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The Dordogne Ride

8 days - Bergerac to Bergerac

This exclusive riding holiday is centred in the spectacular countryside of the Dordogne in south-western France, near the town of Bergerac.

You will stay in an 18th century manor house and enjoy a house party atmosphere. The house is lovely and comfortable, the food and wine superb and everyone is made to feel at home From the moment you leave the stables you will be riding through thousands of hectares of the region's most beautiful private estates.

Following trails which take you through a countryside of thick forests, hidden valleys, vineyards and meadows, you will soon be convinced that you are the 'duc or duchesse' of all you survey; and to prove it, you'll come across no other horses or riders, and hardly a gate to open all day long.

Great care is taken to plan the rides - different each day - to ensure that experienced riders have the opportunity to enjoy long energetic trots and exciting canters, as well as lazy relaxing walks, when you'll have time to share your experiences with your guide and companions.

The itinerary shown is for a one week holiday and consists of 5 full days riding and 1 rest day for the horses. Shorter stays of 3 and 4 nights are also available.

Day 1 (D)
Transfer from Bergerac airport or station to Le Bourdil Blanc, a beautiful 18th century manor house. Time to relax before drinks and dinner
Day 2 (B,L,D)
After breakfast try out the horses in the paddock at the Bourdil and select the appropriate horse for you. After choosing your horse visit the nearby Issigeac street market by car. This is great fun and full of local colour. Afternoon ride, (the length of ride is determined by the preferred choice of the group)returning to the manor for drinks and dinner.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
In the morning mount up and ride through the village of Lamonzie Montastruc and across la Foret de Liorac to the private Chateau Garraube where you will picnic on the terrace looking out over the formal gardens. Ride on to Pressignac-Vicq where the horses will stay overnight. Return to the manor house by car stopping off on the way at the truffle farm at Ste Foye de Longas for a visit where Hugues. Martin will explain how he grows and cultivates truffles. You will have the opportunity to purchase some of the delicious foods.
Day 4 (B,L,D)
After breakfast transfer to Pressignac-Vicq by car. Ride to the Dordogne river a spectacular ride with wonderful views. Enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to Pressignac- Vicq, where the horses stay overnight. Transfer back to Bourdil Blanc. During the evening you may chose to visit Chateau Belingard for a wine tasting.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
After breakfast transfer to Pressignac-Vicq by car. Ride back to the manor house for dinner and overnight. The visit to Chateau Belingard could be arranged for this evening.France
Day 6 (B)
The day is free. Group visits of local sites can be arranged, you can do a tour of your own, possibly taking a train to Sarlat the best preserved medieval village in France or just relax at the house, the choice is yours. Lunch and dinner out, either en route back from tourist sites, or at a local hostelry. A list of suggested restaurants will be provided. If you want to hire a cat, make sure you don't forget to take driving license with you.
Day 7 (B,L,D)
Ride through the Caudeau valley, visiting the villages of Montclard, Saint Georges, St Martin des Combes and Clermont de Beauregard and passing the Chateau de la Gaubertie. After lunch, return to the manor house for your final night and farewell dinner.
Day 8 (B)
After breakfast transfer to the airport or station.
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  • Cost per Person: £950
  • Includes: Transfers from Bergerac, accommodation and meals as indicated, wine with dinner and all riding.
  • Single Supplement: None. You must be prepared to share if necessary.
  • Departure Dates: 19 Apr, 03, 17, 31 May, 14 Jun, 13, 27 Sep, 11, 25 Oct, 08 Nov.
  • The Accommodation: Le Bourdil Blanc is a beautiful 18th century manor house, recently restored to its former glory and now a warm, friendly and elegant home comfortably set in its own private grounds extending to over 7 acres. Aside from the pool, tennis court and stable barn, the grounds also feature an ancient pigeonnier, and behind the house is a huge meadow garden, a small fishing/boating lake, a croquet lawn, some lovely mature trees, all bounded by a delightful trout stream. There are 8 rooms with private bathrooms in the manor house and 2 with a shared bathroom in the pigeonnier. From the house one can enjoy beautiful views over woodlands and fields. Although Le Bourdil Blanc is a private house you are encouraged to treat it as your own. Guests quickly settle in to the homely atmosphere, relaxing around the log fire with a glass of wine and enjoying each other's conversation.
  • Food & Drink: Food is outstanding, continental breakfasts, picnic lunches and candlelit dinners accompanied by fine local wines. Vegetarians and special diets can be catered for providing we are told in advance.
  • Non-Riders: Non riders are welcome. As soon as the riders have left for the day, those left back at the house can settle back to enjoy the peace and quiet and get on with their holiday. Within the grounds of the manor, you will find a swimming pool, a tennis court, a charming lake stocked with carp, a designated trout stream (you will need to purchase a licence locally to fish the stream), a croquet lawn and a beautiful meadow garden. (Rackets, balls and all manner of sporting equipment are all supplied). Alternatively one can curl up in front of a real log fire with one of the hundreds of books in the huge living. Room For golfing partners there is a spectacular course nearby at the elegant Chateau des Vigiers. Designed by Donald Steel this 27-hole course meanders through vineyards and orchards, with stunning views, before returning to a cosy clubhouse with its excellent restaurant. Being in France means food is never too far from one-s mind and we strongly recommend that non-riders take the opportunity, at least once, to join the riders on their picnic lunch not forgetting the winetasting tour. This gives them the opportunity to experience the same wonderful countryside and chateau lifestyle that the riders will be enjoying every day. We recommend hiring a car for the duration of the holiday to enable non-riders to join the others for the picnic lunches, and give them the chance to explore many historic and fascinating places nearby, details of which are available at the house. A discount of £350 os offered to non-riders.