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France – Dordogne and Gironde

6 nights with 4 or 5 days riding from village to village, staying in good quality local hotels and occasional chateaux.
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Where is it?

Exploring the Gironde, Lot and Dordogne valleys in south west France, between Bordeaux to the south west and Bergerac to the north.

What is it like?

A region steeped in Anglo French history dating back to the Hugenot era. Ancient oak forest, river valleys, vineyards, gentle rolling hills and some 1200 historic chateaux as well as a superb cuisine and renowned Cahors and Bordeaux wines.

Who does it suit?

Intermediate riders looking for leisurely, relaxed riding as part of a holiday that is a chance to really ‘get to know’ this part of France. An introduction to the region’s history, architecture, good food and wine are all an important part of it. We offer several different routes and itineraries: The Fortresses & Forests of Dordogne, Vineyards of Bordeaux and Caves & Castles in Malbec itineraries follow routes from village to village, whilst the Chateau de Rouffiac Ride is centred at one hotel, with riding out from the base. On the Prestige Dordogne ride, by spending 2 consecutive nights at each of 3 luxurious chateau hotels, you can make the most of the area’s unique hospitality and enjoy some personally chosen Michelin starred restaurants, whilst still riding a place-to-place route.

Why we love it

A really personal way to get to know this part of France and all its many highlights. French guide Michel is welcoming, knowledgeable, a lover of history, good food, good wine and good horses. He is also great company!

Travel with trust

When you travel with Ride World Wide, you can travel with trust. We’re a member of ABTOT (the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust) which provides financial protection for your booking through our ABTOT bond and under the ABTOT ATOL franchise. If you have any questions please ask.

In a Nutshell

Riding
4-6 hours a day on 4 or 5 days (varies with itinerary)
Horses
Locally bred French saddle horses
Pace
Slow to moderate (moderate on Bordeaux ride)
Riding Ability
Confident novice riders and above (varies with itinerary)
Weight Limit
86kg (13st 7lbs)
Group Size
Maximum 7
Accommodation
3* & 4* hotels, chateaux hotels & chambres d’hotes (varies with itinerary)
2026 Dates
Set dates May to October; see “Key Information” below
2026 Prices
6 nights from 3,375 Euros (approx £2,985) per person; see “Key Information” below
What you'll be doing

Itinerary in Brief

Fortresses & Forests of the Dordogne

Below is an example itinerary. Please ask us for other itineraries.

Day 1

You will be met at Bergerac railway station or airport and driven to a country hotel for dinner and the night.

Day 2

After breakfast meet the horses and set off riding to Chateau de Biron. Lunch, then ride on to the lovely, well preserved bastide town of Monpazier, founded in 1284 and famous for its architecture. Dinner and overnight in Monpazier.

Day 3

Today's ride takes you to Montferrand-du-Perigord on the Couze river. A picnic lunch and continue to your hotel just outside UNESCO listed Cadouin. An optional visit to the village and its beautiful abbey before dinner and the night.

Day 4

Breakfast and rejoin the horses, riding through the Bessede forest to another unique bastide - Belves. Lunch followed by an afternoon drive to the 'Gouffre de Proumeyssac' caves, known as the 'Crystal Cathedral'. Return to Belves for dinner and night.

Day 5

Ride on through chestnut woods, stopping for lunch at a local duck farm. In the afternoon ride to Villefranche du Perigord, another wonderful bastide. Dinner and night in Villefranche du Perigord.

Day 6

A short drive to rejoin the horses then ride to Chateau de Bonaguil, an imposing medieval fortress built on a rock face. After lunch and a tour of the chateau, ride on crossing the Lot River. Dinner and final last night at a charming country hotel.

Day 7

Breakfast, then you will be driven to Bergerac for your onward journey.
Our Rider Feedback

What People Say

“Totally exceeded my high expectations - could happily have turned around and done it all again! Every single day brought jaw dropping moments and myself and my fellow travellers wore wide grins much of the time (when we weren’t shaking our heads in disbelief). Everything was top-quality - food, horses, accommodation. Beatrice in the back up vehicle always patiently waiting for us and looking after us. The pace was relaxing with moments of exhilaration and adventure. The scenery and countryside left me speechless - so much more varied and beautiful than I had imagined and all the paths and trails made it perfect for exploring by horseback. Thanks so much for organizing this trip of a lifetime for me. Worth every cent and more. So glad I didn't try and save pennies and take the cheaper options!”
BW (Australia)
"This was our third trip with Michel and I doubt it will be our last! From arrival to departure everything is always faultless. The horses are well behaved, forward going but most importantly extremely well cared for. The hotels are all excellent and the food superb. One of the great joys after a morning ride is to meet up with Beatrice who provides a fabulous picnic lunch. The visits to the vineyards were, of course, fascinating. The huge amount of work that Michel and Beatrice put into this week make it a totally relaxing and enjoyable experience, (and the wine was pretty good too!)".
CR (Cheshire)
“Quality of all aspects of the ride was really excellent. Our guide Michel was friendly, entertaining and attentive. Countryside was a visual feast and the food was plentiful and of the highest quality. Highly recommended. Highlights: The fact that nearly all the riding was on bridle trails or in forest and woods.”
AT (Australia)
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Key information

You’ll find all the information you need at the ‘Download Full Details’ link above. If there’s anything else you would like to know, please contact us to ask.

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Booking Request

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