The ride goes through some of the most beautiful villages in France, and travels alongside 4 rivers, the Alzou, the Aveyron, the Dourdou and the Lot, and covers around 190km over 6 days of riding

The route we have chosen is a circuit to the east of Asprieres, mainly following Grand Randonnee paths GR62 and 65. GR65 is the famous path of the route of pilgrims to Santiago del Compostella. We also go through the Marcillac wine region where the grape harvest is in October. Marcillac is a red wine, 90% made from the mansois grape, and no doubt we can discover it’s hint of raspberry.

Sat Day 1 Guests arrive, and lunch/dinner at Mas De Clamouze.

Sun Day 2 Set off from Mas De Clamouze to the beautiful Bastide town of Villeneuve, for lunch. The afternoon takes us past the Alzou River through the gorges of the Aveyron. Horses stay in our lovely field, and we bring guests back to Mas De Clamouze. 34km

Mon Day 3 Down to the Aveyron river through the forest tracks and then along the bank on the Grand Randonnee 62 path to Previnquieres for lunch in a local restaurant. We continue on the GR62 to Le Luc Haut, a charming 18th century hamlet to stay in a rural auberge, just above Belcastel. 28km.

Tue Day 4 Set off through Belcastel, named as one of the most beautiful villages in France, nestling at the bottom of the valley, with a restored castle, old bridge, and streets paved with pebbles. Continue all morning along the Aveyron on the GR62B, and at lunch time start to head north, to Clairvaux though the Marcillac wine country. The paths are challenging and the views are spectacular. La Fregiere is an equestrian centre, our wooden chalets looks over a small lake with black swans, and there are ducks and peacocks. In October it will also be the time of the local grape harvest. 33km

Wed Day 5 Heading north to our third river the Dourdou, and St Cyprien. Lunch is one of our favourite restaurants to eat hosted by a delightful Belgian.. The food is always special, plus great beer. We find the GR62 again, and finish the day with a special view of the spectacular village of Conques. .The romanesque Abbey Saint Foy, and the Bridge of Pilgrims are on a World Heritage list by UNESCO. We are following the footsteps of thousands of Santiago de Compostela’s pilgrims welcomed here since the 11th century. We stay in a charming hotel just below the village ..36km.

Thu Day 6 Start off on the GR65, and have the privilege of riding through the stone flagged streets of Conques following the formal Chemin de Saint Jacques de Compostelle. We then follow the Dourdou river up to Grand-Vabres where the Dourdou meets the Lot, and the Midi Pyrenees meets the Auvergne. We head to the west, at some points following the bank of the River Lot, to Flagnac, to stay in a lovely gite, next to the Chateau. 22km.

Fri Day 7 Cross the Lot at Port d’Agres, and head to our last picnic, looking over the Lot River valley and then heading south to Mas De Clamouze. Evening back home at the gite, with some fizz to celebrate. 21km.

Sat Departure day Breakfast at the gite, and then transfer to airports.

It is possible that the above itinerary changes slightly due to availability and weather.

Riding - 5-6 hours per day. There will always be a 2 hour break at lunchtime.

Pace - Plenty of canters, but varies day by day with the terrain

Riding ability - Intermediate - must have done plenty of outdoor hacking. Riding will be on all terrain, and in open countryside.

Weight limit 14.5 stone or 92kg

Accommodation 2*-3* rural auberges, gites, hotels

Group size - maximum 10

Please click here to download our pdf brochure for Belcastel trail ride Brochure

For further information on prices, and availability please email us at info@frenchridingholidays.co.uk.