Comfort
During the trek, you will spend 4 nights in a 2* hotel or in a 3* gite, with a swimming pool, (nights 1, 4, 5 and 6) and 2 nights in a Landais manor house (night 2 and 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. 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, chair). Hot showers are also possible every evening and there are toilet facilities.
A car follows the group for lunch and will transport your luggage to your next accommodation.
Meals
During your ride, the meals have been well-chosen to allow you to discover the local gastronomic traditions of the region.
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 will be had in a different restaurant each night so you can experience the different styles of local cuisine.
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!
