This unforgettable riding holiday takes you from the wild, rugged beauty of the Basque mountains to the sweeping Atlantic beaches of the Aquitaine Coast. Over six magical days, you’ll explore remote landscapes, meet the iconic Pottocks—the hardy, semi-wild ponies of the Basque Country—and enjoy some of the most exhilarating riding France has to offer.

Your adventure begins deep in the mountains, where dramatic valleys and jagged peaks set the scene. Eagles and vultures circle overhead, herds of Pottocks graze on open hillsides, and the only sound is the rhythm of hooves on ancient trails.

These four days take you far from civilisation, offering a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in Basque culture—learning how its people have preserved their traditions, identity, and way of life for centuries.

This is an active, exciting trek designed for fit, confident intermediate riders. You’ll be in the saddle for 6–7 hours a day, riding across varied and sometimes challenging terrain. Wherever the landscape opens up, expect plenty of chances to trot and canter. In a few steep or rocky sections, riders may need to dismount and lead their horses. The horses themselves are sure-footed, forward-going, and perfectly suited to the mountain trails.

Lunches are relaxed and unhurried, usually followed by a blissful siesta. Your meals—both lunch and dinner—showcase delicious traditional Basque cuisine, lovingly prepared by the hosts of your snug, two-star accommodation.

You’ll also visit the charming town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a beautifully preserved stop on the UNESCO-listed Camino de Santiago. It’s the perfect place to wander cobbled streets, pop into artisan shops, and choose a cosy restaurant for a group dinner on your arrival day.

After four thrilling days in the high country, you’ll finish your holiday with two wonderfully refreshing days riding through peaceful forests and along the endless beaches near Mimizan. Feel the sea breeze on your face, enjoy long, open canters on soft white sand, and—if the weather is kind—take the horses for a splash in the Atlantic waves.

It’s the perfect balance of adventure, nature, culture, and pure riding bliss. Whether you’re drawn by mountain panoramas, wild ponies, or the call of the ocean, this trip blends it all into one unforgettable equestrian escape.