Jour 1: Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
ITALY / SAINTES-MARIES DE LA MER (-/-/-)
Where the Mediterranean meets the Rhône River... welcome to the Parc Régional de Camargue.
To truly experience the soul of this frontier land, you must leave the paved roads and ride through reeds and wild trails, discovering the traditions of this gypsy-spirited region.
We’ll come across “manades”—Camargue bull ranches—where cattle are still handled traditionally. These French "cowboys" (similar to Italian butteri) manage around 140 herds across the region.
With a bit of luck (depending on the season), you may witness an “abrivado”—a traditional cattle drive held on Sundays, where riders show off their skills, and brave young men try to snatch a ribbon from the bull's head while avoiding its horns.
This is the spirit of the Camargue: horses, bulls, and the rhythm of flamenco and freedom.
Independent arrival in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer by car.
Meeting point at the riding center by 2:00 PM.
Closest airports: Nîmes or Montpellier (taxi transfer approx. €150).
Or take a train to Arles, then bus to Pioch Badet (Arles – Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer line). Free transfer available from Pioch Badet on request.
Horse assignment and short introductory ride to get familiar with the Camargue riding style.
Dinner not included (restaurant 5 min walk from the mas or take a taxi to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer).
Overnight at the mas.
Jour 2:
SAINTES-MARIES-DE-LA-MER (B/L/D)
8:30 AM breakfast. Departure at 9:30 for a full day on horseback.
We’ll ride toward Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, crossing the marshland trails and exploring the various "levels" of the Camargue until we reach the coast.
Picnic lunch at Bouvau d’Aubanel, under the shade of a traditional laupio (hut).
In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Eastern beach of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and the Impériaux Nature Reserve—a protected area rich in flora and fauna.
Depending on the season, you may spot some of the 350 bird species that migrate through the Camargue.
End of the day at Pointe de Cacharel. Return by minibus to the mas.
Dinner and overnight.
Jour 3:
SAINTES-MARIES-DE-LA-MER (B/L/-)
Breakfast at 8:30, then morning horseback ride at 9:30 through reeds, vineyards, traditional Camargue huts, and past bull ranches (manades).
Return to the mas for lunch.
Afternoon at leisure.
Transfer to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer available by taxi or possible shared ride with other guests.
Dinner not included. Overnight at the mas.
Jour 4:
SAINTES-MARIES-DE-LA-MER (B/L/D)
Breakfast at 8:30.
At 9:30, we ride out along the Petit Rhône, crossing it via the Bac du Sauvage (cable ferry) to reach the private land of Domaine du Grand Radeau—a wild and uniquely scenic area.
Picnic lunch on the beach and swim (weather permitting).
Afternoon return ride through the countryside back to the mas.
Dinner and overnight.
Jour 5:
SAINTES-MARIES-DE-LA-MER / ITALY (B/L/-)
Breakfast at 8:30 and morning ride at 9:30 to visit a traditional manade, where the “guardians” will demonstrate how they work with the bulls.
Return to the mas for lunch.
Transfer available to Pioch Badet bus stop or departure on your own.
Note:
The above itinerary is indicative and may be modified depending on weather or circumstances beyond our control.
Shorter stays of 2–3 nights are also available.
Key:
(B/L/D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Difficulty level: From ° to °°°°°
TRIP INFO
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Riding Level: °°° (Intermediate)
Accommodation: Traditional mas (farmhouse)
Tack: Traditional Camargue saddles
Horses: Native Camargue horses – grey-coated, hardy, and docile
Pace:
2 full days on horseback (~5 hrs)
3 half-day rides
Riders should be comfortable at all three gaits.
What to Bring: Riding clothes, helmet, water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, swimsuit, belt pouch
Minimum Age: 10 years
Maximum Weight: 90 kg
Type: Equestrian stay with accommodations at a traditional Camargue mas
ACCOMMODATION:
All overnights at the riding center in a traditional mas.
Available:
2 double rooms with private bathrooms
2 triple rooms with shared facilities
Single rooms not available. All beds are single.
DEPARTURES:
Every Monday from February 3rd to December 15th
Participants: Minimum 2 – Maximum 6
