Perigord Noir Ride
Dordogne, France

Discover an unspoiled countryside saturated in history, wine, peaceful rolling pastures, orchards, woods, castles, churches; surrounded by a thousand kilometers of horse-tracks we have every chance of coming across Neolith man.
The alternative road of pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela is only a stone throw away as is Rocamadour, the second biggest attraction in France.
This ride is like a walk through time in the most famous prehistoric region in France; the Perigord Noir. It will take us to historic bastides, ancient chateaux, prehistoric caves, countryside of rolling hills, oak forests, limestone plateaus and cliff-lined valleys that border the rivers Vézère, Dordogne and their tributaries are excavated caves and rock shelters occupied by mankind for more than 400.000 years.
Here you will find all these gourmet ingredients synonymous with French cuisine: truffles, foies gras, wild mushrooms, fine wines and cheeses.

IT-FR-CAS
Rates include 7 nights lodging, all meals with table wine, 6 riding days
8 days/ 7 nights  $ 2,385     Single+ $510
-- based on € 1,530  / € 325
Non Riders:  $1,235     -- €780
Dates 2008:
08/30-09/06    09/27-10/04
Dates 2009:
05/02-05/09    06/06-06/13    09/05-09/12
10/03-10/10

Meeting :  Degagnac
Airport:     Bergerac or Toulouse
Transfer:  from Bergerac return per group
                  of up to 8 $ 400 - pay locally
Level:        Strong intermediate
                  to Advanced
Pace:       5 to 8 hrs in the saddle per riding day. You should be happy at all paces since there is some very fast riding. You should be fit enough for up to eight hours in the saddle and confident riding over difficult terrain.
Tack:          English
Horses:     Anglo Arabs, Arabs - French Saddle horses, Haflinger, Spanish Arabs
Min/Max: 3-6 riders
Weight:     Max 200 lbs

Itinerary
Day 1:  Arrival
Rendezvous at the riding center where Hans and Hermina welcome you and present the itinerary for the week, while drinking a home made cocktail. In the evening Périgourdine dinner served by Hermina and accommodation in comfortable rooms at the farm.
Day 2:  Dégagnac – Château Beynac Today we will start our ride through pretty countryside heading for Domme with its spectacular Royal ‘Bastide’ mansion founded on a sheer rocky outcrop and viewing over the Dordogne valley. We will enjoy our picnics in this fortified village, held to be one of the most beautiful places in France with its medieval and Renaissance houses, before crossing the river on our way to Château Beynac. Once occupied by Richard the Lion Heart. This evening we will spend our night in a charming bed and breakfast (**). (approx. 6 hours in the saddle)
Day 3:  Château Beynac – Château Commargue The next day we will leave the Dordogne river and heading for Château de Commargue. We will spend the night in a village near “Les Eyzies de Tayac” referred as the ‘prehistoric centre of Europe’ because of the remarkable number of prehistoric sites in the immediate area. (approx. 5 hours in the saddle)
Day 4: Château Commargue – Château La Vitrolle
Our route passes Les Eyzies and follows the Vézère river. Along the banks we will have a gorgeous picknick. Turning our back on the Vézère we cross the village Le Bugue and finish at Château La Vitrolle (****) where we spend the night. (approx. 5 hours in the saddle)
Day 5: Château La Vitrolle – Belvès
Heading south and rejoining the Dordogne river. We will enjoy magnificent pathways through the “National Forest of Bessède” and pass archaeological sites; such as a megalithic grave and Caesar’s camp, where famous battles between Roman and Gallic took place. Our stay for the night will be in a very comfortable bed and breakfast(***) near Belvès, a beautiful medieval village perched upon a rock cliff. (approx. 5 hours in the saddle)
Day 6: Belvès – St. Cybranet
Today’s ride will take us alongside Château Berbiguières and Château Les Milandes, former residence of Josephine Baker and her ‘Rainbow Tribe’ and will finish in St. Cybranet. (approx. 6 hours in the saddle)
Day 7: St. Cybranet – Dégagnac
From St. Cybranet our ride takes us through the valleys of the Céou river, a rolling countryside of forests, open fields and charming small villages. We finish our ride at the impressive ruins of Château Le Repaire. (approx. 6 hours in the saddle)
Day 8: Departure after breakfast