Provence Perched Villages

Day 1: From Lauris to Bonnieux. Transfer on Monday morning from the airport or train station to the Mas de Recaute Equestrian Center. You will have an introduction to the trail ride and lunch. In the afternoon, you will be introduced to your horse and will start the trip westward through the Luberon rolling hills, towards the beautifull perched village of Bonnieux. The houses, all made with stones, form a striking harmony of earth-toned colours and shapes. Some superb residences dating back to the 16th, 17th, and 18th century serve as a reminder that Bonnieux was a wealthy village when this region, the Comtat Venaissin, belonged to the Popes. Several bishops also chose to live here and as you ride through the village streets you will no doubt marvel at the architecture and history on display. Take a glimpse on Lacoste, the village of the sadly known Marquis de Sade. Beware and follow your guide very closely so you do not get lost anywhere near his castle. After the picturesque village of Bonnieux, the trail goes down in the Valley of Apt. Cherry orchards and vineyards then drive you to Bonnieux, where you will spend the night in a charming guesthouse (with swimming pool). Before dinner, visit to the famous village of Roussillon and its ocher cliffs.

From Bonnieux to Rustrel Undulating hills covered with nice pine forests will take you towards Roussillon. You will ride among the ochre and will enjoy a couple of nice canters. The trail will then guide you to Gargas, a village well-known for its rich fauna of fossils. Beautiful views on the perched village of Saint Saturnin-lès-Apt. Lunch in the pine forest. In the afternoon you will go by the village of Villars, before heading to Rustrel, riding in the bed of the Doa river, a cool and beautiful itinerary. You will spend the night at a hotel in Rustrel and the horses will stay near the village.

From Rustrel to Cereste Rustrel is the gateway to the “Colorado Provencal”. In the morning you will spend some time among the amazing cliffs and hills of ocher. The colorful morning will totally disorient you. Heading back to the foothills of the Luberon, the itinerary will then take you through the beautiful village of Viens. You will then ride down to the Calavon river. You will spend the night in a guesthouse or in a hotel in Cereste.

From Cereste to Buoux. You will follow the foot of the Luberon, ride along vineyards, and all kind of froot trees: cherry, apricot, peaches all blooming in April and May. You will cross an other charming perched village, Auribeau, before going down to the Aiguebrun rever and ride down cliffs in a green canyon before arriving to a stonebuilt hotel down big climbing cliffs to enjoy the swimming pool before dinner.

From Buoux to Lauris You will ride up to the crests of the Luberon to discover an exceptional landscape and a view on the Alps to the North, on the Mediterranean to the South. Then, you will ride down to Lourmarin. Picnic and visit the village and its 12th century castle, a charming Provencal village that inspired the famous American writer, Peter Mayle, who is now living near the village. You will then ride back to Mas de Recaute through the olive trees and cherry orchards, with nice views on the Sainte Victoire mountain, “Cezanne’s mountain”. Dinner at Mas de Recaute and overnight at Mas de Recaute or in a nearby hotel.

Day 6: End after breakfast , transfer to the airport

In 2-3 person bedrooms. Single bedrooms option.

Spanish Barb mixed or other mix. Local horses, fit and wilful, adapted to trail riding.

Riders must be at ease outdoors 5-6 hours each day, with the 4 different paces : walk, trot, canter, and gallop.

Rain coat, helmet, sun cream, swimsuit (summer), comfortable ankle boots with chaps (high boots are unsuitable), flashlight, pocket knife, little water bottle, little first aid kit. During the trail ride, you should only bring one bag 15kg max. Don’t bring valuables. Cap Rando and our hosts cannot be held responsible for loss, theft or damage to any luggage transported or left at their establishments.

Coming by car: Meeting at the Mas de Recaute (phone of the accommodation: 04 90 08 29 58). Lauris is located on the D 973, between Cavaillon (26 km) and Pertuis (18 km). Highway A 7 Paris - Marseille: exit : Sénas. Highway A 51 Nice - Aix-en-Provence - Sisteron: exit Pertuis (from the North) or Le Puy Sainte Reparade (number 14) from the South. Your car will stay at the Mas de Recaute for the duration of the ride. No reception before 6 p.m. Coming by train: Avignon TGV station – Schuttle to the Avignon center bus station – Then bus from Avignon to Lauris. Avignon: 5:55 p.m. – Lauris: 7:05 p.m. Pick up at Lauris bus stop. We offer following transfers at preset times: - Aix TGV station (in Zola hall): meeting at 5:30 p.m. - Aix center station (in front of the station): meeting at 5:45 p.m. Transfer to Mas de Recaute. Coming by plane: Meeting at Marseille airport, hall 4, “meeting point”, in front of the information desk at 5 p.m. Transfer to Mas de Recaute.