Enjoy excellent riding along miles of quiet lanes and paths through the wonderful scenery of Poitou-Charentes on this six-night horse riding holiday in France. Hack out in the mornings on well-behaved horses, then spend the rest of your time relaxing by the heated pool or exploring the historic and cultural sites of this region, rated by Lonely Planet as one of the top 10 tourist destinations in the world. This holiday offers a winning combination of riding through lovely countryside and warm hospitality at a guesthouse with a lovely ambience, and all reasonably priced.

This is a single centre holiday, and your base is a small, beautiful Maison d’Hôte (guesthouse) in a deeply rural pocket of France that’s nevertheless easy to access. You’ll experience exceptional hospitality. The bonhomie and house-party feel here is an outstanding feature of each holiday, as important as the activities, and something guests always greatly enjoy. This has a lot to do with evening aperitifs at seven followed by a leisurely en famille meal with superb food, excellent wine, lively conversation, and a marvelous ambiance. All the food served uses wholesome local ingredients, skilfully prepared and presented.

Riding is based at a neighbouring farm, on an hourly basis, pre-arranged for up to two hours per day. Lessons are also available. The English-speaking guide is BHSAI qualified and is also very knowledgeable about the surrounding countryside. The horses are well cared for and well mannered. If you need transport your hosts at the Maison d’Hôte will take you to and from the riding facility. The season is from May to September and six-night riding holidays commence on most Sunday afternoons throughout the season.

Having enjoyed a morning hack, or on days when you decide to give riding a miss, there are lots of other things to do. Walking and cycling is excellent here, and bikes can be hired on a daily basis. There are also beautiful villages and historical sites to visit, to round out your trip.

You pay locally for your horse riding, at the rate of €20 to €30 per hour. Everything else on this holiday is included in the price. So that’s accommodation and use of facilities, breakfasts, packed lunches, aperitifs and each evening’s four-course meal. All coffee, tea, wine, beer, cider and soft drinks are included. Tea and coffee are also available in the rooms and there is a well-stocked drinks fridge available 24/7, without charge. Relax knowing that there are no hidden extras to pay for on this holiday – even the postcards are free.