Trail riders in a field of flowers in Burgundy
France > Burgundy

Burgundy's Black Mountain Trail

This exhilarating riding trail includes long and frequent canters, steep downhill descents and lake crossings. A region rich in history, this holiday is for competent riders who love adventure, speed and good food. The diverse landscapes and miles of country roads are perfectly suited for fast riding. With long riding days, between 40 and 50 km every day with a rather active pace, this is an endurance ride for experienced riders looking for an exhilarating equestrian adventure!
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Endurance
9 days / 7 days riding
From £1,525
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  • Riders enjoying a canter in the Morvan, France
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    The horses on this riding holiday are trained especially for endurance.
  • Riders on a picnic lunch - trail riding in France
    Picnic time!

Itinerary

Highlights

- Ride in 50 km stages with an average rate of more than 10km/h and long and frequent canters over various terrain
- Ride home bred, confident, endurance horses
- Typical regional accommodation and local hearty and tasty meals
- Historical sites : Quarré Graves, Vézelay, Corbigny, Chateau- Chinon, in light Saint Beuvray Vauban
- Morvan is a regional park in the centre of Burgundy that will astonish you with its diverse landscapes and miles of country roads perfectly suited for riding
- Adventure, speed, strong emotions and good food will make this an unforgettable trip
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  • Day 1 1: EUROPE - DIJON - SOMMANT

    Fly to Dijon (or Paris, Lyon), or take a train to Creusot or Autun.

    The equestrian centre team can pick you up at the train/bus station in Autun at 18:00 (no charge) or train station TGV in Creusot (40 euros each way per vehicle , payable locally). Or you may wish to hire a car at Dijon airport and make your own way to the equestrian centre.

    Settle in at the centre before attending a presentation on the breeding of Arabian horses and see the facilities needed to train for endurance. You will meet with your horse and be briefed on the riding style and your itinerary for the week ahead. Dinner with your guides and the other riders.

  • Day 2 2: SOMMANT - LAKE SETTONS - 6 hours

    Les Grillons du Morvan
    You will ride in the direction of Lake Settons passing through Vignerux, Montcimet and the Forest of Anost. Stop for lunch at the picnic area where a delicious meal will be layed out on the table waiting for you. In the afternoon, you will walk briskly along the banks of the lake to Planchez. Dinner and overnight at Les Grillons du Morv, a small 2-star hotel/guest house with a warm and inviting atmosphere.

  • Day 3 3: PLANCHEZ - DUN LES PLACES - 6 hours

    Horses and riders follow the river and climb the rock of La Perouse. Follow paths lined with ancient stone walls with mossy coverings, hardwoods and conifers until you reach the village of Gouloux. This village is famous for its shoe-maker and the famous " jump Gouloux ", a 10m high waterfall in the heart of the forest. Ride through the forest of Breuil while following the course of the river. Arrive at the village of Dun Les Places.
    Dinner and overnight at the " sunny inn " in Dun Les Places.

  • Day 4 4: DUN LES PLACES - VEZELAY - 7 hours

    This morning you set off for the longest stage of this trail, nearly 60Km away is your destination Vezelay! You follow the river banks of the Cure, crossing the Morvan, sneaking under the arches of bridges, through foliage and between gorges. A picnic lunch again at the bridge of Queuzon Crescent. Your ride continues again through Saint André in Morvan, Domecy sur Cure, Pierre Perthuis Foissy and finally onto the historic town of Vezelay.
    Vezelay is a mystical city - it is the starting point of the pilgrimage route of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle. The pilgrims' donations allowed for the construction of St. Madeleine's basilica. After a tiring day on horseback, you will have a realxing evening. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in the heart of Compostela - The Vézelay, an old house full of charm, with garden and terrace on the village square .

  • Day 5 5: VEZELAY - VAUBAN - CORBIGNY - 4 hours

    Chateau de Lantilly
    This morning you will have a quick tour of Vezelay. Before getting back on your horse late morning to reach Pierre Perthuis and its two bridges. In the afternoon you have a good fast ride as its 40Km to your next destination! The wide open pastures will allow you to canter for long periods and ride to Chateau de Lantilly in 3 hours. Dinner and overnight at Chateau de Lantilly, a magnificent thirteenth century Chateau.

  • Day 6 6: CORBIGNY - CHATEAU CHINON - 6 hours

    Hôtel du Parc
    This morning you will be riding through beautiful countryside in the direction of Chateau- Chinon where you will spend the evening. Your journey follows the course of the Yonne. You will have your picnic at lake Pannecire at the foot of an old oak tree. A well deserved break for horses and riders before starting off at a good pace along the shores of the lake. Arrive on horseback at Château- Chinon, where you will over night. This is a beautiful village on a lake. Dinner and overnight at the hotel park in Château- Chinon.

  • Day 7 7: CHATEAU CHINON - SAINT LEGER SOUS BEUVRAY - 6 hours

    Hôtel du Morvan
    This morning we ride towards Bibracte, the biggest celtic site in Europe. Situated on the top of Mont Beuvray at an altitude of 800m above sea level, this is the highest point of the hike. Picnic lunch at the lake of La Goulette. Ride again in the afternoon until reaching Hotel du Morvan, where you will stay in this quiet hotel in the village.

  • Day 8 8: SAINT LEGER SOUS BEUVRAY - SOMMANT EN MORVAN - 6 hours

    Hôtel du Morvan
    Final stage of the ride, at a steady pace! Back to the stables at Sommant Morvan. You will cross the High Folin (former ski resort), Saint- Prix, Crot Morin before lunch. Follow the tracks of the international Sommant endurance race which will take you back to the stables at high speed! Great for those of you who are fans of speed and adrenaline rushes! Bid farewell to your horses and then head for a farewell dinner and overnight at the equestrian centre at the Hotel du Lac or the cottages.

  • Day 9 9: SOMMANT - DIJON - EUROPE

    After breakfast you will be transferred to the bus or train station in Autun (no charge) or Creusot (40 euros each way per vehicle , payable locally). Or make your own way to Dijon for a flight back.

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights or trains to your destination (international/domestic) are not included, but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.     

- Rates are per person, based on two riders sharing a twin or double room during the ride. 

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 4 riders and a maximum of 12 international riders, plus guides. 

- Transfers from Autun train station are included. Transfer from Le Creusot train station is €40 (approx £35) each way per vehicle, payable locally.

- There is no single supplement if you are willing to share a room with another guest of the same sex. To guarantee your own room there is a single supplement of £315/€360/$380 (2023), payable locally but booked in advance.

- Accompanied minors are welcome from 16 yo, provided they match the riding requirements.

IMPORTANT: Riders over 95 kg /210 lbs / 15 st must contact us before booking
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 guide

Logistics

1 horse equipped with saddle and bridle per rider
1 vehicle and driver

Inland transport

Transfers from Autun train station

Accommodation

Double/twin room

Meals

Full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the final day

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverages and personal extras

Transport

International flights/trains
Transfers to/from le Creusot train station. To be paid locally - see dates and prices

Extras

Tips to the local team

Insurance

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

Optional

Accommodation

Single room supplement (see dates and prices)
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    15/06/2024 23/06/2024 £1,550 €1,752 $1,922
    Open
    		Book now
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    24/08/2024 01/09/2024 £1,550 €1,752 $1,922
    Open
    		Book now

Equestrian info

Horses

The horses are from the first stud to breed endurance horses in France! They are mostly pure bred Arabs and there are 4 Arabian stallions. They are forward going, quiet and safe and have been selected and trained especially for endurance.

Guide & local team

All of the guides are qualified equestrian guides and experienced in the outdoors. Jean, Amélie, Nathalie, Simon and Thierry all know the area and their horses like the back of their hand. The level of English can vary from one guide to another but they will do their best to ensure you have a great time!

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

You should be a confident rider, capable of handling a forward going horse across varied terrain. You must be secure in the saddle at speed and be comfortable riding for long hours.

IMPORTANT: Riders over 95 kg /210 lbs / 15 st must contact us before registering.

Pace

The pace includes walk, trot and canters. Some of the trots and canters will be for long periods of time and you cover up to 50km each day. The terrain is sometimes difficult with steep descents and through water.

Tacking ability and participation

Everyone is required to groom, saddle and unsaddle their horses.
You can also participate in feeding and watering the horses.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

You must be in good physical condition and be an experienced rider as this is a very strenuous ride. You must be able to trot and canter for a long time and be confident downhill.

Each day in the saddle covers about 40-50 km with long trots and long canters (up to 10+ min).

A backup vehicle follows the trail and meets the group at lunchtime and in the evenings. This is especially useful if one of the riders needs a break in the afternoon - you will be able to follow the ride in the vehicle.

Equestrian equipment

A riding helmet is mandatory and you will not be able to ride without one. We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit.

Saddle bags are provided for carrying small items such as sunscream.

Travel info

Comfort

Stay in small hotels along the route (2** standard). One night in a French castle at Castle Lantilly, a beautiful chateau from the thirteenth century. All will give you a cozy bed and a shower.

Meals

Lunches are prepared by your hosts and served on a table whilst on the trail. They can be either hot or cold.

Breakfasts and Dinners are taken at the various hotels along the trail.

Climate

The climate is oceanic with a semi-continental trend. This means that there is the possibility of rain all year round, although there is less in summer. Temperatures are higher here than in other regions of France and it is this that allows for the cultivation of the famous Burgundy vines. If it is 15c in Paris then it is likely to be 18c in Burgundy.

Tips

In France it is customary to tip - usually this is by rounding up the price when you are satisfied with the service in a restaurant. You may wish to leave a tip with the guide who can split it amongst all members of the team.

Packing list

Head
- It is mandatory that you wear a riding helmet and you will not be able to ride without one. You should take your own to ensure a correct fit.
- 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 and dust

Upper body
- Thermals in case of cold weather
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun, which can be fierce at altitude
- T-shirts
- 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. In the mountains the weather can change quickly

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)
- Thermals (can also be used as nightwear)

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
- Several pairs of warm socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, wind or rain whilst riding

Nightwear
- Pyjamas or tracksuits or thermals for sleeping in

Other useful items
- Swimsuit - for swimming/bathing in rivers
- Small backpack for accessing items required during the day (carried by support crew)
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Headtorch or small torch for moving around at night - bring spare batteries and bulbs
- Water bottle (2 litres or 2 x 1 litre)
- Wet Wipes or equivalent (for when washing facilities aren't available)
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)

In your luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic ziplock bag.
- Swiss army knife or equivalent

In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Your riding hat

Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel

General information
- We recommend taking any valuables, such as your camera, iPod, iPad, medicines and glasses etc. in your hand luggage. 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!
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- Backpacks are not permitted whilst riding. You can carry all your small belongings (lipstick, sunscreen, passport, mini camera, glasses, etc.) inside your jacket's pockets or in the saddlebags.

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.

Did you know?

Did you know?

The Morvan is a granite massif located west of the Côte d’Or escarpment in Burgundy. At its heart lays the protected area of the Morvan Regional Nature Park. The area is heavily wooded and dotted with small lakes – it is also known for the local wildlife, including several species of birds and deer. With easy access from either Lyon or Paris international airports, it’s a good choice for an active riding holiday in France.