the Côtes de Blaye and the Côtes de Bourg, known for its sleeves of rolling hills. After a full morning of riding, you will have worked up an appetite just in time to picnic at a wine producers’ establishment at Castle Lamothe and taste the Côte de Bourg (the region you just rode through!).

    After lunch you’ll ride towards Cubnezais, where the landscape opens up and you can enjoy a change of pace, feel the wind in your hair and give the horses their head. This evening you’ll be guests at Domaine de la Gravette, a 19th century bourgeois (think stone walls and exposed timber beams), home to a sprawling garden.

  • Day 4

    After breakfast (homemade jams and pastries – oh how I love French cuisine!) you’re back in the saddle for another pinch-yourself day exploring Bordeaux from between your horse’s ears. Today you’ll explore a region where vineyards give way to a forest trail that leads to Castle Mayne Veil. On the castle estate you’ll have a sunshine-filled picnic and a tasting of Fronsac wine.

    After lunch you will head towards Libourne, and pass through the famous region of Pomerol. It’s here where you’ll tether the horses and make your way to Castle Belles Graves to sample the famous wine, Lalande-de-Pomerol. You will spend the evening at the La Tour hotel in Libourne.

  • Day 5

    Today, my globetrotting friends, you head towards Saint Émilion, where you’ll meander through the famous properties of Château Pétrus, Cheval Blanc and Château Figeac. You’ll have a picnic in Saint Émilion while tasting the local wine, followed by a free stroll of the city.

    Saint Émilion is a charming medieval village where world-famous wineries, fine wine, beautiful architecture and great monuments sit side-by-side. In 1999, Saint-Émilion became the first vineyard landscape to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a Cultural Landscape – that is to say a historical landscape that remains intact but is still carrying on with its modern activities.

    This afternoon, you’ll ride through the large valley of Dordogne and arrive near the Château Courros to sample some more wine. From here you’ll leave the horses and transfer to Saint Jean de Blaignac for a much-anticipated evening meal. You will spend the night in a bed and breakfast.

  • Day 6

    Day six of your French riding escapades sees you exploring the l’Entre-Deux-Mers region. With its changeable landscapes, you can expect to traverse treeless hills, woodlands and captivating vineyards. You’ll pass the 13th century castle of Rauzan and ride through hilly landscapes where rows of grapevines transcend to enchanted forests, leading to the Castle of Broustaret (which also happens to be a bed and breakfast).

    Your castle accommodation is on a 40-hectare estate situated in the heart of Girondist Tuscany – a mythical region of hillsides dotted with vineyards. You’ll have dinner in the city of Cadillac, where you’ll sip on another great wine – Premières Côtes de Bordeaux. At night you’ll explore this charming village before returning to your accommodation.

  • Day 7

    Today you pass through the valley of Garonne to reach the vineyards of Graves and Sauternes – another iconic grape growing region of Bordeaux. Today’s picturesque picnic spot is at Castle Myrat, where the Count of Pontac will give you a personal tour of his castle while you sample his gold-coloured wine.

    In the afternoon, you’ll give the horses their head and gallop through row upon row of vineyards and ancient forests that lead you to Sauternes. For your evening meal, your French cuisine will be teamed with the wine of Graves.

  • Day 8

    After a farewell breakfast, your Bordeaux Wine Trail experience comes to an end. Transfers are available back to Bordeaux International Airport, departing the guesthouse at around 9.30am. Please ensure you do not book departing flights before 2pm.

  • Transfer Information

    We recommend guests fly into Bordeaux Airport and take advantage of the transfer service your hosts offer (€20 per person, round-trip, payable in cash upon arrival). You’ll need to meet the transfer staff at 6:30pm at Hall B at the ‘Brioche Doree’ snack bar in the airport. Please give yourself time to clear customs, get your luggage and be on time for the 6:30pm transfer so as not to keep other guests waiting. It’s a 40 minute drive from Bordeaux to Moulis-en-Médoc. We don’t recommend you self-drive simply due to the fact that the ride starts and finishes in a different location, which makes it hard to return to your car.

    On the last day of the ride, your transfer will leave for Bordeaux Airport between 9-10am. The drive takes about an hour, so you’ll arrive by 11am at the latest. If you’ve booked an international flight, please ensure it departs after 2pm. Domestic flights can depart earlier.

  • Non-Riders

    Should you wish to join this ride as a non-rider, you will require your own car to transport yourself to the lunch and new accommodation locations each day. Having a car will also afford you the freedom to enjoy your own sightseeing throughout the day, before meeting up with the riders. The non-rider price includes all meals and accommodation.

What our valued Globetrotters say about the Bordeaux Wine Trail

Tracy Belski

‘I booked this ride with nine friends to celebrate my 50th birthday and we were all ecstatic from start to finish. We were matched perfectly to our horses. My horse was Chetan, and he was THE BEST! Kind, willing, careful, and responsive – exactly what I was looking for in my perfect mount. We thoroughly enjoyed touring Bordeaux on horseback. It’s such an intimate way to see a new place, and we saw things that most tourists never would. Our lodgings were varied and comfortable, and the food was delicious. The guides were accommodating and bravely protective, allowing us to relax and really enjoy all aspects of the trip. I couldn’t be happier that I chose this ride to celebrate a milestone. My next ride is already booked!’

Bordeaux Wine Trail, France - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Gina Resch

‘The Bordeaux Wine Trail was one of a kind! A wonderful combination of relaxation, excitement, wine and picturesque scenery. Exploring this region on horseback was a once in a lifetime experience. My horse Kelly was smart, trustworthy and a true delight to ride. Our guides were terrific: well prepared, capable and fun! Globetrotting did an excellent job providing information and tips to prepare for the trip, and classified the ride appropriately. I’ll definitely book with them again.’

Beth Blodgett

‘I absolutely loved my ride with David, Ania and Anouk through the wine country of France! All of the accommodations were lovely and all of the food was delicious. The guides’ level of knowledge and love for each and every horse was fantastic. My horse Davidson was amazing! He was so surefooted and loved being out on a ride. I will return next year, and hopefully all of the new friends that I made will be back for this ride again, too!’

The Bordeaux Wine Trail, France - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Taelor Wallace

‘The fellow globetrotters I met on this trip were absolutely incredible. If I could’ve packed all of them up in my suitcase and brought them home, I would have. I can say I was genuinely sad to go our separate ways at the end of the trip. Luckily, we are already making plans to visit each other and to hopefully do a ride together somewhere next year. While this was not what I would call a relaxing ride (it was pretty fast-paced and required a bit of a taste for adventure!), it did a great job of getting my globetrotting bug started. I can’t wait for my next ride!’

Bordeaux Wine Trail, France - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Pam Goodwin

‘The Bordeaux Wine Trail was even better than expected, if that is even possible. The guides, horses and scenery were equally spectacular. The wine tastings were all unique experiences, which was so wonderful. My horse, Kelly, was the perfect ride to make me feel comfortable and confident the entire trip. Our guide Magali was spectacular: an expert horsewoman who handled everything and everyone in a professional and kind manner. We were all blown away by how amazing she was with every horse. Annouk was also lovely and took great care to be sure we got whatever special requests we asked for. I would definitely recommend this ride!’

Tim Margetts

‘The BEST adventure – the riding was brilliant, the horses perfect. Our guides, Valeria and Helanna, were fantastic. Sue and I had great horses – forward and a lot of action. We’ve just finished and we’re heading off to drinks with the Globetrotting gang.’

Bordeaux Wine Trail, France - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Bernadette Kelly

‘Brilliant horses, stunning surroundings and delicious, melt in your mouth French food and wine. This holiday ticked all the boxes. Ancient French villages, castles and moats and a new winery tour each day. The French are passionate about their country and their wine. Now I know why!’

the Bordeaux Wine Trail, France - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Carrie St Clair

‘The Bordeaux Wine Trail was fantastic. It is a great way to see the vineyards and experience horse travel as it should be. The accommodations were beautiful, the food was top notch and the hosts were fabulous. Or guides did an amazing job, from setting the pace and making sure all of us were happy to guiding us around obstacles and traffic. My mare Penelope was awesome. Lots of go, but under control. Valerie did a great job matching up horses with riders. Everyone was pleased with their horse. It’s a top notch operation and you won’t be disappointed. Just do it!’

Tricia Huerta

‘Miles and miles of grapevines, incredible light filtering through the trees, and amazing wine by the barrel – probably what you’re expecting when you hear the word ‘Bordeaux’ – but now imagine you’re on a horse. TEN MILLION TIMES BETTER. Riding through the Bordeaux region with the Globetrotting crew and the local guides, every day is a surprise. You’ll think ‘It can’t get better,’ and then it does. From riding through centuries-old fortresses to galloping through a dense forest and picking grapes straight off the vines as you ride by, this ride will have you looking for real estate in the south of France before the week is out. Our hosts were beyond accommodating, and ran the program like a well-oiled machine. The horses were extremely well cared for and had plenty of personality to keep the ride interesting, with amazing boldness in the face of whatever was thrown at them – they didn’t put a hoof wrong. I recommend this trip not just for its delightful scenery and divine food and wine, but mostly for its hosts, as they have incredible stories to tell, care about their human and animal team, and clearly love what they do.’

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