The Imperial Heritage Ride
- Ride through the 25-acre Imperial forest of Fontainebleau
- Savor a Bistronomic Lunch in Barbizon ancient painters’ village
- Discover the 11th Century Château, which Napoleon proclaimed “The true home of the kings”
Optional : Stay overnight in a 17th Century luxury Château Hotel
Our driver and guide will meet you directly at your hotel in or near Paris and transport you from site to site, throughout the whole day.
The journey to Fontainebleau typically takes about 1 hour, depending on your specific location and traffic conditions.
The Imperial Heritage Ride welcomes riders of all experience levels - from first-timers to experienced riders.
Our gentle, calm and well-trained horses are carefully matched to each rider based on individual height, weight, and riding background, ensuring a safe and enjoyable equestrian experience for everyone.
Non-riders are also welcomed to join the Day Trip: While equestrians explore the trails, we offer tailored alternative experiences including E-Bike tours, rock climbing, golf, guided cultural visits, and more – ensuring every participant enjoys a memorable and personalized day out.
In order to book a ride, you can contact us directly, and our team will send you a riding form to ensure a tailored and unique experience. We are happy to address any questions or special requirements you might have for the Day Trip.
To confirm your reservation, we kindly request a 50% deposit, which can be conveniently completed via our secure payment link or traditional bank transfer.
Just an hour away from the busy streets of Paris lies an exquisite treasure waiting to be discovered: Fontainebleau.
From François I to Napoléon III, the French Royalty chose it for its expansive forests, abundant wildlife, and its proximity to Paris. From beginners to experienced riders, we invite you to discover this haven of peace like French Royalty used to: On horseback.
The Imperial Heritage Forest Ride is an immersive horse riding journey that guides you into the stunning 25-acre Forest of Fontainebleau and 11th Century Château to experience the Royal Art de Vivre à la française for a day.
Ride through the various landscapes of the Forest, savor a gourmet lunch in Barbizon Painters’ village Restaurant, and discover the former Royal estate, and its secrets : A unique blend of horse-riding, gastronomy, and culture.
The schedule
DEPARTURE FROM PARIS
Be greeted by your driver and guide who will pick you up at your location in Paris and take you to the stables located within the scenic forest of Fontainebleau.
1h drive, depending on traffic.
Horse-riding in the forest
At the stables, you will be welcomed by your horse riding guide and meeting your horses – All horses are very kind and assigned depending on your level. Saddle-up and begin a 1h30 ride through the varied landscapes of the forest.
Bistronomic lunch in Painters Village
A Bistronomic three-course meal paired with wines awaits you in a traditional French restaurant and wine property located within Barbizon Painters’ village. Savor the taste of French Cuisine while being introduced the best wine pairings, should you desire.
Visit the Château de Fontainebleau
Upon savoring lunch, our driver will take you to the grandiose Chateau de Fontainebleau, a 11th Century classified UNESCO Heritage Site. You will be greeted by your local guide to discover the secrets of the Castles and the beauty of its gardens. 1h30 Visit.
Departure for paris
After discovering the Château, our driver will take you back to your location in Paris/near Paris.
The driving time is approximately 1h15, depending on traffic.
What our riders say
Optional activities
Night at Château de Bourron-Marlotte
Treat yourself to an additional night at the enchanting Château de Bourron, a historic 17th-century castle nestled in a picturesque 40-hectare park. Indulge in luxurious accommodations and a culinary journey through gourmet breaks and wine tastings. Enjoy being one more day outside of Paris, surrounded by the castle’s timeless elegance and gardens.
Golf in Fontainebleau
Experience the breathtaking beauty of one of France’s finest golf courses at Golf de Fontainebleau. This renowned course offers an unforgettable golfing experience in a stunning natural setting. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, Golf de Fontainebleau promises a memorable day on the greens.
Rock-climbing in the forest
Fontainebleau is a world-famous destination for rock climbing. The forest offers thousands of sandstone boulders suitable for climbers of all skill levels. With its unique geology and beautiful setting, it attracts climbing enthusiasts from around the globe.
Challenge yourself physically in these unique surroundings.
Visit Barbizon, the cradle of impressionism
Visit Barbizon, the cradle of impressionism
Barbizon, a charming village near Fontainebleau Forest, was the birthplace of the 19th century Barbizon School art movement, where landscape painters like Rousseau, Corot, and Millet turned the village and forest into an artists’ colony and open-air studio, paving the way for Impressionism. Along with a local and passionate guide, dive into the lesser-known realm of the charming Barbizon painters’ village.
Canoeing on the Château’s Pond
Embark on a unique and enchanting experience by canoeing on the Étang aux Carpes (Carp Pond) at the Château de Fontainebleau. Admire the grandeur of the château and its gardens from a new perspective as you glide across the tranquil waters. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation and cultural discovery in this idyllic setting.
The forest of fontainebleau
Once a royal domain, the Forest of Fontainebleau was one of the preferred hunting grounds of French Kings, who came there from the tenth century onwards for deer and bird hunting.
Spanning over 25 acres, the forest is the second largest in France and was exalted as an example of nature in its purest state. It was such a national pride that in 1861, the Forest gained state protection and became one of the first Nature Preserves in history. Rough and untouched while boasting a large variety of landscapes, the Forest also became the cradle of French nature painting and photography. Its verdant woods, magnificent old-growth trees and imposing rock formations provided many grounds for painters, photographers and filmmakers to settle and leave space to their creativity.
From Théodore Rousseau, Claude Monet to Auguste Renoir, many artists participated to a new sense of naturalism into landscape painting that brought them fame as impressionists. On the back of your horse, you will be able to discover this majestic forest, a unique site that showcases royal, natural, and artistic heritage.
The friendliest horses : The Henson breed
Originating from the cross-breeding of Fjord stallions with various local mares, such as Thoroughbred, Anglo-Arab, French saddle, and Trotter, the Henson breed was introduced to the Baie de Somme area in the early 70s by Bernard Bizet. Led by Lionel, Marc Berquin, and their friends from the Baie de Somme Riders’ Association, this endeavor aimed to create a robust and adaptable horse, that embodies the essence of freedom in horsemanship.
Bred for their friendliness, the Hensons are suited to all riding levels: From first-timers on the saddle to advanced riders. Along with a Henson specialist, discover this exceptional breed that thrives in outdoor living, combining strength, kindness, endurance, and safety.
About this ride
The Château de fontainebleau
Located within the largest forest area of the Parisian region, the Château de Fontainebleau is a remarkable royal and imperial heritage site. Witnessing eight centuries of sovereignty, the second-largest Castle in France has been the home of 34 kings. Among them was François 1er, who wished to create a « New Rome » in the 16th Century, and turned the ruins into a royal estate in a Renaissance style, combining both Italian Art and French Tradition.
With 30,000 works of art within more than 1,500 rooms, Napoleon’s « True Home of the Kings » is an artistic and regal treasure that won his favor over all other French Palaces, and was Louis XIV’s safe haven to escape Versailles’ agitation. With 500,000 visitors a year, as opposed to Versailles’s 7.5 million, dive into the lesser-known realm, and prepare to be captivated by the epitome of royal French elegance along with a passionate historian and local guide.
Frequently asked questions
The Imperial Heritage Ride welcomes riders of all experience levels - from first-timers to experienced riders.
Our gentle, calm and well-trained horses are carefully matched to each rider based on individual height, weight, and riding background, ensuring a safe and enjoyable equestrian experience for everyone.
Non-riders are also welcomed to join the Day Trip: While equestrians explore the trails, we offer tailored alternative experiences including E-Bike tours, rock climbing, golf, guided cultural visits, and more – ensuring every participant enjoys a memorable and personalized day out.
Yes, our day trip is designed to provide you with a completely private and personalized experience; from the personalized driver's pick-up, to the ride, and château guided visit, all the activities are organized privately for you to ensure an exclusive, comfortable, and intimate journey tailored precisely to your preferences and interests.
Yes, we happily accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies on our Day Trips.
Prior to embarking on a horse riding holiday or day trip, we request guests to complete a comprehensive form. This form allows us to gather essential information such as your dietary restrictions and allergies and this information is carefully communicated to the Chefs so they can prepare your meals accordingly.
As a general guideline, the minimum age for participants is 6 years old. However, age restrictions can vary based on the destination and individual circumstances. We take into consideration factors such as size, stamina, and riding ability.
If you find yourself unsure whether a daytrip is the perfect fit for your family, particularly when considering the participation of your children, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We understand that safety and comfort are paramount, especially when it comes to younger riders. We will be more than happy to assist you in making an informed decision.
When gearing up for your day trip, packing the right essentials is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. As you will be having an active day (horse-riding, and walking through the Château), aim for comfortable clothes and shoes.
We recommend to wear:
- Riding Pants or Jeans or Leggings: Choose the fabric based on the predicted weather, ensuring comfort and adaptability. Avoid flared pants
- Riding Boots or Sneakers: If you have riding boots, you can bring them. If not, sneakers will suit. We provide chaps on site to protect your calfs.
- Sports Bras for Women: In order to prioritize support and comfort during the ride.
- Waterproof Windbreaker Jacket: If a very windy day is predicted.
- Sunglasses: Shield your eyes from sun, wind, and dust for a clear and comfortable ride.
- We provide helmets of all sizes on-site.
On all of our Day Trips, you will be welcomed and led by local and passionate horse-riding guides, all of whom are fluent in English to ensure seamless communication.
On the Imperial Heritage Ride, the visit of the Château de Fontainebleau – upon inquiry – can be led by guides who are proficient in various languages such as French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, German, Japanese, and more. This multi-lingual approach ensures that our guests can fully appreciate the depth of the destinations explored, making their horse-riding holiday not only adventurous but also culturally enlightening.
To confirm your reservation, we kindly request a 50% deposit, which can be conveniently completed via our secure payment link or traditional bank transfer.
We acknowledge that unforeseen events may occur, leading to changes in plans, and we are committed to providing our guests with a fair and transparent cancellation policy.
For the Day Trips such as The Imperial Heritage Ride, no refunds are possible – considering all fees are paid upfront. If possible, we will try our best to find alternative and suitable solutions on a case-by-case basis.
In the case your initial booking no longer fits your schedule or an unexpected event arises, we are open to flexibility and willing to consider alternative options where feasible. Feel free to contact us via our Contact form, email, or WhatsApp, and we will be more than happy to guide you and find a suitable solution.
A glimpse into the imperial heritage Day Trip
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