Randonnée Liberté Ride

Arrive at the farm in Granes in the afternoon where you meet your horse and have an orientation and description of the ride. Dinner and overnight at the center.

Granes. Today is a ‘test’ ride with a guide to see how well riders read their maps, handle their horses while riding, and on the ground, and to determine if tomorrow they strike off on their own! Ride through woods past the mysterious village of Rennes-le-Château. After a picnic lunch, return to Granes through a green oak forest for dinner and overnight as on the previous night.

Granes to Puivert (about 5 hours). Traverse the upper valley of the Aude River studded with vineyards and arrive on the plateau of Puivert. Cross the plateau and ride right up into the courtyard of the castle ruin where the traveling troubadours used to enchant the lords of the castle with their songs and tales. Overnight lodging is in the village nearby.

Puivert to Labau (5 to 6 hours). Today’s route goes through the forest of Picaussel with its huge hemlock, deciduous and pine trees, climbing to a lake, then down through forests and clearings to the ancient village of Labau on the side of a hill.

Labau to Ayguebonnes (5 hours). Follow the valley of Rebenty where there are some good places to canter and you will begin to really appreciate the qualities of your horse. You have a chance to visit another famous castle called Puylaurens perched high on a mountain, almost in the clouds, which is a textbook example of military architecture. Spend the night in a farmhouse where the owners raise cattle.

Ayguebonnes to Bouchard (6+ hours the longest day). After crossing the valley of Fenouilledes with its small castles, you will ride up to the plateau of Malabrac at the base of Bugarach Peak (4,500 ft.) and then down to the Bouchard estate where it may be possible to see deer and wild boar. Overnight at Bouchard.

Bouchard to Granes (5 hours). Ride through the reserve with deer and wild boar, following the valley of Bugarach at the north base of Bugarach Peak, and on through pine, beech and oak forest, following a small valley with large calcareous rocks before returning to your starting point in Granes.

Depart after breakfast.