Lusitano & Dressage in Provence
- Enjoy private lessons of Dressage on Lusitano horses, led by acclaimed dressage professionals, including esteemed "Championnes de France"
- Stay in a beautifully restored 18th-century farmhouse with lush gardens and an elegant pool
- Broaden your horsemanship perspective with liberty work sessions and bitless riding lessons
- Discover the region's culinary heritage with the Chef's homemade Provencal specialties
Optional : Vineyard visit & Wine tasting, Golf, Massage treatments, Tennis lessons, Beach Ride in Camargue, etc...
Centrally located in Provence, the Haras du Coussoul is easily accessible from Marseille or Avignon. On your departure day, our driver will collect you from the airport in Marseille or Avignon's train station and transport you to the heart of Provence, where your accommodation awaits. The journey to the Haras du Coussoul typically takes 1h from Marseille or Avignon.
For our set departures, the Luxurious Dressage Experience is tailored to accommodate experienced riders; comfortable riding at all 3 paces and eager to learn dressage.
You will have between 1 to 3 lessons each day with Lusitano and crossbred horses, but can also choose to do trail rides, liberty work and bitless riding lessons.
Non-riders are also welcome to join the journey : While equestrians are in dressage class, we offer tailored alternative experiences including vineyard visit and wine tastings, massages, golf, and more - ensuring every participant enjoys a memorable and personalized day out.
If you are seeking for a private and custom experience, we are happy to craft a flexible schedule tailored to your preferred riding time and desired activities.
Contact us to design your ideal Provence riding escape.
If you are seeking for a private and custom experience, we are happy to craft a flexible schedule tailored to your preferred riding time and desired activities.
Contact us to design your ideal Provençal riding escape.
When you reach out through our booking or contact form, our team will provide you with a comprehensive brochure of your chosen journey. This booklet includes the full itinerary, details about accommodations, rates, and available departure dates (along with many pictures to give you a glimpse of the ride!).
If the journey aligns with your wishes and you would like to join, we will send you a detailed form to complete. This helps us understand your riding level, background, and experience, ensuring you meet the required skill level for the ride. This step not only prioritizes safety but also guarantees an enjoyable experience for the entire riding group.
Once our team and riding guide confirm your suitability, you can secure your saddle by paying a 50% deposit.
For your convenience, this can be easily completed via our secure payment link or through a traditional bank transfer.
Nestled in the Baux-de-Provence Valley, Haras du Coussoul offers an enchanting getaway for dressage enthusiasts. Owned by Catherine and her daughter Alicia, this equestrian haven is home to over 60 beautiful and talented Lusitano and German-Lusitano crosses.
During this immersive 4-day to 7-day experience, you can expect top-class dressage lessons led by internationally acclaimed professionals, including esteemed "Championnes de France." These private, personalized sessions allow you to refine every aspect of your riding—from balance and posture to advanced dressage techniques — while fostering a trusting, symbiotic connection with your horse.
Beyond dressage, we invite you to discover further riding experiences: Embark on trail rides in the stunning Alpilles mountains or along the famous beaches of the Camargue, or discover liberty work and bitless riding, allowing you to deepen the bond with your equine companion.
Stay in a beautifully restored 18th-century farmhouse surrounded by lush gardens with olive trees and an elegant pool, savor local culinary delights crafted by a local chef, while enjoying world-class equestrian instruction - A unique Provençal Dressage experience.
THE SCHEDULE
Upon arriving from your flight or your train to Marseille/Nice/Avignon,our driver will pick you up at your location and take you to Domaine du Coussoul, a haven of peace for equestrians, nestled in the heart of Provence.
Your accommodation awaits you in a picturesque 18th-century style residence nestled within the estate, with a unique blend of historic charm and modern comfort.
You will be warmly welcomed by Alicia, who manages the stud farm alongside her mother, where they care for over 60 horses. Their primary focus is on breeding Lusitanos and German-Lusitano crosses with excellent gaits and gentle temperaments, towards achieving excellence in dressage.
Dinner & Night at Domaine du Coussoul
A.M - Upon savoring breakfast, set off for your first dressage lesson at the studfarm. You’ll meet your horse at the stables, and head to the exterior arena for a1-h private class. Led by internationally acclaimed dressage professionals, including esteemed "Championnes de France", you will have a personalized lesson to refine various aspects of your riding, from balance, posture, to dressage techniques, while fostering a trustful and symbiotic connection withyour horse.
P.M - For lunch, a buffet will be served in the main dining area or on theTerrasse of the Domaine. Delight in the Chef's homemade Provençal specialties, showcasing the region's culinary heritage. Upon resting, prepare for a second dressage class or a trail ride through the typical provence landscapes, past sun-drenched olive groves, drinking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding Alpilles massif (trail rides limited to three riders for an intimate experience).
Dinner & Night at Domaine du Coussoul
A.M - Upon savoring breakfast, prepare for another private dressage lesson, offering you the chance to refine yesterday’s learnings and eventually explore new concepts.
PS : You also have the option of doing a liberty work session, or experience a bitless riding lesson if you are new to it. We highly recommend these experiences if you are looking to broaden your horsemanship/equestrian perspective and intend to build a contactless partnership with your horse.
P.M - For lunch, a buffet will be served in the main dining area or on theTerrasse of the Domaine. Upon resting, prepare for a second dressage class or a trail ride through the typical provence landscapes.
PS : After an intense riding retreat, we recommend to opt for a well-deserved and relaxing massage by a professional masseur at the Domaine, or an equestrian-Yoga session, offering numerous benefits, including posture improvement, emotion management and fluidity.
Dinner & Night at Domaine du Coussoul
Savor a last breakfast all together before saying goodbye to the team and the horses.
Then, our driver will be ready to take you back toMarseille/Nice/Avignon for your flight or train.
What our riders say
Optional activities
Domaine du Coussoul, Provence
Picturesque 18th-century style house
LUSITANO, THE IDEAL COMPANION FOR DRESSAGE
The Lusitano is one of the oldest and most revered breeds. Known for their elegance, this Portuguese breed combines power, agility, intelligence and generous temperament, making it ideal for dressage, spectacle and even show jumping. Lusitanos are recognizable by their distinctive facial features, particularly their convex profile, often referred to as a « Roman nose ». The Lusitano’s agile and elevated gaits provide a smooth and comfortable ride and ensure a unique adventure for riders.
At Haras du Coussoul, Alicia and Catherine work every day to produce horses with generous hearts and close to humans. Their foals grow up in herds with a retired broodmare, are gently handled from a young age, and are broken in patiently, with a focus on groundwork to establish a trusting relationship between horse and rider.
At the heart of the studfarm, is a deep commitment to animal welfare, ensuring that each horse is trained with respect for its natural rhythm and abilities. This caring and individualized approach forms the core of their philosophy and is reflected in the remarkable achievements of horses like Sultan and Mistral du Coussoul, both ridden by the renowned Alizée Froment.
About this ride
Frequently asked questions
A glimpse into the Lusitano & Dressage Experience in Provence
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