I thought about starting this post with the most stereotypical “French” thing I could think of, but it made me uncomfortable to joke about mimes stealing the Eiffel Tower. Or whatever it is they do, I haven’t been to France.
But I’ll add that while I haven’t been, it’s only because I’m currently planning my trip now. Eventually, I’ll be in France, eating baguettes while riding a mime (shaped as a boat of course) on the Seine River.
Naturally, as a horse person, the first thing I have to ask (or scream out really) is, “WHERE DO I GO HORSEBACK RIDING WHILE IN PARIS??!?!?“
No need to panic, I have some ideas, and I’m sharing them with you because that’s just the kind of person I am. These trips are the perfect addition to your Paris vacation. Spend some time exploring the incredible city, and then head out into the beautiful countryside. As they say, Paris is not France, which may seem confusing since according to Google Maps, it’s definitely the capital of France, but ignore that. For the full French experience you need to get out of Paris and see the country. They are worlds apart. But luckily these trips are incredibly close to Paris, so you won’t be traveling too far!
Traveling to the Stables
Let’s get started with how to leave Paris to go riding: France has an amazing train system, which is going to feel very foreign to us Americans. It’s worth looking into the train as a feasible option for traveling to horses. Renting a car in Paris is a pain, there’s not much parking, and most people just use the trains to get around. You’re not going to be needing a rental car during these trips, so unless you’re planning your trip to go beyond just Paris, (like a road trip around France), it’s easier to stick to using the trains.
These places I am suggesting do have train stations nearby that connect them to Paris, but you’re going to have to talk to the stables individually to make sure you can manage from the train to the stable. I’m not in the business of leaving people stranded, but I am a promoter of, please please please don’t get yourself stuck in a foreign country at a train station!
Chantilly, France
Let’s start with Chantilly. I’m not talking about the land of Rt 50, strip malls and endless suburbs (that’s a northern Virginia reference, where I’m from), I’m talking about the way more beautiful and magical Chantilly, France (which you probably already knew since this is an article about France).
Located 55 km outside of Paris is the beautiful Chantilly region, known for beautiful traditional French Villages, the impressive Château de Chantilly, and beautiful landscapes. This area is only a 22 minute train ride from Gare du Nord train station in Paris to the Chantilly-Gouvieux station in Chantilly.
For the horseback riding – check out this 2 day vacation package, riding through the Forest of Halatte. There’s opportunities to see castles (which is my favorite part of any part of Europe!) If you’re an experienced rider, let them know, and you’ll be able to take a faster ride out to see the Château de Chantilly! (only available on weekends).
There’s a bunch of different trails to explore, just talk to your host and figure out the best one for you. The horses are trained for endurance, so they are able to take you far to roam and explore the countryside.
For more rides, more trails, and more castles, they also have a 4 day vacation package!
I feel like these trips are very reasonably priced, which is important when you’re figuring out your travel budget. It’s a great way for some great riding without breaking the bank.
The Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is a huge draw just for being its loveable self. It is the land of castle (Chateau’s) and wine. You could spend several days in Paris, and then switch over to the Loire Valley for several more days (this is actually my plan!)
It’s full of incredible, fantasy-worthy Château’s, including the not to be missed Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, (the castle built over a river and lived in by a lady of the King… and later taken over by the very bitter Queen!) and the Chaumont-sur-Loire. If you’re planning to go to the Loire Valley, these are the ones to see!
There are trips centered around riding to these castles. You get the awe inspiring visuals of approaching on horseback, and then you get a private tour.
Let’s start with A 3 Day Luxury Trip to the Loire Valley Castles.
Consider this your tour of the most magnificent estates, equestrian style. This trip is tailored to intermediate to advanced riders and features between two and four hours of riding a day. The trip starts with luxury – they will literally pick you up in Paris and bring you to your accommodation: the Château des Grotteaux. I love it when the little things that make life easier are included.
Each day, you will meet your horse and ride to one of the incredible Chateaus. Once there, you’ll have lunch, and a tour of the Chateau. Everything is included, the food, the tours, the tickets, making this a truly luxury experience.
Maybe you need MORE luxury? What about the ultimate equestrian vacation through the Loire Valley, riding from castle to castle to spend each night in beautiful luxury accommodations?
Well, this one has you covered: 7 Day Loire Valley Luxury Horseback riding Tour.
If you’re looking for that “once in a lifetime trip,” this is the one. It’s truly, “L’art de vivre,” which is, the art of living well. And you would be living very well. Prepare to stay in numerous luxury chateaus, riding between them, enjoying gourmet cuisine and wines, riding and exploring the incredible Loire Valley. Spend a day enjoying excursions by car, for when your legs are too sore from riding.
There will be so much riding! Four days of riding, with approximately three hours a day. This trip is for intermediate and above, for lots of trotting and cantering through the French countryside.
After your rides, you’ll be relaxing in some of the most luxurious hotels including the Relais de Chambord, located on the grounds of the Château de Chambord, and the luxurious boutique spa hotel of Domaine des Thomeaux.
This is truly a trip for castle lovers, as you ride through the beautiful French countryside there are many stops at incredible destinations. Imagine having a picnic at the Chateau de Beauregard, exploring the Château de Cheverny and its splendid Renaissance furnishings, and marveling the fortified castle of Chateau de Fougères sur Bièvre. But there’s still more! Ride by the Chaumont sur Loire castle, and up the knight’s entrance to the Chateau d’Amboise.
As someone who loves both horses and castles, I can’t think of a better trip than this one.
A trip to Paris is a truly memorable experience, and has been on my bucket list for years. But I can’t think of any other way to make it truly magnificent than to take a trip to the French countryside to ride horses. Honestly the horseback riding by itself is worth the trip, but If it’s all right next to each other, might as well combine them.
Paris and horses…. That’s the kind of trip I dream about.
My trip is being planned… maybe I’ll see you there!