The Imperial Heritage Ride
- Ride through the 25-acre Imperial forest of Fontainebleau
- Savor a Bistronomic Lunch in Barbizon ancient painters’ village
- Discover the 11th Century Château, which Napoleon proclaimed “The true home of the kings”
Our day trips are exclusively private, allowing our guests to ride at their own pace and enjoy a personalized experience
Optional : Stay overnight in a 17th Century luxury Château Hotel
Our driver and guide will meet you directly at your hotel in or near Paris and transport you from site to site, throughout the whole day.
The journey to Fontainebleau typically takes about 1 hour, depending on your specific location and traffic conditions.
The Imperial Heritage Ride welcomes riders of all experience levels - from first-timers to experienced riders.
When a group includes riders of mixed experience, the pace of the ride will be adjusted to match the least experienced participant. More experienced riders may have the opportunity to enjoy trots and canters, at the discretion of the riding guide.
Our gentle, calm and well-trained horses are carefully matched to each rider based on individual height, weight, and riding background, ensuring a safe and enjoyable equestrian experience for everyone.
We are delighted to welcome families, with children aged 6 and above eligible to participate, depending on their size, stamina, and riding ability, to ensure safety and comfort throughout the ride.
Non-riders are also welcomed to join the Day Trip: While equestrians explore the trails, we offer tailored alternative experiences including E-Bike tours, rock climbing, golf, guided cultural visits, and more – ensuring every participant enjoys a memorable and personalized day out.
In order to book a ride, you can contact us directly, and our team will send you a riding form to ensure a tailored and unique experience. We are happy to address any questions or special requirements you might have for the Day Trip.
To confirm your reservation, we kindly request a 50% deposit, which can be conveniently completed via our secure payment link or traditional bank transfer.
Just an hour away from the busy streets of Paris lies an exquisite treasure waiting to be discovered: Fontainebleau.
From François I to Napoléon III, the French Royalty chose it for its expansive forests, abundant wildlife, and its proximity to Paris. From beginners to experienced riders, we invite you to discover this haven of peace like French Royalty used to: On horseback.
The Imperial Heritage Forest Ride is an immersive horse riding journey that guides you into the stunning 25-acre Forest of Fontainebleau and 11th Century Château to experience the Royal Art de Vivre à la française for a day.
Ride through the various landscapes of the Forest, savor a gourmet lunch in Barbizon Painters’ village Restaurant, and discover the former Royal estate, and its secrets : A unique blend of horse-riding, gastronomy, and culture.
The schedule
DEPARTURE FROM PARIS
Your day begins at 9 a.m. with a personalized pick-up from your hotel's reception by your knowledgeable guide and experienced driver, whisking you away on a 1 hour drive to Fontainebleau.
Horse-riding in the forest
Upon arrival to Fontainebleau, you'll be greeted by your guide and introduced to your horse, carefully selected based on your riding level. Once saddled up, embark on a two-hour ride through the varied lanscapes of the forest; cantering* in one of the first Nature Preserves of History, until the highest point that offers breathtaking views over the 25-acre former royal domain.
*When a group includes riders of mixed experience, the pace of the ride will be adjusted to match the least experienced participant. More experienced riders may have the opportunity to enjoy trots and canters, at the discretion of the riding guide.
Bistronomic lunch in Painters Village
Following your ride, step into a culinary journey within an ancient painters’ village : Barbizon. Prepare to savor the finest of French cuisine classics and fresh produce within a three-course meal - thoughtfully paired with local wines.
Visit the Château de Fontainebleau
Upon finishing lunch, your historian guide will lead you on a 90-minute private tour of the second largest castle of France : Le Château de Fontainebleau. With 30,000 works of art within more than 1,500 rooms, prepare to discover Napoleon’s « True Home of the Kings », an artistic and regal treasure. With each step, your guide will unveil the secrets & stories behind this masterpiece, revealing the captivating tales of 8 Centuries of sovereignty.
Departure for paris
Your journey ends around 4 p.m, with a comfortable ride back to your hotel along with your guide and chauffeur - 1h15 drive depending on your hotel’s location and traffic.
What our riders say
Optional activities
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.
Golf in Fontainebleau
Nestled in the Fontainebleau forest, Golf de Fontainebleau is one of France’s most prestigious and scenic courses.
Designed byTom 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.
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 outdooradventure 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.
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.
With a passionate local guide, wander 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.
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.
The forest of fontainebleau
Once a royal domain, the Forest of Fontainebleau was one of the preferred hunting grounds of French Kings, who came there from the tenth century onwards for deer and bird hunting.
Spanning over 25 acres, the forest is the second largest in France and was exalted as an example of nature in its purest state. It was such a national pride that in 1861, the Forest gained state protection and became one of the first Nature Preserves in history. Rough and untouched while boasting a large variety of landscapes, the Forest also became the cradle of French nature painting and photography. Its verdant woods, magnificent old-growth trees and imposing rock formations provided many grounds for painters, photographers and filmmakers to settle and leave space to their creativity.
From Théodore Rousseau, Claude Monet to Auguste Renoir, many artists participated to a new sense of naturalism into landscape painting that brought them fame as impressionists. On the back of your horse, you will be able to discover this majestic forest, a unique site that showcases royal, natural, and artistic heritage.
The friendliest horses : The Henson breed
Originating from the cross-breeding of Fjord stallions with various local mares, such as Thoroughbred, Anglo-Arab, French saddle, and Trotter, the Henson breed was introduced to the Baie de Somme area in the early 70s by Bernard Bizet. Led by Lionel, Marc Berquin, and their friends from the Baie de Somme Riders’ Association, this endeavor aimed to create a robust and adaptable horse, that embodies the essence of freedom in horsemanship.
Bred for their friendliness, the Hensons are suited to all riding levels: From first-timers on the saddle to advanced riders. Along with a Henson specialist, discover this exceptional breed that thrives in outdoor living, combining strength, kindness, endurance, and safety.
About this ride
The Château de fontainebleau
Located within the largest forest area of the Parisian region, the Château de Fontainebleau is a remarkable royal and imperial heritage site. Witnessing eight centuries of sovereignty, the second-largest Castle in France has been the home of 34 kings. Among them was François 1er, who wished to create a « New Rome » in the 16th Century, and turned the ruins into a royal estate in a Renaissance style, combining both Italian Art and French Tradition.
With 30,000 works of art within more than 1,500 rooms, Napoleon’s « True Home of the Kings » is an artistic and regal treasure that won his favor over all other French Palaces, and was Louis XIV’s safe haven to escape Versailles’ agitation. With 500,000 visitors a year, as opposed to Versailles’s 7.5 million, dive into the lesser-known realm, and prepare to be captivated by the epitome of royal French elegance along with a passionate historian and local guide.
Frequently asked questions
The Imperial Heritage Ride welcomes riders of all experience levels - from first-timers to experienced riders.
Please note that while our day trips cater to all skill levels, intermediate and experienced riders have the option to enjoy trots and canters during their ride, should they feel confident or wish to do so.
Our gentle, calm and well-trained horses are carefully matched to each rider based on individual height, weight, and riding background, ensuring a safe and enjoyable equestrian experience for everyone.
Non-riders are also welcomed to join the Day Trip: While equestrians explore the trails, we offer tailored alternative experiences including E-Bike tours, rock climbing, golf, guided cultural visits, and more – ensuring every participant enjoys a memorable and personalized day out.
Yes, our day trip is designed to provide you with a completely private and personalized experience; from the personalized driver's pick-up, to the ride, and château guided visit, all the activities are organized privately for you to ensure an exclusive, comfortable, and intimate journey tailored precisely to your preferences and interests.
Yes, we happily accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies on our Day Trips.
Prior to embarking on a horse riding holiday or day trip, we request guests to complete a comprehensive form. This form allows us to gather essential information such as your dietary restrictions and allergies and this information is carefully communicated to the Chefs so they can prepare your meals accordingly.
As a general guideline, the minimum age for participants is 6 years old. However, age restrictions can vary based on the destination and individual circumstances. We take into consideration factors such as size, stamina, and riding ability.
If you find yourself unsure whether a daytrip is the perfect fit for your family, particularly when considering the participation of your children, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We understand that safety and comfort are paramount, especially when it comes to younger riders. We will be more than happy to assist you in making an informed decision.
When gearing up for your day trip, packing the right essentials is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. As you will be having an active day (horse-riding, and walking through the Château), aim for comfortable clothes and shoes.
Please note that bringing two different outfits (for riding and for lunch or visits) is entirely optional, but if you wish, you may change in the restaurant’s restroom.
For the ride, we recommend to wear:
- Riding Pants or Jeans or Leggings: Choose the fabric based on the predicted weather, ensuring comfort and adaptability. Avoid flared pants
- Riding Boots or Sneakers: If you have riding boots, you can bring them. If not, sneakers will suit. We provide chaps on site to protect your calfs.
- Sports Bras for Women: In order to prioritize support and comfort during the ride.
- Waterproof Windbreaker Jacket: If a very windy day is predicted.
- Sunglasses: Shield your eyes from sun, wind, and dust for a clear and comfortable ride.
- We provide helmets of all sizes on-site.
On all of our Day Trips, you will be welcomed and led by local and passionate horse-riding guides, all of whom are fluent in English to ensure seamless communication.
On the Imperial Heritage Ride, the visit of the Château de Fontainebleau – upon inquiry – can be led by guides who are proficient in various languages such as French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, German, Japanese, and more. This multi-lingual approach ensures that our guests can fully appreciate the depth of the destinations explored, making their horse-riding holiday not only adventurous but also culturally enlightening.
To confirm your reservation, we kindly request a 50% deposit, which can be conveniently completed via our secure payment link or traditional bank transfer.
We acknowledge that unforeseen events may occur, leading to changes in plans, and we are committed to providing our guests with a fair and transparent cancellation policy.
If you need to cancel your reservation for your day trip, please note that refunds are not available, regardless of the reason or weather conditions. We recommend guests to purchase comprehensive travel insurance in order to claim any cancellation charges where applicable.
Feel free to contact us via our Contact form, email, or WhatsApp, and we will be more than happy to guide you and find a suitable solution.
For The Imperial Heritage Day Trip we accept riders weighing up to 110 kg (242lbs).
This limit ensures the safety and well-being of our horses, as they cannot comfortably carry more weight.
A glimpse into the imperial heritage Day Trip
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