Horse-riding Things To Do in Provence — 7 of Our Favourites

They also offer you the ease of online reservation and booking. However if you wish to speak to them by telephone or in person then their office hours are as follows:

• 08:00 - 11:00 and 16:00 - 20:00 (July and August)
• 09:00 - 12:00 and 14:00 - 18:00 (September through to June)

Learn to ride at the riding school, take a riding course or just visit the club and see the beautiful horses close up. With 30 ponies and 50 horses it caters for all possible riding activities, and for all ages.

Established in 1932 the club has a long history and has also seen many celebrities and sporting personalities come through their doors in order to learn or improve their horse riding. Including people such as Sir Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra, Julien Clerc, Jean Pierre Papin and Joseph Mamoud.

A great way to explore the natural park and pine forests in the heart of the Alpilles. Take a trot through olive groves or cantering over the lavender fields, you will have the chance to see some of the incredible sights away from the crowds and off the beaten tracks.

They have different types of horses: Criollos, Quarter horses, Paints, Appaloosas or Spanish Pure Breeds, Meren, Caramrgues with a choice of saddle type. Saddlebags are not provided but you can bring yours to carry your personal belongings during the day. Also a working ranch, you can experience working cows in daily ranch activities such as cattle-drive, ranch sorting or roping.

Starting from the farm, in small groups, Emmanuel will take you to his herd of bulls and will introduce you to the natural wealth of the area, following paths, swamps and rice fields, for finally reaching the Vaccarès pond. The horses are easy-going and everyone, from novice to experienced, can enjoy this ride. Horses are the best way to approach rare species living in the marshes, like the bee-eater, falcons or, of course, pink flamingos.

€20 - 1h visit, €38 - 2h nature tour of livestock and marshland, €60 half day booking pond Vaccares.

The centre is open all year.

It is also a centre which offers professional training, and diploma courses. This means that the overall quality of the centre is outstanding. The team of the Centre Equestre d'Avignon and Avignon Pony Club consists of 3 teachers and graduates. They are available to teach children between the ages of 4 and 12 years old, as well as teenagers and adults.

Their location is ideal for treks ranging from one hour to one day in the forests and nearby rivers, suitable for all levels.

In addition, they also offer multi-day excursions where you trek and bivouac in the Var and Carmargue regions. You can even celebrate your birthday at the equestrian centre and have an unforgettable wilderness experience surrounded by horses and friends.