Comfort
Throughout the trip, you will spend 2 nights in a gite located in the equestrian centre and 4 nights in double or twin rooms in gîtes or guest houses.
Meals
Throughout the ride, your lunches will either be picnics made from local products (and transported by the support vehicle) or had in restaurants, depending on the weather. You dinners will be had in restaurants specialising in Alsatian dishes or you will have your evening meals around you host's table.
Dietary requests can usually be accommodated if mentioned in advance - please inform your travel advisor upon booking.
Climate
Alsace has a continental climate with cold and dry winters and hot, often stormy, summers. The months in-between - from April to May and September to October - are usually warm and agreeable.
Spring in Alsace gives you the opportunity to make the most of the lengthening days and discover a beautiful countryside coming out of hibernation. In the autumn, the region is coloured by the vibrant hues of the growing vineyards. Summers in the region can be very hot and are the best season to take refreshing dips in the tranquil lakes and the ride through Vosges.
From the beginning of November, the cooler temperature and fogs that roll out across the countryside create an enjoyable atmosphere to ride through. Mid and late winter can be harsh with frequent frosts.
Tips
In France, it is customary to tip - usually this is by rounding up the price. You may wish to leave a tip with the guide who can split it amongst all members of the team - this is not obligatory and is entirely at your discretion.
Packing list
Please pack carefully and sensibly: the following guide is here to give you an idea of what to bring.
Head
- Riding helmet
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses with a cord attached
- Buff or bandana for protecting your neck and face from the elements
- Warm hat for cold evenings/days
Upper body
- Thermals in case of cold weather
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun or extra warmth
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Waterproof jacket and/or a waterproof vest that covers you thighs. No ponchos!!
Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Waterproof over trousers
- Casual clothes for the evenings (jeans or walking trousers)
- A swimming costume may be useful for impromptu dips in the lake
- Non-irritant cotton underwear
Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps.
- Lightweight shoes or trainers for the evenings
- Several pairs of warm socks
- Gloves
Other useful items
- Water bottle
- Toiletries
- Ear plugs (may be useful)
Medical kit
- Any medication you regularly take
- Painkillers
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhea medication
- Vitamin C tablets
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Eye drops
- Hydrating/ soothing cream
- Plasters
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc..
- 10cm wide bandage
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel
Our Recommendations
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day.
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- Carry a copy of your passport and insurance documentation with you.
