Horseback riders riding in the Atlantic Ocean in France
France > Bordeaux - The Atlantic Coast

Aquitaine - Trail riding along the Atlantic shore

An athletic horse riding holiday in Landes on which you will cross natural ponds, coastal ridges and sandy beaches in a region known for its history and tradition. In this beautiful area, rich in wildlife, you will enjoy trail riding along the Atlantic coast and gallops along the soft sandy terrain and weather permitting, a dip in the ocean before relaxing in comfortable accommodation and tasting the delicious traditional local French cuisine.
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Trail Riding
8 days / 6 days riding -
From £0

From the horse’s mouth

  • Aquitaine - Trail riding along the Atlantic shore
    October 2019 Ai Li aged 45
    It was a really unique experience to have the opportunities to canter one-by-one through the forest and on the beach. The horses and strong and fast. The guide observed the riders to ensure safety as well as providing pointers for the riders. The accommodation was comfortable and the food was great!! They even have a... Read all
  • Aquitaine - Trail riding along the Atlantic shore
    November 2018 Gwen Marie
    Michel and Anette, the hosts, were very welcoming and provided excellent accomodations, the horses were forward-going and there were frequent gallops at fast pace over 1/2-2km. The guide, Michel, was an amazing navigator over sometimes bushy terrain. Overall, an excellent trip! Titan, about 8-9 years old, a French... Read all
  • Aquitaine - Trail riding along the Atlantic shore
    September 2018 Patricia aged 62
    The trip far exceeded my expectations. The guide's passion for his horses shone through. The horses were amazing, well behaved and forward going. Both Michel and Annette made us feel welcome and went out of their way to make the trip extra special. The riding was amazing, with lots of long gallops through the forests... Read all
  • Group of riders riding in the Ocean in Mimizan
    Experience the thrills of riding horses into the Atlantic ocean
  • Rider cantering in the woods in France
    Enjoy an active trail riding holiday in France
  • Horseback riders cantering on the beach in France
    Fast canters on an active riding adventure in France
  • Lady cuddling two horses on the beach
    The herd is made up of 35 horses the majority of which are Anglo-Arabs or reformed race horses
  • Group canter on a beach near Mimizan
    The horses are independent and happy to pick up the pace when you ask them to!
  • Horses paddocked in the countryside near Mimizan, France
    Stopping for a break
  • Horse rolling on the beach
    Everyone loves a good roll!
  • Riders discover the French countryside
    Discover France on horseback
  • An athletic trail riding holiday on the beach in France
    Trail riding along the Atlantic shore
  • Riders crossing a French village in the landes on horseback
    Discover local villages in the saddle and the French culture
  • Riders on a beach riding holiday near Bordeaux, France
    Beach riding holiday in France

Itinerary

Highlights

- Ride through breathtaking coastline trails, along high ridges with views across the ocean, and lush green fields
- Trek across varied terrain and experience a fast-paced ride with plenty of opportunities for trots and gallops
- Ride well-schooled, sure-footed and forward-going horses.
- Excellent riding with trots and canters done individually and at your own pace rather than in a single line, with opportunities for exhilarating group gallops.
- Enjoy the fantastic traditional local Landais cuisine

  • Day 1 1 : UK - BORDEAUX - MIMIZAN

    Gite Marina
    Riders will arrive on the Sunday at Gite Marina, the gite on the horse farm's property either by car or by train/ plane.

    If you are arriving my train or plane, please ensure you arrive before 15:00 so you have enough time to catch the transfer from Bordeaux to the gite. The transfer is scheduled at 4:00 pm from the airport and 5:00pm for the railway station.

    Transfers to the gite are payable on location - talk to us about hire car options. On your arrival, you will be welcomed and introduced to the team before dinner and a night spent in comfortable rooms.

    You will arrive in Mimizan at around 7:00 pm and will have the chance to unpack and relax before dinner.

  • Day 2 2 : MIMIZAN - 3 hours riding

    Gite Marina
    After breakfast, you are taken to Mimizan at 10:30 for a visit and walk through to the village. Lunch is payable locally at the restaurant of your choice.

    After lunch, you will meet your guides at 13:30 in front of the Tourism Office and taken to the guest house. You will meet the horses to head out on horseback for a 3 hour-ride exploring the surrounding forests on enchanting forest paths of the Landes forest.

    The aim of this first ride is for you to get to know your horse, see how they move from a walk, to a trot to a canter and, if necessary, change you mount for the rest of the ride to one more suited to your level and riding style. If you have been out of the saddle for a while, this will help you get back into the swing of things. You will start in the arena before riding out and Michel will give you instructions on how he likes to ride: riders are welcome to ride independently from the group, this is not a nose-to-tail trail and you will be able to take it at your own pace.

    Passing the beach, you will reach the stables where you will untack and leave your horse; then you will be driven back and your guide will give a briefing detailing the route for the rest of the trip. You will return to the gite for dinner and the night.

    IMPORTANT
    This 14:00 meeting and subsequent briefing will take place on the Monday. If you choose to arrive a day earlier, you will not travel to the farm until the following day.

  • Day 3 3 : MIMIZAN - SAINT JULIEN - 5 hours riding (approx 30km)

    Gite Marina
    Riding out for your first full day in the saddle, you will start off along the coastline trails, crossing through the Tirelagüe marshes, passing the Sintias Lagoon and galloping towards the ocean. You will stop for your first alfresco Landais picnic and after a short Mediterranean style siesta, it will be time to make your mark in the beautiful sands and feel the wind against your face as you race through this vast and often deserted landscape.

    Next, you will ride towards the south and Contis les Bains beach, a haven of peace, wild open spaces and a bird and nature-lovers paradise. Next, a change of scenery as you ride into the surrounding forest and, at less than 2km from the ocean, you will find yourself at 150 metres above sea level riding along the narrow ridges formed by centuries of exposure to capricious and forceful oceanic winds.

    After several stretches of gallops along the Brigands path towards the pastures, you will leave your horses as you take a well deserved break from the saddle, after a 30km trek. After a restorative hot shower, you will enjoy dinner at the guesthouse.

  • Day 4 4 : SAINT JULIEN - LESPERON - 5 hours riding (approx 35km)

    For today's ride, you will head back to the horse pasture between the villages of Bias and Saint Julien and head off on horseback at around 9:30. At a fast rhythmic canter, you will fly across the white sandy plains as the sunlight glistens off the Atlantic ocean. After the wide open expanses of the beach, you will then enjoy the change of scenery brought by passing dense forests, existing such as they were before 1850 and the planting of the maritime pines under Napoleon III.

    Leaving behind the sandy embankments and the clouds of Courlis overhead, you will ride inland onto Count of L'Urs Saluce's land; the count is the owner of chateaus in Fargues and Yquem in Sauternais. You will ride along the ornithological reserve and its stunning lakeside countryside then canter side by side until you reach Lévignac, named as the most beautiful village in Landes. Taking an old sheep herding trail, and other out-of-the-way paths, you will ride at a sustained pace to arrive in Lesperon and Tireveste manor.


    IMPORTANT
    During the rides in July and August instead of the night spent at the manorhouse, you will spend the night camping at a comfortable camp by the lake. Sleeping bags will therefore be indispensable!

  • Day 5 5 : LESPERON - BIAS - 4-5 hrs riding (approx. 30km)

    Gite Marina
    The day's ride will see you heading deeper into the beautiful wild countryside of the Grand Lande venturing off the beaten track along the canyon ridge or down on the canyon floor. Riding to Mezos, at a brisk pace with chances for some good canters, you will stop there for your picnic lunch sat on the river banks with birds swirling overhead.

    After lunch, you will ride through beautiful new neighbourhoods full of hidden treasures and traditional architecture and then head back on the return path at a canter, towards the Lande headland and the Moulasse swamp lands.

  • Day 6 6 : BIAS - MIMIZAN - 4 hours riding

    Gite Marina
    Today is a half-day ride. You will either ride in the morning or in the afternoon depending on the tides, and relax for the rest of the day.

    You will head out to the beach to make the most of your final day's ride. On the programme are long canters along the sandy beaches and swimming in the waves with, or without, the horses - weather permitting.

  • Day 7 7 : MIMIZAN - 5 hours riding (30km)

    Gite Marina
    You will ride through the evolving Landais landscape with its verdant rising and falling relief. From the lush marshland, you will arrive at the beautiful and calm Aureilhan Lake. Picnic lunch along the river. In the afternoon, you will leave the banks of the lake and take ridge trails to reach the beaches in time to watch the magnificent sunsets that colour the Atlantic Ocean. Back to the guesthouse for the night.

  • Day 8 8 : MIMIZAN - UK

    After breakfast, say your goodbyes to the horses and your guide, there will be the option for you to be transferred via shuttle to Bordeaux, for flights after 12:30.

Dates & prices

Price details

No departure for this destination. Please contact our travel advisers for more information.
- Flights to your destination (international/domestic) are not included, but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.

- Prices are per person, based on a combination of double bedrooms, double twins, and possibly a shared bedroom for 3-5 beds. If you are travelling with a riding partner, we can guarantee a double or twin bedroom and no dormitory accommodation with a supplement of €70/£62 per rider (low season), €105/£93 in July and August.

- Groups are made up of 4-12 (max.) international riders

- Please note: the ride will also confirm for 3 riders on payment of a supplement of c. €150/£130 per person. Once the group has reached 4 people, we will remove this supplement from your invoice and refund you if you have already paid it.

- If you register singularly and are unlikely to be travelling with someone with whom to share a room, then you will be charged a single room supplement. If you are willing to share a room and a sharer is later found for you, the supplementary charge will be refunded: €105/£90 in February-March-April-October-November, €170/£150 in May-June-September and €210/£190 in July and August (2020-2021). Single room availability is limited and is on a first come, first served basis.

- Transfers are available between Bordeaux and Mimizan £36 (€45) per person/ each way or Mimizan and Morcenx £29 (€35) per person/each way. This is payable locally in euros.

- Rider weight limit: 95 kg / 210 lbs / 14,9 stone

IMPORTANT :
- In July and August, 1 night will be spent camping - this is instead of the stay at Manoir. Therefore, for these trips you will need to bring a sleeping bag.
- If you decide that you wish to leave Mimizan on Saturday evening instead of Sunday morning, you will be reimbursed for the evening's meal (up to £11); you will not be reimbursed for the night at the hotel
- Minors from 12 years old are welcome to ride, on the condition that they are accompanied by a parent who is also riding and that they meet the required riding and fitness level for the trip.
- Non-riders are also welcome on this trip, and there are plenty of activities available to them but we recommend a hire car. Contact us for more information.
- Yoga classes, sauna and massages are available at an extra cost. Please contact us.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support team

1 English speaking horse riding guide
1 English speaking tour leader

Logistics

1 support vehicle that will transposrt your baggage to and from the accommodation and will meet you at the lunch stop with your picnic lunch
1 horse equipped with saddle and bridle per rider as well as a horse that rides with the group and is available to be ridden when others fatigue

Accommodation

Accommodation in triple rooms at Gite Le Marina. We can guarantee a double room or single room with the payment of a supplement.

Meals

All meals as per the itinerary
1/4 carafe of wine or soft drinks and coffee are included with each meal

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverages and personal extras
Lunches on days 1, 2, 7 and 8 are not included in the listed price

Transport

International flights that we can book for you upon request
Transfer to the meeting point in France

Divers

Single room supplement - this charge will be reimbursed if a sharer is found for you at a later date

Extras

Tips to the local team
Small group supplement - see above for the details

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation

Optional

Accommodation

Single room supplement

Transport

Transfers are available: Mimizan to Bordeaux or Mimizan to Morcenx, payable locally
We are currently updating our dates and prices they will be online soon. If you want details of this holiday, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Equestrian info

Horses

The herd is made up of 30 horses the majority of which are Anglo-Arabs and French trotters. A good number of them come from the same family line. The horses are used to living outdoors and riding out for many weeks at a time throughout the year. They are forward going, sure footed and well balanced.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

For this ride, you need to have mastered the 3 paces outdoors and be physically fit in order to endure the fast paced rhythm of the ride and the daily 5 to 6 hours in the saddle.

Minors from 12 years old are welcome to ride, on the condition that they are accompanied by a parent who is also riding and that they meet the required riding and fitness level for the trip.

Rider weight limit: 95 kg / 210 lbs / 14,9 stone

Pace

This is a fast paced ride, with plenty of occasions for the rising trot and galloping in a forward seat, this ride should be considered as approaching that of a long-distance trek. You must be able to walk, trot and canter independently: the canters and gallops can be done in small groups or individually to avoid dust.

Tacking ability and participation

Everyone assists with grooming, tacking and un-tacking your horse. Following your guides instructions, you will also be involved in feeding and watering the horses.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

You need to be in good physical condition to participate in this ride as there will be some long days in the saddle (up to 7 hours).
Previous experience of trekking over several days is strongly requested. It is recommended that riders who are not riding regularly get back in the saddle and get riding fit before the trip.

Equestrian equipment

English saddles will be provided.
Saddle bags are also provided.

We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit

Travel info

Comfort

During the trek, you will spend 4 nights in a 2* hotel or in a 3* gite, with a swimming pool, (nights 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6) and 1 night in a Landais manor house (night 3). The nights in gite are not necessarily in double bedrooms but can be in dormitory rooms: please check the "dates and prices" section.

During the 2 rides in July and August there is one night camping (replaces the night at the Manor house). The camp is set beside a lovely river where it is possible to swim. Sleeping bags will therefore be indispensable and you must bring your own. All other camping material is provided (tent, mattress, table, chairs).

A car follows the group for lunch and will transport your luggage to your next accommodation.

Meals

Your lunch will be transported in the support vehicle and is a real meal, served at a table: appetizers, soup or salad, meat, cheese, dessert, wine, coffee and tea.
Dinners are organised at the guest house according to the programme of the day with local specialities.

¼ Wine or soda as well as coffee are provided in all restaurants during the week, and during picnic lunches.

Vegetarians can be accommodated with advance notice.

Please note that some meals at the beginning at the ride are not included. See dates and prices.

Climate

The climate in this region of France is oceanic with mild winters and hot summers. Rainfall in Mimizan can be significant, even in the driest months. Throughout the year the average temperature in Mimizan is around 13.2 °C.

Guide and local team

Your ride will be led by an English-speaking guide with a qualification minimum of Equestrian Tourism Guide. They know the region like the back of their hand and they get great pleasure out of helping you to explore the area with them.

Tips

In France it is customary to tip. For this trip, you may wish to leave a tip with the guide who can split it amongst all members of the team. Tipping is not obligatory and remains at your discretion.

Packing list

The information provided is general and should be adapted to the season in which you are travelling, specifically concerning the necessity of Goretex waterproofs.

Head
- A riding helmet is compulsory and we recommend that you take your own to ensure a correct fit. Helmet makers (GPA, HKM, LAS Helmets, Lamicell, Troxel, Equithème) now offer horse-riding helmets that are ventilated, strong, light and comfortable.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun, wind or rain
- 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
- Down jacket or gilet for cold evenings
- T-shirts
- Swimsuit - for swimming/bathing in rivers. In the summer you can pack this in your saddlebags for an impromptu swim during lunch!
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm polar fleece or equivalent (plus a spare in case one gets wet)
- Waterproof jacket - rain can be difficult to predict and it's better to be prepared.

Legs
- 2 pairs of 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)
- Thermal trousers for cold days or for sleeping in
- Non-irritant cotton or synthetic underwear

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged
- Lightweight shoes or trainers for the evenings
- Sandals/flipflops
- Several pairs of warm socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, wind or rain whilst riding

Nightwear
- Pyjamas or tracksuits for sleeping in
- Sleeping bag comfort level +2°/+5° - /!\ only for the trips leaving in July and August.

Other useful items
- A small micro-fiber towel if you choose to swim in the rivers/lakes at lunchtime.
- Water bottle (1.5 litres or 2 equivalent)
- Headtorch or small torch for moving around at night - bring spare batteries and bulbs
- Toiletries
- Protein or cereal bars for the longer stretches of riding
- Swiss army knife or equivalent (in checking-in luggage!!)
- Small plastic bags for you rubbish
- Ear plugs (may be useful)
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery

Medical kit
Make sure any allergies (to medication or otherwise) and clearly stated in your 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 (camera, sunscreen, lip balm etc)
- A soothing cream may be useful to treat areas irritated by long hours in the saddle
- Any liquids in your carry on, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant over 100 ml and all bottles can be decanted into small, clear, plastic Ziplock bags. We recommend biodegradable washing products where possible.
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- In your hand luggage carry any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes is highly recommended - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!

Visa & Health

Formalities

UK citizens - other nationalities please contact us:

Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay; you don’t need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.

The rules on travel will stay the same until 31 December 2020.

Visas
If you hold a British Citizen passport, you don’t need a visa to enter France.

The rules on travel will stay the same until 31 December 2020.

For up-to-date information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements

Health

UK Citizens: A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the European Union (EU).

https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/

It’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance for your needs. A GHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and you should have both before you travel. It does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment.

Insurance

It is a condition of your booking with Equus Journeys that you have travel insurance which covers you for the riding activities to be undertaken. Your travel insurance should cover you for medical expenses and repatriation. Your guides will require your travel insurance details before they allow you to ride and may refuse to let you ride if you cannot provide them. You should take your insurance documents with you.

Did you know?

Did you know?

The Anglo-Arab or Anglo-Arabian is one of the main breeds used by our local stables for this trail ride along the Atlantic. This is a very popular breed in France, a country that is one of the greatest producers of Anglo-Arabians horses. The Anglo-Arab is the result of cross between a Thoroughbred and an Arabian, with a minimum of 25 % Arabian blood.

In the past, the Anglo-Arab was used in the military but it is now a popular riding or sport horse. They are endurant and quick with a nice jump, and as such do well in eventing competitions. Not as hot-blooded as full Arabians and with a pleasant disposition, they are also the ideal companion for a trail riding holiday in France.

Customer reviews

Customer reviews

All of our reviews are real, honest opinions from riders who have recently travelled with us. Upon their return, our riders will receive an email inviting them to share their experiences from their trip. Good or bad, each review will be published on our website, provided that they respect our editorial guidelines.
  • Ai Li aged 45 Singapore 3 trips
    October 2019
    It was a really unique experience to have the opportunities to canter one-by-one through the forest and on the beach. The horses and strong and fast. The guide observed the riders to ensure safety as well as providing pointers for the riders. The accommodation was comfortable and the food was great!! They even have a... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Gwen Marie ALBERTVILLE 2 trips
    November 2018
    Michel and Anette, the hosts, were very welcoming and provided excellent accomodations, the horses were forward-going and there were frequent gallops at fast pace over 1/2-2km. The guide, Michel, was an amazing navigator over sometimes bushy terrain. Overall, an excellent trip! Titan, about 8-9 years old, a French... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Patricia aged 62 London 1 trip
    September 2018
    The trip far exceeded my expectations. The guide's passion for his horses shone through. The horses were amazing, well behaved and forward going. Both Michel and Annette made us feel welcome and went out of their way to make the trip extra special. The riding was amazing, with lots of long gallops through the forests... Read all
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide