Your base for the week is Les Juliannes, a seventeenth century farmhouse with adjacent riding centre, set in 160 hectares of stunning countryside consisting of gorges, deep forests and winding valleys.

You choose whether to relax and do nothing but enjoy the glorious views and the outdoor pool or whether to take advantage of the excellent riding available for all abilities - or perhaps do a healthy mix of both. Non-riders are also made very welcome.

While on holiday at Les Juliannes you are the guest of Nick Hudswell and his French wife, Marie-Christine and will be made to feel extremely at home from the outset. Marie-Christine’s cooking is legendary and seated around a large wooden table you will enjoy sociable four course meals each evening, washed down with good French wine, finding yourself very quickly settling into the relaxing holiday rhythm. This centre-based ride is ideal for families. The ponies (14.2hh) are well trained and suitable for children aged 10 years and over. There is a Shetland pony for parents to take small children on a lead rein.

However, outside of the school holidays the emphasis shifts more towards adults than children and the farmhouse becomes a perfect getaway for a relaxed riding holiday. Les Juliannes could provide you with the perfect opportunity to brush up on your flatwork or jumping skills or maybe you would prefer to simply hack out in the Tarn valley.

The riding centre is run smoothly by fully qualified instructor, Fabrice. Lessons are available on most days in either the indoor or outdoor school or on the cross-country course for more experienced riders. It is impossible to describe a typical week here, but the allotted hours can be taken as a combination of lessons and hacks. Additional riding can also be arranged and paid for locally. Non-riders are welcome to use the mountain bikes which are available for guests’ use to explore beyond Les Juliannes’ extensive grounds. Though not essential, a hire car is to be recommended. There is masses to see and do in the area if you want to sightsee -including medieval villages, the scenic Tarn Valley, Albi’s impressive cathedral and the Toulouse Lautrec museum, to give you just a few ideas.