The department of Vienne offers wonderful riding. Explore the countryside on horseback; discover valleys, hills, rivers, small villages, isolated farms, the history and culture of rural France.

French riders are privileged to have many thousands of miles of "randonnées" (bridlepaths) with accommodation along the way to cater for both rider and horse. On these rides, your guide will take great pleasure in showing you the network of tracks and paths which criss-cross this lovely part of western France.

Most of the overnight stops used on the trails are small farmhouses and gîtes owned by French families who will cook traditional French farmhouse food for you and maybe join you for supper to give an insight on their country life. Lunch is at a scenic spot along the way, perhaps one day beside a river and the next day in a forest clearing. Sometimes you stay in twin-bedded rooms but other nights will be spent in dormitory style rooms, so you must be prepared to share.

A horse is selected for you for the week and it then becomes your responsibility to tack up and care for it during the ride.
The group size is small with a usual maximum of six guests.

There are three different trail rides to choose from: the Monts de Blond, the Land of Two Rivers and the Pilgrim Trail.

MONTS DE BLOND
Follow ancient Roman tracks and ride along paths bordered by low stone walls. See prehistoric caves, old bridges, water mills
and also mountain springs. At some points
the landscape is very hilly and the paths will be narrow at times, so there are sections where you may have to dismount from your horse and lead him when the route gets steep or narrow.

LAND OF TWO RIVERS
Explore the countryside around Montmorillon with its two key rivers: the large and calm Vienne River and the wilder Gartempe River. Along the Gartempe you pass by several period castles and grand houses. The terrain may be suitable for faster riding at times.

PILGRIM TRAIL
Your ride begins at Cerfcheval and runs in the direction of Saint Martin L’Ars and Availles. Cross valleys, pass by fields filled with bright yellow sunflowers and clatter through small villages following the pilgrimage routes of old. This is a land full of history, with ancient monuments, churches and abbeys. Close to the village of Mauprévoir you can visit the Abbey of Réau and in Charroux have the opportunity to visit the Abbey of Saint Sauveur. Often you will encounter a stone cross in your path, which were used to show the pilgrims the way in medieval times.

SHORT BREAKS
For those who are unable to fit in a full week of riding, short breaks are also possible on certain dates. This is a four night ride, during which you stay the first night at Cerfcheval and then set off on a three day trek through the Vienne region, staying at two different guesthouses en route. Your last night is back at Cerfcheval.