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 $3,800 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!

Overview

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. For six days, you’ll tiptoe 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, 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 and appreciation for 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 us 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 each day, which is what we love best!

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. It is VERY important that you provide your current weight accurately when booking. If you are dishonest about your weight, we cannot guarantee the availability of a suitable horse.
  • Type of tack:French trail riding saddles (with a gel pad!) equipped with saddlebags. 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, 5 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. Because the riding route takes you from A to B each day, saddle fitness and overall health are very important.
    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 with double and twin rooms available. At some of the accommodation, you’ll need to share a bathroom, including those who have purchased the single supplement for your own room. Please 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 (6 riding days).
  • Inclusions:

    The price includes all meals, wine with lunch, accommodation in shared rooms with shared bathroom, riding, horses, tack, guide, translator, luggage transportation, and excursions as described in the itinerary.

  • Exclusions:

    The price does not include international flights, travel insurance (compulsory), drinks other than wine at lunch, any applicable entrance fees, wine tastings, or staff tips (€10 per day). Please note that transfers to and from the ride are not included in the price and can be paid for directly in person (€20 per person, round-trip). Transfer locations vary; see itinerary for details.

 

DEPARTURE DATES & RATES

NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% interest-free payment plan!
Departing FinishingAvailabilityTotal
April 20, 2025April 27, 2025SOLD OUT!
From: €2,545 EUR ?Tour costs €2,545 EUR which is approximately $4,232 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same genderWaitlist Me!You'll be notified if a spot becomes available on any of the listed departure dates.
From: €3,005 EUR ?Tour costs €3,005 EUR which is approximately $4,997 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own roomWaitlist Me!You'll be notified if a spot becomes available on any of the listed departure dates.
From: €1,495 EUR ?Tour costs €1,495 EUR which is approximately $2,486 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guestWaitlist Me!You'll be notified if a spot becomes available on any of the listed departure dates.
May 3, 2025May 10, 2025SOLD OUT!
From: €2,545 EUR ?Tour costs €2,545 EUR which is approximately $4,232 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same genderWaitlist Me!You'll be notified if a spot becomes available on any of the listed departure dates.
From: €3,005 EUR ?Tour costs €3,005 EUR which is approximately $4,997 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own roomWaitlist Me!You'll be notified if a spot becomes available on any of the listed departure dates.
From: €1,495 EUR ?Tour costs €1,495 EUR which is approximately $2,486 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guestWaitlist Me!You'll be notified if a spot becomes available on any of the listed departure dates.
May 11, 2025May 18, 2025SOLD OUT!
From: €2,545 EUR ?Tour costs €2,545 EUR which is approximately $4,232 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same genderWaitlist Me!You'll be notified if a spot becomes available on any of the listed departure dates.
From: €3,005 EUR ?Tour costs €3,005 EUR which is approximately $4,997 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own roomWaitlist Me!You'll be notified if a spot becomes available on any of the listed departure dates.
From: €1,495 EUR ?Tour costs €1,495 EUR which is approximately $2,486 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guestWaitlist Me!You'll be notified if a spot becomes available on any of the listed departure dates.
September 27, 2025October 4, 2025SOLD OUT!
From: €2,545 EUR ?Tour costs €2,545 EUR which is approximately $4,232 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same genderWaitlist Me!You'll be notified if a spot becomes available on any of the listed departure dates.
From: €3,005 EUR ?Tour costs €3,005 EUR which is approximately $4,997 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own roomWaitlist Me!You'll be notified if a spot becomes available on any of the listed departure dates.
From: €1,495 EUR ?Tour costs €1,495 EUR which is approximately $2,486 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guestWaitlist Me!You'll be notified if a spot becomes available on any of the listed departure dates.
October 11, 2025October 18, 2025SOLD OUT!
From: €2,545 EUR ?Tour costs €2,545 EUR which is approximately $4,232 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same genderWaitlist Me!You'll be notified if a spot becomes available on any of the listed departure dates.
From: €3,005 EUR ?Tour costs €3,005 EUR which is approximately $4,997 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own roomWaitlist Me!You'll be notified if a spot becomes available on any of the listed departure dates.
From: €1,495 EUR ?Tour costs €1,495 EUR which is approximately $2,486 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guestWaitlist Me!You'll be notified if a spot becomes available on any of the listed departure dates.
October 19, 2025October 26, 2025SOLD OUT!
From: €2,545 EUR ?Tour costs €2,545 EUR which is approximately $4,232 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same genderWaitlist Me!You'll be notified if a spot becomes available on any of the listed departure dates.
From: €3,005 EUR ?Tour costs €3,005 EUR which is approximately $4,997 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own roomWaitlist Me!You'll be notified if a spot becomes available on any of the listed departure dates.
From: €1,495 EUR ?Tour costs €1,495 EUR which is approximately $2,486 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guestWaitlist Me!You'll be notified if a spot becomes available on any of the listed departure dates.
Notify Me Of Future Departure Dates

*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 are 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 at the accommodation sites each night.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes all meals, wine with lunch, accommodation in shared rooms with shared bathroom, riding, horses, tack, guide, translator, luggage transportation, and excursions as described in the itinerary.

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

The price does not include international flights, travel insurance (compulsory), drinks other than wine at lunch, any applicable entrance fees, wine tastings, or staff tips (€10 per day). Please note that transfers to and from the ride are not included in the price and can be paid for directly in person (€20 per person, round-trip). Transfer locations vary; see itinerary for details.

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. It can be ridden in either direction and is subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.
*Depending on availability, accommodations may need to be exchanged for another of the same standard without notice.

Transfer locations vary throughout the season. It is very important that you check the pick-up and drop-off locations for your specific departure date in the Transfer Information section below.

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  • Day 1

    Today is 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 week-long riding adventure through the French countryside on horseback, hopping from one vineyard to the next and staying in charming accommodations en route. Does it get any better than this?!

    If you’re using the transfer service offered by your hosts, you’ll be picked up from either Bordeaux Airport or Libourne Train Station (depending on the date – see ‘Transfer Information‘ below) at 6pm and driven to your first night’s accommodation – Chambres en Vigne, a B&B in Ruch, a small prefecture within Bordeaux’s largest winemaking region, Entre-deux-Mers. You’ll have a sumptuous group dinner here with your French guides and hosts, 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 at around 8am (please note, the majority of your French breakfasts will consist of fresh bread and pastries – there will NOT be a cooked breakfast) before meeting the horses that will carry you through the charming landscapes of Bordeaux. This morning, your hosts will guide you through the tidy rows of vines, forest glades and rolling hills that characterise Entre-deux-Mers. You’ll pass by the 13th-century Château de Rauzan before reaching your picnic area on the banks of the Garonne River.

    After replenishing your strength with fabulous French picnic fare, the ride continues through more beautiful vineyards to Château du Courros. Built on the grounds of a pre-6th-century religious community dedicated to Saint Vincent (said to be the patron saint of winegrowers), this winery is famous for its ‘Bordeaux Supérieur’ blend, which you’ll be able to sample. Finally, you’ll reach the horses’ field and bid them adieu before returning to your accommodation in Ruch.

  • Day 3

    After breakfast, you’ll get back in the saddle and ride along the Dordogne River towards Saint-Émilion, a charming, UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval village known for its fabulous wines. Here you’ll dismount and visit Château Pavie, a winery that has been awarded the highest ranking among Saint-Émilion wines: Premier Grand Cru Classé A. Next, you’ll visit Château Franc Mayne, another Grand Cru Classé winery, and enojy a picnic among the 7 hectares of vines. The history here is easy to see, with an ancient Gallo-Roman road running right alongside the vineyard and an old coaching inn that still bears witness to the passage of pilgrims on their way to Spain’s Santiago de Compostela. Once you’ve filled up on lunch, you’ll head inside for a tasting and tour of the 2 hectares (!!) of underground cellars.

    In the afternoon, you’ll take in more world-famous estates – Château Pétrus, Cheval Blanc and Château Figeac – before arriving at Château Le Gay, an estate in the neighbouring Pomerol appellation, where the horses will spend the night. You’ll be transferred to a nearby hotel for another moreish French dinner.

  • Day 4

    This morning, the horses (and riders!) get a break as you explore the town of Saint-Émilion on foot. A city steeped in history, perched on a rocky promontory, Saint- Émilion and its wines both draw their originality from the limestone at their feet. Many towns in Bordeaux were constructed from limestone mined underground at Saint-Émilion in centuries past. This is evidenced by 200 kilometres of underground galleries, some of which can still be explored today. Many wineries even use these spaces as cellars.

    At around midday, you’ll regroup and head back to the horses at Château Le Gay. Here you’ll have your picnic before riding on through vineyards interspersed with sun-dappled forests until you reach Château Mayne-Veil, a winery in the Fronsac appellation that specialises in Merlot. Leaving the horses here, you’ll head to your hotel in the town of Libourne.

  • Day 5

    Today, globetrotters, you head towards the village of Mouillac through a delightful array of landscapes including vineyards (of course!), meadows and forests. Weather and terrain permitting, there’ll be some glorious wind-in-your-hair canters en route.

    Your picnic lunch is served at Mouillac’s 10,000-year-old Romanesque church. While exploring, see if you can find the church’s 9 canonical dials.

    This afternoon, you’ll ride on to the town of Cubnezais through the vineyards of the Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation and magnificent old pine and hardwood forests. At the end of the day, you’ll leave the horses at a picturesque estate and take the transfer to your B&B in the town of Civrac-de-Blaye for a much-anticipated evening meal.

  • Day 6

    Day 6 of your French riding escapade sees you exploring the rolling hills of the Côtes de Bourg. You’ll have some beautiful uphill canters before reaching Château Lamothe, where you’ll dismount for your lunchtime picnic and a tasting inside the grand Château itself. At around 3pm, you’ll hop back in the saddle for the ride to the coastal town of Blaye. 50 kilometres downstream from the city of Bordeaux, this town is famed for the Citadelle de Blaye, a fortress designed by Louis XIV’s legendary engineer, Vauban, to protect the estuary from enemy vessels. After your grand entrance on horseback, you’ll delve deeper into this architectural marvel with a tour of its 1.5 kilometres of ramparts, gates and underground passageways, topped by a convent, prison, barracks and powder magazine.

    Leaving the horses in their overnight field, you’ll head into Blaye for dinner and a good night’s rest.

  • Day 7

    This morning you’ll have the unique experience of taking a ferry across the Gironde estuary… with the horses! It’s a 40-minute trip from one side to the other, after which you’ll mount up for the final ride of your amazing week in Bordeaux. This region is called Médoc, and though small, it contains 8 distinct appellations. The trail takes you through the vineyards of the Haut-Médoc and into Moulis-en-Medoc, a tiny appellation around a village of the same name. Here you’ll have your last fabulous French picnic, followed by a wine tasting at Château Malescasse, a stunning example of neoclassical architecture and traditional Haut-Médoc winemaking.

    The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please, with the evening spent at a B&B in Moulis-en-Medoc.

  • Day 8

    After a farewell breakfast, you’ll be transferred to either Bordeaux Airport or Libourne Train Station (depending on the date – see ‘Transfer Information‘ below). If you’re flying out from Bordeaux today, please ensure your flight departs after 2pm.

  • Transfer Information

    We recommend using the transfer service your hosts offer (€20 per person, round-trip, payable upon arrival).

    Transfer locations vary throughout the season. It is very important that you note the pick-up and drop-off locations for your specific departure date below.

    May 3-10, 2025: day 1 pick-up at Libourne Train Station at 6pm; day 8 drop-off at Bordeaux Airport for flights after 2pm**.

    May 11-18, 2025: day 1 pick-up at Bordeaux Airport at 6pm*; day 8 drop-off at Libourne Train Station after breakfast.

    September 27-October 4, 2025: day 1 pick-up at Bordeaux Airport at 6pm*; day 8 drop-off at Libourne Train Station after breakfast.

    October 11-18, 2025: day 1 pick-up at Libourne Train Station at 6pm; day 8 drop-off at Bordeaux Airport for flights after 2pm**.

    October 19-26, 2025: day 1 pick-up at Bordeaux Airport at 6pm*; day 8 drop-off at Libourne Train Station after breakfast.

    *If the transfer is picking you up from Bordeaux Airport, please give yourself time to clear customs, get your luggage and be on time for the 6pm transfer so as not to keep other guests waiting. The meeting point is the ‘Brioche Doree’ snack bar in Hall B (NOT Hall A).

    **If the transfer is dropping you off at Bordeaux Airport, please note, you will arrive between 11am and 12 noon. Please ensure your flight departs after 2pm.

    We do not recommend self-driving to and from this ride simply due to the fact that it starts and finishes in different locations, which makes it hard to return to your car on the last day.

  • Non-Riders

    Should you wish to join this holiday as a non-rider, you will require your own car to transport yourself to the lunch and 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

The Bordeaux Wine Trail, France, Globetrotting Horse Riding Holidays

Jessica D.

‘I would definitely recommend this ride! On about day 3 it hits you – what an amazing and unique experience you are a part of. Starting with the horses, they were all lovely, well-behaved, very sure-footed and knew their jobs perfectly. They were also incredibly well cared for and loved, which makes a horse girl happy. The guides and our translator were so knowledgeable, happy and just there to ensure we had a fantastic time while also making sure we were all safe and looked after. The B&Bs varied each night, from homes to quaint spots in unknown towns, but they were all very comfortable with all amenities needed, breakfast provided, etc. Each day we had 1-2 wine tastings at such interesting spots, and the wine was delicious (this coming from someone who normally isn’t a huge red fan) and there were often whites, rosés and crémants. And last but definitely not least – the actual riding. How can you ever explain the absolute joy and luxury of riding through the vines of actual vineyards? Meandering through small towns? And cantering through open fields? Every day differed in terms of what you encountered and also time in the saddle, so you got the needed breaks occasionally but also never got bored. These are memories that will never fade.’

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!’

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