fontainebleau, france
Just an hour away from the busy streets of Paris, untouched marvels await to be discovered: Fontainebleau and Barbizon Painters’ Village.
From Napoléon to Theodore Rousseau, French Royalty and famous painters chose this enchanted forest and charming village as sanctuaries resourcefulness and inspiration. From beginners to experienced riders, we invite you to immerse into these lesser-known realms like French Royalty used to: On horseback.
The Imperial Week-End Getaway is an immersive journey that guides you into the stunning 25-acre Forest of Fontainebleau, its 11th Century Château, and Barbizon’s Painters Village to experience the Artistic and Royal Art de Vivre à la française for a week-end.
Escape the tumult of the capital for a week-end by riding through the stunning Forest of Fontainebleau, strolling through the gardens of the former Royal Castle, sleeping in a 17th-century luxurious Château, and discovering the painters’ village Barbizon.
Classified as a French historical monument, the Château de Bourron-Marlotte embodies the best of French « Art de vivre ». Nestled within the Forest of Fontainebleau and surrounded by a private land of 42 acres, the Château is one of the most magnificent and elegant private estates in the area.
Built in the early XVIIth Century on the location of a feudal fortress, the Château de Bourron-Marlotte is an authentic architectural representation of traditional brick and stone style, flanked by two pavilions and a manicured garden.
Composed of nine heritage comfortable suites with elegant tapestries and bathrooms in pale marble, you will find yourself immersed into the times of Royalty; in a place that blends tradition, intimacy and modernity with absolute perfection. In addition to strolling within its polished gardens, the estate offers the possibility of playing tennis in its outdoor court or using their bicycles for a ride in the parc.
For a night, you will get to experience an authentic royal getaway and the magic of a stay in this romantic, charming, and historic classified monument.
After having dinner at the Gastronomic restaurant nestled in the parc of the Château de Bourron-Marlotte, you will find yourself relaxing within the luxurious settings and royal suites of the Château for the night.
Wake up with the smell of fresh croissants, fruits, coffee and orange juice at the Château. We invite you to savor a delicious breakfast with a view of the large parc in the Château, nestled within the Forest of Fontainebleau.
After enjoying breakfast at the Château, our driver will be ready to drive you to the famous Painters Village : Barbizon. Along with a guide stroll through the streets and discover the residences of famous pre-impressionist painters such as Jean-François Millet and Théodore Rousseau.
Our driver will take you back to a location in Paris/near Paris.
The driving time is approximately 1h15, depending on traffic.
Napoléon’s “true home of the kings”
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.
An artistic heritage
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. It is important to note that our cancellation policy may be subject to variations based on the conditions of our guiding partners.
Nevertheless, we have outlined our general cancellation policy conditions tailored to the type of rides :
In the case your initial booking no longer fits your schedule or an unexpected event arise, 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.
Our commitment lies in curating tailor-made experiences that cater to the unique preferences and needs of each of our guests. This includes accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies to ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey.
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, not only about dietary restrictions and allergies but also about your gastronomic preferences. By doing so, we can craft an experience that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
Your safety, well-being and satisfaction are at the forefront of our personalized service, making every ride with us a truly unforgettable experience.
Our mission is to accommodate riders with diverse horse-riding backgrounds and offer the opportunity to anyone – from beginners to advanced riders – to enjoy the unique experience of traveling on horseback. This is why we have designed and selected horse holidays that cater to riders from different levels:
If you are looking for a « first-time in the saddle » experience, we recommend exploring The Imperial Heritage Forest Ride or Versailles & its gardens on horseback – both tailored to suit both novices and experienced riders. These rides are crafted with gentle and calm horses, navigating mostly flat lands to provide a more relaxed introduction to horse-riding tours.
If you are seeking a more challenging and exhilarating ride, consider options such as The Royal Marwar Safari in Rajasthan, India; The Tölt, Glacier, and Well-being in Iceland; or Venice & The Dolomites on Horseback in Italy. These holidays are designed for more fit and experienced riders as they feature spirited horse breeds, navigating rough terrains, with long canters and more time spent in the saddle.
If you find yourself uncertain about your horse-riding experience, we are here to help and assist you.
Please feel free to contact us via our Contact form, email, or WhatsApp, and we will be more than happy to guide you.
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, as well as the dynamics of the group.
At the heart of our philosophy is a commitment to providing tailor-made experiences for each guest. We understand that everyone is unique, and our goal is to design experiences that cater to individual preferences and needs.
For those who may not wish to participate in every aspect of the ride, we also offer the flexibility of one-base options and the possibility of following the journey by car. Our aim is to ensure that every guest, regardless of age or preference, can enjoy the beauty of horse riding in a way that suits them best.
If you find yourself unsure whether a horse-riding holiday 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. Feel free to contact us via our Contact form, email, or WhatsApp, with any questions or concerns, and we will work together to ensure that your horse-riding adventure becomes a cherished and memorable experience for every member of your family.
When gearing up for your horse-riding adventure, packing the right essentials is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Each horse-riding holiday is unique, and your packing list will be influenced by factors such as the weather conditions, the ride’s difficulty, the destination’s disease risks and sometimes dress code requirements for riding in nature. Before embarking on your journey, we provide guests with a comprehensive list tailored to their specific horse-riding holiday.
We have outlined a typical packing list designed to cover the basics for riders :
For the time in the saddle:
For after the ride:
Lip Balm: Keep your lips moisturized, especially in varying weather conditions.
On all of our rides, you will be welcomed and led by local and passionate horse-riding guides, all of whom are fluent in English to ensure seamless communication.
As part of our commitment to delivering a cultural experience, our itineraries often include historical visits. To enhance these activities, we curate them with 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
Due to the inherent risks of horse-riding in nature, we require all participants to have adequate travel insurance and medical coverage, which is mandatory for booking. Travel insurance should cover for personal liability, medical (including repatriation) and holiday cancellation, and be valid from the date when the contract between us comes into existence until the holiday is completed.
While our typical package rates do not include travel insurance and medical coverage, we are more than happy to include it for an additional fee. We understand the importance of being prepared for the unexpected, and upon inquiry, we will provide you with a comprehensive insurance package for your convenience, ensuring you depart with serenity.
If you have any doubts or need guidance on the insurance that best suits your holiday, feel free to reach out to us through our Contact form, email, or WhatsApp. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities.
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