July 14th - 18th 

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From the very first day, the tone is set: a steep morning ride to reach the Cougourde valley and the Trecolpas Lake. Then, the group pass by famous sanctuary of the Madone de Fenestre – ask your guide to explain the history of this place!! Riders cross the Italian frontier and the not too distant Ellena Soria refuge marks the end of Day 1. The second day takes the group towards some of the higher and most beautiful Southern Alps summits, including Gélas, the highest in the area, and Mounts Malédiev and Clapier. Nature is full on – this is the domain of chamois and ibex. The Sabbione Pass marks the end of the day and a comfy night in a cottage in Casterino. On the third day, riders use two legs for a time to discover the Valley of Wonders and petroglyphs in an open-air museum. Unique – these 40000 or so Bronze Age carvings on the valley’s rocks are fascinating, and visitors can but wonder what drew early man to this place – there are many theories! On the fourth day, riders turn towards the Mesches Lake at 1380m. The scenery is dominated by larch forests with rock outcrops, picked over by chamois and ibex, plus the ever-present lake views. There is a magnificent ascent towards the Arpette Pass and an exciting descent towards the glaciated Gordolasque valley – the favourite of many visitors. Le Boréon summons, but before returning, the Prals lakes offer a fine end to a short riding break.

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D1 / 7h30 riding

• Gaits : gallop and trot in the morning on tracks, mainly walk during the rest of the day because of the heigh difference

• Picnic prepared by us

• Night @ Baita Monte Gelas

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D2 / 7h30 Riding

• Allures : gallop and trot in the morning on tracks, mainly walk during the rest of the day because of the heigh difference

• Picnic prepared by us

• Night @ Neiges et Merveilles

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D3 / 2h riding - 3h walking

• Easy riding morning

• Lunch @ Refuge des Merveilles

• Walking guided tour to discover the petroglyphs

• Night @ Refuge des Merveilles

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D4 / 7h riding

• A day with heigh sensations !

• Homemade picnic

• Night @ Relais des Merveilles

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D5 / 6h30 Riding

• High mountain days

• Homemade picnic

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The ride takes place in the mountains, it is essential to have good physical condition. All descents are done on foot, these, for the longest, can last 2 hours and represent up to a thousand meters of altitude difference.

 

Everything is included in the price (accommodation, transfers mentioned in the description, picnic), only drinks in the evening at the stages will have to be paid extra. 

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It is possible to book an additional night at the end of the ride, and we can also organize a transfer from the train station or airport. Price upon request