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With 800 km of blazed riding trails, the department of the Alpes de Haute Provence is ideal for horse riding and trekking in unspoiled natural surroundings.
When you ride across the secret but welcoming mountains that our local author Jean Giono loved so much, you may come across the shepherd and his flock as you travel down the trails, pack a donkey who will follow walkers, learn to ride and trek and breathe in the delightful scents of thyme and lavender.
But don’t forget that this immense wealth is precious and fragile.
Themed itineraries
You can ride all these circuits with IGN (ordnance survey) maps from gîte to gîte or guided by professionals who can be contacted to organize, supervise and take care of your stay.
The Route Napoléon on Horseback itinerary is labelled a “Grand Itinéraire Équestre”
The Route Napoléon on Horseback itinerary is a 360-km horse trekking itinerary on blazed trails developed for riders which goes from Grasse (Alpes-Maritimes) to Vizille (Isère). This Grand Itinéraire Equestre goes through 4 departments (Alpes Maritimes, Alpes de Haute Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Isère).
It links Castellane, Digne, Volonne and Sisteron over a distance of 110 kilometres in 5 days on foot or on horseback.
In the Alpes de Haute Provence the itinerary goes through the following municipalities: Peyroules, La Garde, Castellane*, Senez, Barrême*, Chaudon-Norante*, Entrages, Digne-les-Bains*, Le Chaffaut St Jurson, Mallemoisson, Mirabeau, Malijai*, L’Escale, Volonne*, Salignac, Entrepierres, Sisteron*
* : Napoleon’s waypoints in March 1815 for food and lodging
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Riding in Haute-Provence Luberon
Circuits of three, six or nine days to organise as you wish in the Pays de Forcalquier-Montagne de Lure which was so dear to our local author Jean Giono.
Ride the route that Angélo, the hero of his book, Le Hussard sur le toit (also very popular as a film), took and where the splendid gallop had many people dreaming and particularly the riders among them.
The legs can be used for day rides.
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Carriage tour loop from Forcalquier to the Montagne de Lure
Discover all the charms of Haute-Provence in a horse-and-carriage tour.
The itinerary follows the blazed trails and little roads which will take you on legs of 4 hours each day on average with stops in equestrian inns. You can adapt your itineraries and adjust them to 3 and 5 days.
Originality: the diversity of landscapes, hilltop villages and towns of character, waterways and waterfalls, olive groves and oil mils, fields of spelt and lavender, sheepfolds and huts, the Domitian Way and all our local producers, etc.
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Riding in Monges
Five or 6 days of horse trekking in the Monges. In an exceptional location with impressive landscapes, the Monges is a blend of mountain pastures, forgotten narrow valleys, a vastness and unforgettable views.
This is a place out of time which is ideal for the experienced horse-trekker and also accessible to the guided beginner.
From 400 to 2,115 metres, its wildlife, scenery and heritage are all incredibly varied.
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Riding centres and riding tourism centres
With its 800 km of blazed riding trails, the department of the Alpes de Haute Provence is ideal for horse riding and trekking in unspoiled natural surroundings.
Find out more
Horseback itinerary informations: https://www.region-sud-equitation.com/ (in french)
Advice to riders
Riders and horse trekkers, if the department of the Alpes de Haute Provence has charmed you and you want to try an unforgettable horse trek through the most fabulous landscapes, don’t forget that the weather can change very fast in this middle-mountain territory.
Please note too that some trekking trails in the department may be more suited to experienced riders and horses.
The itineraries proposed are, of course, only indicative and we are available for further information about the itineraries or for help with preparing your trek.
Report a problem on the riding trails
To help us improve the blazed and maintained trails in the department, please report any problems you notice on the itineraries you follow by using the Suricate national website. (in french)
