Last Updated on 16 March, 2024
Horseback riding in France was where I sat on a horse as an adult for the first time. Embrun instantly became one of my favourite places, and while short horse rides were fun, they left me wanting a bigger adventure.
Embrun is where you go and never want to leave if you like the countryside, nature, outdoor activities, pets, and horses.
Before embarking on the trek, I had prior horse riding experience, from short walks to lessons at a professional school. I also spent a month in Argentina just riding around polo fields, trying to improve my riding and practising polo. Then, I did an odd horse trek or polo practice in England.
If you feel like you need some lessons, many riding schools in Embrun offer lessons and organise walks that are one hour to several days long. They are very adaptable to your level. We went with Aalpes Equitation, which organised the trek and guided us through the forests and mountains.
Where To Stay in Embrun
On the day of arrival, we checked in to the stunning Château de Picomtal for one night to rest and start the trek early in the morning. Aalpes Equitation is no longer a 10-minute walk from the accommodation, so you cannot be more conveniently located.
If you arrive early enough, you still have most of the day to do whatever you like (read about the best things to do in Embrun here). However, since the biggest jewel of Embrun is the turquoise-coloured lake and you’re on a horse-riding trip, you might as well let Aalpes Equitation take you swimming with horses!
A Day Before the Trek
The walk started in the afternoon at Aalpes Equitation, taking us through the town and through the tunnels, and all the way to the lake.
Once we arrived at the lake, we unmounted and unsaddled the horses so the leather didn’t get wet, then hopped back on them to ride bareback into the water.
Bareback riding is different. You feel how your horse’s muscles move and shift beneath you, and the communication between you and the horse strengthens.
After swimming, we made a brief stop instead of heading back because we were tired and hungry. Our horses rested and munched on the grass while we dined at an open-air restaurant and tied them to a tree.
We enjoyed a delicious meal and then returned before it became too dark. As we walked, we noticed the bright sparkles of horseshoes hitting the concrete.
Day 1 of 3: Horseback Riding in France
The following day, we stuffed ourselves with more food before checking out for a big adventure at the glorious Château de Picomtal. We returned to the Aalpes Equitation to get the horses and start the trek.
We planned to ride for a few hours with one stop before reaching our pre-arranged B&B. We would create a paddock for the horses, explore the surroundings and chill before well-deserved dinner and sleep.
So off we went in Boscodon direction…
We walked through the villages and forests and up the hills to the mountain roads.
The views were breathtaking, and I was so glad I was on a horse, slowly savouring the moments.
The sun was high in the sky, and it was pretty hot, so we decided to stop and rest and explore the area.
After a short siesta, we continued our trek all the way to Boscodon, where we stayed the night in the B&B.
Day 2 of 3: Horseback Riding in France
The second day started with a little rain and grey skies, but that didn’t stop us. After breakfast, we were back on the road again, this time climbing higher for even more spectacular views.
We did not make any stops and rode all the way to the Pierre Arnoux cabin (1308m above sea level), where we retired for the night.
But first and foremost, we made a paddock for the horses.
Only once it was safe and secure did we set ourselves up and finally relax. Aalpes Equitation brought us water, food, cutlery, crockery, sleeping bags, and candles.
We chilled outside and played Petanque for a little while. When it started to get dark and drizzle, we made a campfire and cooked potatoes. If you have not tried campfire potatoes, you have been missing out!
Sadly, the weather was too wet to continue eating under the stars, and we moved inside.
This cabin was the most basic house I had ever slept in, but it had what we needed: a table and seats, bunk beds, and windows and doors that closed and protected us from the rain. Outside, there was a mounted tap with spring water running from it, which was good for washing. The cabin also had something that we didn’t need or want – a squirrel running very loudly around the house all night!
After spending the night there, I realised how different the first two days were. The first one was filled with sunshine, blue skies and a B&B with electricity, a bathroom and shower and a served dinner. The second one was a bit gloomier, colder, and wet, with no electricity, shower, toilet, or table service. But both days were equally exciting and thrilling, with the most stunning views. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Less comfort, more life.
Nikita Gosh
Day 3 of 3: Horseback Riding in France
On the third day, we woke up, and the rain was still falling. It was time to head back.
We were wet but in high spirits as we still had a few more hours of riding and enjoying nature.
All was going well until my horse lost a shoe, and I could no longer ride her. We then had to wait for Aalpes Equitation to replace her with another horse, which they successfully did, and we carried on.
We rode for a few more hours until we returned to the stables.
Despite being wet and tired, we were happy. Our horseback riding in France had been a success.
And at the end of the day, your feet should be dirty, your hair messy and your eyes sparkling.
Shanti
Would you go horseback riding in France for 3 days?
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