OUR RIDEs IN FRANCE
Lusitanos & Dressage in Provence
Loire Valley Castles Tour
Abbey to Castle Getaway
Imperial Week-end Getaway
Omaha beach & D-Day homage
The Imperial Heritage Ride
The Palace & Its Gardens
The Renaissance Masterpiece
What our riders say
Need to say here how AMAZING our experience was. Our whole group cannot stop talking about how much fun we had. It exceeded our expectations! Everyone involved today made us feel so special and we had the best time. The ride this morning was picturesque, the horses, guides, and drivers were so kind and knowledgeable. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience! Everything from the ride, to lunch, to our tour of Versailles-absolutely stunning! This whole day was amazing, there are not enough words to describe it.
Trip of a lifetime ! Rita did an amazing job organizing a week filled with memory making adventures through the Loire Valley. From galloping through fields, walking through small towns, to approaching chateaus far beyond my wildest dreams! As an added bonus she helped us put together extra days in Paris that were top notch! I can’t wait to book another trip with Nomad and Rita !!
I've spent two wonderful long weekends at Haras du Coussoul this year and can't wait to return. I was looking to improve my dressage skills somewhere accessible by train, and the option to try riding with a neckrope (which aligns with my "less is more" ideal for riding) drew me in. The Haras is stunning, set in the heart of Provence, and Alicia is a warm, passionate host whose love for her horses is contagious. The horses are beautifully cared for and a joy to ride. I especially appreciated the private lessons and how Alicia noticed my preferences the first time round and proposed an even more tailored programme the second time, centred around neckrope riding. Having done riding holidays for over a decade, I tend to revisit places with great teams, amazing horses, and unforgettable settings. Haras du Coussoul has all that, plus a special magic that's hard to describe. Meeting and cuddling the foals raised by Alicia was the cherry on the cake, and the Camargue beach ride was a fun complement to the dressage sessions. If you haven't experienced Camargue horses or the region yet, and love gallops on the beach, it's worth adding the option.
Our Nomad riding trip to the Loire Valley was truly a trip of a lifetime! Adventure, galloping through fields, walking in towns and streams and to top it off riding around castle walls and next to moats! So much fun. Our accommodations were top notch as were the meals and the tour guides! Cannot say enough, Loved it !
We had a wonderful experience from beginning to end! Our favorite, of course, was the riding in the forests, and we loved the tour in Fontainebleau castle. Also, staying in a château for the night was really special ! Thank you so much for this wonderful experience! We are looking forward to doing more in the future !
Horseback Riding in France: Where Every Hoofbeat Tells a Story
France is one of the world's great riding destinations — not simply because of its landscapes, but because of every single thing those landscapes carry with them. When you ride through the Castles of the Loire Valley, you move through centuries of French history. You pass by Châteaux that Renaissance majesty built to outshine one another, trot along vineyards that produce the same wines that graced the Sun King's court tables, or walk through villages with cathedrals that took over 300 years to be shaped and become architecture masterpieces.
What sets horseback riding in France apart from other horse riding vacations in Europe is the seamless layering of experience you will find here. Whether you dream of galloping along the Normandy chalk cliffs of Étretat, trotting along historic routes through the Château de Chambord, working the cattle with Guardians of Camargue, or enjoying smooth canters in front of the Versailles Palace, every region offers a new perspective, with each hoofbeat revealing a new story.
The joy of horse riding in France is not just in the trail beneath your horse’s hooves, but in the tales, traditions, and places that unfold around you.
Beyond the scenery and heritage, France is celebrated for its world‑class gastronomy and wine. Alongside our France horse tours, you will get to savour local flavours, from regional dishes and fresh market produce to refined wines that reflect the wealth of the country’s terroirs.
This is a country where heritage, landscape, and gastronomy have always been understood to belong together — and while horseback riding in France with Nomad Riders, you get to belong to all three.
ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES - BEYOND
OUR RIDEs IN FRANCE
Beach Ride in Camargue
The Camargue horse, one of the oldest breeds in the world, is the iconic symbol of this untamed region.
Perfectly adapted to the marshlands, with its grey-white coat, it has been the trusted companion of the gardians — the legendary local herdsmen — for generations. With Nomad Riders, discover our high-quality horseback riding experiences along the Camargue beaches, surrounded by stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and the deep authenticity of local traditions.
Visit the Equestrian Academy of Versailles
Step behind the scenes of one of the world's most iconic equestrian institutions with a private tour of the Académie du Spectacle Équestre de Versailles.
Walk through the historic riding arena, the stalls, the saddlery, and feel the timeless elegance of this place. Alongside an expert guide, uncover the fascinating history of the Great Stables — from their construction under Louis XIV to their role today as a living monument to French equestrian excellence. And with a bit of luck, you might even catch a training session of the squires in action.
Vineyard visit & Wine Tasting
Set off for an immersive visit of a local vineyard, where passionate winemakers share the story behind every bottle.
Along with the Maître de Chai, explore the vines, uncover their time-honored techniques, and discover what makes each of their wines unique. From organically and biodynamically grown grapes to centuries-old cellars, every detail reflects a deep commitment to quality and tradition. Following your visit, enjoy a wine tasting, featuring their signature wines — a sensory experience that pairs perfectly with a day in the saddle.
Capture your Ride
Make your horseback riding tours truly unforgettable with our professional photography experience.
Our talented photographers capture the raw emotion, elegance, and energy of every ride — from candid moments on the trail to stunning shots in the most breathtaking landscapes. Every movement is immortalized with an expert eye. Come home with a carefully edited collection of photos that share the story of your France horseback riding vacations — images you will look back on long after the ride is over.
Hot-Air Balloon Ride
Drift above the magical landscapes of the Loire Valley aboard a hot-air balloon for an unforgettable experience at sunset.
As you rise into the sky, enjoy breathtaking views of vineyards, rivers, and iconic châteaux, all part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Each flight offers a unique moment of pure wonder and a new perspective on the region. Please note that this activity depends on weather conditions.
Golf in Fontainebleau
Nestled in the Fontainebleau forest, Golf de Fontainebleau is one of France’s most prestigious and scenic courses.
Designed by Tom Simpson in 1909, this historic 18-hole course winds through ancient oak and pine trees, offering a unique golfing experience just one hour from Paris. Known for its natural sand bunkers and seamless integration into the forest, it provides a rewarding experience for both beginners and experienced players. A perfect way to complement your horseback riding tours with a refined day on the greens.
Canoë-Kayak on the Loire
Glide through one of France’s most iconic landscapes, where châteaux, charming villages, and vineyards line the riverbanks on canoë-kayak.
Take in the peaceful sounds of the river and let the natural beauty of the Loire Valley unfold around you at every stroke of the paddle. A unique and refreshing way to explore the heart of the Loire Valley from the water, far from the crowds and at your own rhythm - offering a truly special experience that beautifully complements a horseback riding adventure.
Night at Château de Bourron-Marlotte
Treat yourself to an additional night at the Château de Bourron-Marlotte, a historic 17th-century château set within a 40-hectare park on the edge of the Fontainebleau forest.
Step into a world of timeless elegance, with refined rooms and manicured gardens surrounded by centuries of history. Savor a gourmet dining experience with selected wine tastings, showcasing the best of French gastronomy. A perfect way to complete your riding tour, and end your stay a peaceful stay outside the bustling streets of Paris.
Attend Bartabas prestigious show
Prepare for an experience unlike any other with one of the most exceptional equestrian shows in the world, presented by the legendary Bartabas.
Combining equestrian art, music, dance, and comedy Bartabas invented and staged a new form of live performance: the Equestrian Theatre. Prepare to be captivated by one of his famous shows “La Voie de l’écuyère”, blending high school dressage with captivating choreography and artistic disciplines.
Guerlain SPA
After your horseback riding in Versailles, indulge in a luxury wellness experience at the Guerlain SPA at the Trianon Palace.
Relax in the heated indoor pool, sauna, and hammam, set within the exceptional grounds of Versailles Park. Enjoy a selection of Guerlain treatments, blending tradition, expertise, and care, leaving you fully restored and rejuvenated.
Non-riders are also welcome to enjoy the SPA while riders are out on the trails.
Massages at the Domaine
After a day in the saddle, unwind with a relaxing massage designed to restore both body and mind.
Each session is tailored to your individual needs, focusing on specific muscle groups, relieving tension, improving circulation, and soothing soreness from riding.
It is a deeply relaxing experience that leaves you refreshed, recharged, and ready for the next day’s adventure.
Non-riders are welcome to enjoy this relaxing massage, which helps relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote overall wellness.
Aerial Yoga
Discover aerial yoga, a unique wellness experience that blends movement, balance, and lightness designed to complement your horseback riding holidays.
Suspended in a soft hammock, enjoy a sensation of weightlessness that helps release tension and gently stretch the body. Let yourself disconnect from the outside world and settle into a moment entirely focused on yourself. This practice is accessible to all levels and guided by experienced instructors.
Albert Khan Gardens
At Albert Kahn Gardens, you will get to wander through seven distinct garden scenes, from the serene Japanese village to the vibrant English garden, each offering a unique glimpse into different cultures and natural beauty.
This peaceful escape is also a perfect moment to unwind after a horse riding experience, connecting nature and equestrian travel. Enjoy a peaceful moment where each path invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature.
Bicycles
Explore the stunning grounds of the Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay by bicycle.
Pedal along scenic paths, enjoy fresh air, and discover the beauty of this historic estate at your own pace. Take time to stop along the way and admire the surrounding landscapes and hidden corners of the estate.
Canoë-Kayak on The Loire
Glide through one of France’s most iconic landscapes, where châteaux, charming villages, and vineyards line the riverbanks on canoë-kayak.
Take in the peaceful sounds of the river and let the natural beauty of the Loire Valley unfold around you at every stroke of the paddle. A unique and refreshing way to explore the heart of the Loire Valley from the water, far from the crowds and at your own rhythm - offering a truly special experience that beautifully complements a horseback riding adventure.
Canoeing on the Château’s Pond
Enjoy a unique canoeing experience on the Château de Fontainebleau pond, a peaceful and scenic outdoor activity in an exceptional setting.
Glide across the tranquil waters of the Étang aux Carpes and admire the elegance of the château and its gardens from a new perspective. Let yourself be carried by the calm atmosphere and fully immerse in the beauty of this historic site. A perfect moment of relaxation in a truly enchanting environment.
Cinema
Enjoy a cinema experience at L’Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay, comfortably seated in plush armchairs within an intimate setting, in the heart of the French countryside.
Several screenings are offered each day, featuring both the latest releases and timeless cinema classics. A unique way to enjoy film in a peaceful atmosphere and unwind upon your horseback riding experience.
Clarins SPA at Royal Monceau
The Royal Monceau Clarins Spa is a 1,500 square meter oasis designed by Philippe Starck, featuring the largest swimming pool among Parisian luxury hotels.
Experience personalized treatments with the innovative My Blend skincare line, tailored to your unique needs, and enjoy the serene ambiance of the sauna, hammam, andlaconium. This escape is the perfect way to relax upon horseback riding in Paris, blending wellness with equestrian activities. Enjoy a soothing moment where body and mind fully unwind.
E-bike Tour in the Gardens
Alternatively, or in addition to your ride, enjoy a guided scenic e-bike ride through the beautiful Gardens of Versailles.
Discover the park at your own pace, surrounded by nature and stunning landscapes, up until the Grand Canal, offering a remarkable view over the Palace of Versailles - a perfect balance of freedom, nature, and discovery in one of France’s most iconic settings.
Falconry Introduction
Discover the art of falconry, one of the world’s oldest and most fascinating traditions.
Meet a passionate and experienced falconer, accompanied by their impressive birds of prey. Explore their natural habitats, learn about their daily care, and take part in interactive feeding sessions. End your experience with a falconry demonstration, as these majestic raptors take to the sky, revealing their speed and effortless grace in flight.
Golf in The Alpilles
For the golf-lovers, this remarkable setting in the Alpilles offers the perfect blend of challenging play and breathtaking scenery.
Each course winds through vineyards, olive groves, and dramatic limestone hills, inviting golf enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the tranquil Provençal atmosphere while enjoying the game they love. Whether you are a seasoned player or a casual golfer, this is an unforgettable sportive experiencein the South of France.
Musical Fountains Show
One of the most enchanting experiences near Paris, the Musical Fountains Show at Versailles delights as much in sound as in sight.
Discover the extraordinary beauty of 55 fountains and 600 water features, perfectly synchronised to period baroque music — a living ballet that enchants with every jet of water. Stroll through the royal gardens to the timeless compositions of Lully, Charpentier, and Rameau, and let the magic of Versailles wash over you.
Night at Le Grand Contrôle
Enhance your horseback riding in Versailles with a stay at Le Grand Contrôle - the 5-star hotel set within the very grounds of the Palace of Versailles, inviting you to indulge in royal luxury.
Step back in time with beautifully restored rooms featuring period furnishings, while enjoying modern amenities and exclusive château access. Wake up to the magical silence of the gardens, and savour a private breakfast fit for royalty. A once-in-a-lifetime stay for those who seek the extraordinary.
Overnight stay at Le Relais de Chambord
Indulge in elegance at Le Relais de Chambord, ideally located near the majestic Château de Chambord - a perfect stop during your horseback riding vacation.
This refined luxury hotel offers beautifully appointed rooms combining classic charm and modern comfort. Surrounded by the calm of the Loire Valley, it’s a place where heritage, tranquillity, and refinement come together for an unforgettable stay.
Rock-climbing in the forest
Experience rock climbing in the historic Fontainebleau Forest, a world-renowned climbing destination famous for its unique sandstone boulders.
With thousands of routes adapted to all levels, it’s the perfect outdoor adventure for beginners and experienced climbers alike. Challenge yourself physically while enjoying the beauty of this exceptional natural setting in the most iconic climbing spots in the world.
Row boats
Enjoy a peaceful rowing boat experience on the serene waters of the Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay, a perfect outdoor activity for relaxation.
Glide gently across the lake, surrounded by the lush beauty of the abbey grounds and its enchanting landscapes. Let yourself unwind in this tranquil setting, ideal for reconnecting with nature.
Tata Harper SPA
Indulge in a refined spa experience at the Tata Harper Spa, nestled in the heart of l’Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay’s estate - a refined wellness escape during your luxury horse back riding experience in France.
Enjoy premium body and facial treatments crafted with the renowned Tata Harper skincare brand, known for its natural and high-end formulations. Surrounded by a calming atmosphere, each treatment is designed to bring deep relaxation and rejuvenation. A true moment of wellness and self-care.
Tennis Courts
Enjoy a tennis experience in the peaceful Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay courts, set within a beautiful natural environment.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, these tennis sessions offer a great way to stay active while enjoying the scenery. The equipment is provided on-site, and private coaching sessionscan also be arranged upon request.
Vintage Car Tours in The Alpilles
Among the finest vintage car tours Provence has to offer, this experience captures the timeless charm of the Alpilles in a truly unique way.
Journey through quaint, picturesque villages nestled among rolling hills and olive groves, take in breathtaking panoramic views of the stunning Provençal countryside, and immerse yourself in the authentic local atmosphere at every turn.
Visit Fondation Louis Vuitton
Experience the architectural masterpiece of the Fondation Louis Vuitton, a stunning contemporary art museum designed by Frank Gehry in the heart of the forest.
Immerse yourself in world-class exhibitions featuring both modern and contemporary artworks. This iconic venue is a must-see for lovers of art and design, offering a unique cultural experienceinParis. Enjoy an inspiring visit where creativity and architecture come together in a remarkable setting.
Visit Barbizon, the cradle of impressionism
Discover Barbizon, a charming village nestled near the Fontainebleau Forest. This historic haven was the birthplace of the Barbizon School, where painters such as Rousseau, Corot, and Millet reshaped the course of landscape art.
Upon your horseback riding experience, meet our passionate local guide and stroll through the village’s quiet streets, visit the places that inspired generations of artists, and uncover the rich creative heritage that still lingers in its atmosphere today.
Yoga for Equestrians
Upon horseback riding in the South of France, enjoy a relaxing EquiYoga session, led by a professional instructor and equestrian.
The class targets the most common rider imbalances — tight adductors, hamstrings, and lower back pain — while building a stronger mind-body connection for improved performance in the saddle. Non-riders are welcome and will equally benefit from ameliorated flexibility, balance, and overall well-being.
The Nomad Riders Experience
At Nomad Riders, we craft more than riding holidays; we design immersive luxury horseback riding vacations that blend exclusive rides, cultural discovery, gastronomic experiences, wellness rituals, and refined accommodations into one seamless adventure.
- Exclusive Riding Adventures: From tölting on Iceland's black-sand beaches to riding Gaucho-style across Patagonia, every journey takes you off the beaten path. Our trips are designed for small groups of riders, seeking singular experiences in the world's most breathtaking landscapes.
- Cultural Immersion: History and heritage are woven into every itinerary. On each journey, we invite you for an immersive cultural experience for you to truly connect with the local heritage of your destination.
- Refined Accommodations: Rest in places as memorable as the rides themselves. From historic French châteaux and Indian Maharaja palaces, every property is handpicked for its charm and refinement — the perfect retreat after a day in the saddle.
- Gastronomy: We believe a region is best discovered through its flavors. On every ride, we handpick partner restaurants where local chefs craft seasonal, traditional cuisine turning every meal into a highlight of your horseback riding tour.
- Wellness Rituals: Riding is exhilarating, & restorative moments matter. On each adventure, you can enhance your ride with wellness experiences, from yoga sessions and spa treatments to natural hot springs - for a restorative break between rides.
Why Book Your Horseback Riding Experience with Us?
We believe horseback riding holidays are about connection, freedom, and experiencing travel at a different rhythm.
To bring this vision to life, we ensure that every experience is thoughtfully crafted and tested firsthand. We handpick each ride, travel on-site, meet the horses and guides, and try the full experience to ensure it meets our highest standards. This allows us to offer only high-quality horseback riding experiences.
Above all, we place horse welfare at the core of every decision we make. On all our horseback riding tours, we collaborate exclusively with trusted partners who provide attentive care, balanced routines, and the highest standards of well-being. Riding with Nomad Riders means being part of a community that values the horse as much as the experience itself.
To offer you a fully immersive experience, we work closely with passionate local guides who bring each destination to life. Beyond leading the ride, they share their knowledge, culture, and stories, creating a deeper and more enriching experience. From guides to hosts and chefs, every partner contributes to making your journey seamless and authentic.
Finally, as every rider is unique, we take pride in creating fully private, tailor-made riding experiences that reflect your preferences and riding level. Thanks to our close relationships with trusted partners and refined accommodations, we create journeys that are truly your own. Whether you dream of riding from castle to castle, horseback riding in the Loire Valley or horseback riding in Paris, we craft experiences that stay with you long after the ride ends.
Eager to join horse riding vacations in Europe or worldwide ? Reach out to us and start planning your next Nomad Riding adventure.
Frequently asked questions
If you are a beginner rider, we are pleased to offer several rides perfectly suited to your level — including if you are looking at your first-time in the saddle. These experiences are designed with short time in the saddle, flat and gentle terrain, along with gentle, kind and well-trained horses carefully selected based on your riding experience, height, and weight.
Our best horseback riding holidays for beginners in France include our rides in Versailles, Fontainebleau, Deauville or Rambouillet. These experiences typically feature around two hours of riding, combined with gastronomic escapes and cultural visits. However, if you wish to spend more time on horseback, we also offer the possibility to extend these experiences into 2 to 5-day riding experiences, crafting a tailor-made itinerary by combining several of our destinations and including optional activities according to your preferences.
For beginner riders ready to take the challenge and spend over three hours per day in the saddle, we would recommend our Loire Valley Castles Ride, a perfect introduction to multi-day riding adventures in France.
If you are an intermediate or experienced rider, our collection of horseback riding adventures in France offers a range of immersive and distinct, refined experiences designed to match individual preferences. From working cattle alongside Guardians with Camargue horses, to refining your dressage skills with Lusitanos and renowned French champions in Provence, to riding from castle to castle in the Loire Valley, each journey is crafted to suit each rider’s own rhythm and aspirations.
If you love (or dream about) horseback riding in the South of France while refining your dressage skills, our Provence Dressage Experience is an ideal fit. Set in a beautifully restored 17th-century stud farm, this experience allows you to ride top-class Lusitanos, enjoy private dressage lessons with internationally acclaimed professionals, while still allowing you to head out on beach and mountain trail rides. The property is conveniently located near Marseille, Avignon, and Aix-en-Provence, with seamless transfers with our trusted partnering driver arranged for your arrival.
If you are drawn to heritage and gastronomy, our Loire Valley Castles Ride offers a unique opportunity to ride from château to château, combining trail riding through villages and vineyards, while sleeping like Royalty once did, and savoring the best of French gastronomy. Located just two hours from Paris, it can easily be integrated into a broader stay in France.
If you are unsure which horse riding holiday in France best suits your level or would like to create a tailor-made itinerary, feel free to contact us — we will be delighted to guide you in planning your ideal riding experience.
Yes — all of our rides in France can be privatized and fully customizable according to your preferences. Whether you are traveling with a group of riding friends, as a family, or wish to enjoy a more exclusive and personalized experience, we are delighted to craft a private and tailor-made riding retreat for you.
Choosing a private ride rather than a group ride allows you to set the pace of your rides, focus on specific interests (such as dressage, trail riding, cultural discovery, wellness or gastronomy), and enjoy as much flexibility as possible throughout your journey. From adjusting riding hours to including additional experiences — cultural visits, SPA treatments, wine tastings— the itinerary can be thoughtfully curated according to your riding level and interests.
Yes — we are delighted to welcome non-riders on all of our adventures horseback riding in France. Creating fully personalized experiences for every guest is at the heart of our philosophy, and our primarily private riding format allows for a great level of flexibility.
While riders explore the trails, we invite non-riding guests to enjoy a curated selection of activities depending on the destination — from e-bike tours, golf, and tennis to canoeing, wine tastings, SPA treatments or cultural visits. Each of these activities is designed to offer its own enriching experience of the region, and is carefully selected, with the same attention to detail as our riding activities.
Throughout the journey, our flexible format allows riders and non-riders to reconnect for lunches, aperitifs, and group experiences, ensuring that moments of the adventure are enjoyed all together.
Our France horse tours stand apart thanks to a highly personal approach, deep on-the-ground involvement, and a strong commitment to quality at every step of the adventures we craft:
- Based in Paris, with close, local relationships:
Being founded and based in Paris allows us to create, maintain close, long-standing relationships with all of our partners — from riding guides, drivers, chefs, to hosts — who come together to shape each of our riding experiences. This proximity ensures consistency in our riding adventures, trust, and a seamless level of service throughout every trip.
- A meticulous selection process of our rides, always tested on-site:
Behind every ride lies an intricate process of selection. We carefully handpick each experience to ensure it aligns with our core values and commitments. Before being included in our collection of horse riding tours in France, every itinerary is personally tested on-site: we meet the riding team and the horses, ride the trails, visit the accommodations. These try outs allow us to guarantee the ride meets our requirements and provide you with all the information you need before joining the adventure yourself.
- Riding experiences enriched with heritage, gastronomy & wellness:
Our French riding adventures go far beyond the saddle: each experience is crafted as a cultural immersion, combining riding with heritage, gastronomy, and wellness. From horseback riding in Versailles with a passionate guide to discovering Lusitano breeding traditions in Provence, every experience connects you more deeply with the destination. Gastronomy is an essential part of every ride we curate. We carefully select partner restaurants and chefs to showcase the finest regional cuisine, prepared with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. In addition, we invite our guests to enjoy at least one wellness experience — whether it’s a yoga session, a spa treatment, or a natural hot spring experience — allowing you to unwind in the perfect post-ride ritual.
- Curating refined and characterful accommodations
We believe that your riding experience in France should be both restful and enjoyable, which is why we exclusively offer refined accommodations that combine comfort, authenticity, and character, while offering a high-end service. From beautifully restored abbeys to historic châteaux, each property is chosen for its atmosphere and quality, ensuring you have the perfect place to rest after a day in the saddle.
- A curated, limited portfolio for higher quality and tailor-made journeys:
At the heart of our approach is the creation of fully personalized, tailor-made horseback rides, designed around your preferences, riding level, and aspirations. Because this level of customization requires time, care, and close collaboration, our collection remains intentionally limited. This allows us to stay closely connected with our partners, and dedicate ourselves to crafting tailor-made journeys with the highest level of service.
When curating our portfolio of riding experiences, group size is a fundamental consideration for us. At the heart of our philosophy is the aim to offer a highly personalized and immersive journey. And we believe that small, intimate groups of riders ensure closer guidance from riding guides, minimise the risks inherent to trail riding, while allowing for greater flexibility, attention to detail, and a more refined experience for each of our guests.
On our group rides in France, such as in Provence, we limit groups to a maximum of 6 riders.
By keeping our groups deliberately small, we are able to preserve the quality of the experience and maintain the spirit of our rides — where every guest feels supported, guided, and fully immersed in the journey.
At Nomad Riders, we have designed our rides to be restful, seamless, and entirely stress-free, so that our riders can fully focus on enjoying their time in the saddle. Typically, our equestrian holidays in France will include everything organised throughout the journey*: private transfers, selected accommodations, all meals, riding activities, and, upon request, travel insurance. We believe this all-inclusive approach allows riders to travel with complete peace of mind, with no unexpected surprises along the way, to enjoy a fully taken-care-of experience.
*The only element we are unable to include in our horse riding holidays is international airfare, which remains the responsibility of the guest.
While France offers beautiful scenery to ride all year round, the best season for a riding experience in France generally runs from March to November. During this period, temperatures are pleasant, landscapes are at their most vibrant, and riding conditions are ideal in most areas. In some regions, July and August can bring warmer temperatures, which we take into account when planning the daily rhythm of rides. This seasonality is not only weather-related, but also linked to some of our partner riding guides, who decide to put their horses to rest during the winter months to ensure they remain healthy, fit, and fully ready for the riding season.
Many of our rides in France are available throughout the year, including our day rides in Versailles, Fontainebleau, Chantilly, Chambord, or Deauville, as well as selected tailor-made weekend experiences such as Abbey-to-Castle or Barbizon escapes.
Depending on the region and your preferences, we typically recommend riding in the Loire Valley from April to October, in Provence from March to November and in Normandy from April to November. During the summer months, when temperatures can occasionally rise, riding schedules can be modified and adapted accordingly, with early morning and late afternoon rides, prioritised for both horse wellbeing and rider comfort.
As a general guideline, here is an overview of the typical weather you can expect in France, season by season:
- Winter (December to February): Cooler and quieter period, with occasional rain and temperatures ranging from 3°C to 15°C (37°F to 60°F). The atmosphere is very peaceful to ride in serenity.
- Spring (March to May): One of the most beautiful seasons to ride in France, with mild temperatures ranging from around 10°C to 26°C (50°F to 80°F), blooming flowers, and ideal riding conditions.
- Summer (June to August): Warm and lively, with long days (from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and golden light, with temperatures typically between 20°C and 32°C (68°F to 90°F). If you are horseback riding in the South of France, the rides will usually be scheduled in the early morning or late afternoon.
- Autumn (September to November): This is the favourite season for many riders, offering soft light, comfortable temperatures ranging from 10°C to 28°C (50°F to 82°F), and stunning countryside colours.
If you are unsure which period to choose for your ride in France, feel free to contact our team, which is based on-site and will be delighted to guide you and help you choose the ideal season for your riding experience.
