« The Land of 100 Valleys »

7 days / 7 nights / 6 days on horseback

This ride will take you through unspoiled countryside into lands whose past is still very vivid with abundant evidence of the buzzing activity in the region - pre-Romanesque churches, castle ruins, numerous windmills as well as fortified villages such as Najac and Cordes sur Ciel, which was founded in 1222.

This is also a land that offers fine cuisine in a friendly atmosphere much appreciated at the end of a thrilling day.

Day after day – what you can expect

• Day 1 – Reception in the late afternoon at the Barthas stud farm. You will be shown the horses and facilities. Welcoming aperitif, meal and night at our farm.

• Day 2 - We will spend the day on horseback in the Viaur valley, which is the natural border between the Rouerge and Albigeois areas. The valley is a peaceful haven, dotted with vestiges of the past. Picnic and bathing in the Viaur River. We shall go by the 14th century Infournat chapel to reach Lagarde Viaur. Meal and accommodation at Lagarde Viaur.

• Day 3 – We gradually leave the Viaur valley behind us as we make our way to the Aveyron valley, over which towers majestically the bastide town of Najac, with its 11th century castle. Meal and night at Najac.
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• Day 4 – Those who wish can visit the Najac castle in the morning. We then ride down to the banks of the Aveyron River and follow them until our next halt at Saint Martin Laguépie, dominated by the impressive ruins of a 12th century castle. Meal and accommodation close to Cordes sur Ciel.

• Day 5 - From there, we go on to the beautiful Templar city of Cordes sur Ciel, where history and craftsmen’s workshops mingle in gentle harmony. Time has been set aside in the afternoon to stroll around, go on a guided tour or swimming at the pool. Meal and accommodation close to Cordes.

• Day 6 - We shall be able to relish a few canters on the long, grassy trail that takes us to Monestiès which will be our stopping point for the night.

• Day 7 – The ride follows the shores of Lake Roucarié all the way to the Viaur valley from which the final lap starts out taking us back to our home base, Le Barthas. Meal and night in Barthas farms.

• Day 8 – Departure after a plentiful breakfast.

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Salient features

• Discovering the Land of a 100 Valleys through its multiple facets both natural and architectural.
• You will be introduced to the culinary specialties of the Aveyron area.
• Plenty of opportunities for swimming.

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Technical details

Horse riding skills

• Riders happy at all three gaits. • 4 to 6 hours on horseback per day.

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