Horseback riding on the Atlantic Coast – Landes & Ocean – 2026

Monday – Clarification

After breakfast and the morning briefing, transfer to Mimizan-Plage to explore the village and have lunch at your leisure. Meet at the Tourist Office and then return to the gîte.

Discover the equestrian center, the team, the equipment and the horses. Practice in the arena to test your mount and its control in individual riding.

First outing of three hours in the forest with trotting and cantering to familiarize yourself with your horse, possibility of changing if necessary.

Although you may have had years of successful horse riding, this first day ride can come handy either to get back on track or to continue developing your riding skills, as well as to establish an ongoing relationship with a professional monitor, to build confidence, to ensure understanding between you and the horse you are going to ride.

Having considered your current level of training, our monitors in charge will be glad to advise you on many points to make your riding experience exceed your expectations, as well as to further improve your prowess.

We are not riding nose to tail during that week, giving the opportunity to each rider to keep control of his own horse at the different paces.

This way of  hacking out offers to every rider:

• to avoid the dust made by the riders in front !
• to choose the speed of the pace each rider want to have, from slow to quick trot, and from canter to quick gallop!
• it’s avoid also to have a slow walking horse trotting all the time to join the quickest walkers.

Our horses are used to be independent one from the others; and may stay walking when other horses are starting to trot or galloping in front of them ! They stay under the control of the riders, and not under the group of horses.

Nature lovers will be caught by the beauty of the area patched with wild forests and pastures surrounding the stables, to say nothing of the Atlantic ocean shore with its mesmerizing dunes just a stone’s throw away. All in all, the first day is a good key to a successful 6 day ride trek.

Debriefing, practical advice, then a friendly dinner at the gîte.

Tuesday – Beach destination

Departure to explore the coastal area with its dunes, marshes and lagoons. Crossing of the primary forest and the wild banks of the Courlis with its colorful irises.

A country lunch break surrounded by nature with all the comforts of the Landes region.

In the afternoon, we head to the beach to walk on the fine sand and enjoy exhilarating gallops facing the ocean! We descend towards Contis-les-Bains, a haven of peace and a birdwatcher's paradise. We gallop along the forested ridges at 150 meters altitude before returning to the pasture.

Back to the cottage to enjoy the pool, sauna, yoga, or a massage before dinner. Over 35 km covered today!

Wednesday – The speed increases!

Early morning transfer to the meadow between Bias and Saint-Julien. Great gallop towards the high moor to discover traditional districts with their magnificent airials , before reaching Lévignac, classified as “Most beautiful village of the Landes”.

Lunch on site with optional visit to the12th century fortified church with remarkable frescoes.

In the afternoon, ride along the ornithological reserve with its lakeside landscapes and multitude of birds. Enjoy a brisk gallop along the old mill road to the Moulin de Carremonge in Lesperon, where the horses will spend the night.

Back to the cottage for a relaxing evening by the pool.

Thursday – Fast pace

Immerse yourself in the wild landscapes of the Landes region, off the beaten track. Play along the long, straight forest paths at a brisk pace all the way to Mézos.

Enjoy a comfortable meal on the banks of the Courlis while the horses graze freely.

In the afternoon, a shorter stage takes us through the 18th-century districts to reach the coastal heath and the Moulasse marshes. Arrival at the pasture for the horses to rest, transfer of the riders to the gîte.

Relaxation program around the pool, sauna or massage before dinner.

Approximately 40 km covered at an average speed of 9 km/h.

Friday – Beach Day

Enjoy a morning or afternoon horseback ride, depending on the tide, to make the most of the beach. The ride begins through the Marais de la Moulasse and past the Étang de Bourg-le-Vieux, with plenty of gallops across the coastal heathland with its distinctive landscape. Unforgettable gallops on the sand facing the ocean! In July and August, swimming in the waves is possible, with or without the horses, depending on the conditions.

Return to the equestrian center on horseback through the forest.

Half a day free to recover strength before the final stage: relaxation around the pool, sauna, massage or yoga of your choice.

Saturday – Back to civilization

After passing through the outskirts of Mimizan, we arrived at Lake Aureilhan and headed towards Woolsack Castle. We stopped for a picnic in the countryside by the river between the lake and the ocean.

A later departure in the late afternoon with a magical goal: to arrive on the beach for sunset ! Last gallops on the ocean beaches in exceptional golden light.

Back to the cottage for a final convivial evening where everyone will share their memories of this unforgettable equestrian week on the Atlantic Coast.

Sunday – Departure

Breakfast at the gîte and transfer by shuttle to Bordeaux depending on flight or train schedules. Goodbye Landes !