Where Horses, History and World-Class Wine Meet
The Bordeaux Wine Trail will steal your hearts with its point-to-point adventure, where each day brings new landscapes, sunshine-filled picnic stops, generous opportunities to trot and canter, and the chance to see this ancient wine region unfold between two pricked ears. With knowledgeable French guides, dreamy trail horses and tastings of world-class wines along the way, this ride is an irresistible blend of culture, history and pure Globetrotting magic.
Trip Highlights
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Tiptoeing through the dreamy French countryside famous for its award-winning wines
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Stopping for sunshine-filled picnics beside ancient crumbling castles
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Sampling a fine Médoc at the Wine Museum of Maucailou
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Snacking on pastries with homemade jams
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Feeling like royalty and immersing yourself in history during your stay at a French castle
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Feeling the wind in your hair as you gallop through rows upon rows of vineyards
Details
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Riding levels
Strong intermediate to advanced. All riders must be comfortable and confident at all gaits (including gallop) over varied terrain in English-style tack. Good physical fitness is essential, as you’ll be riding for up to 6 hours each day. Because the riding route takes you from A to B each day, saddle fitness and overall health are very important.
NB: A supplement charge of €300 will apply for additional horse transport should you opt to discontinue riding during the week due to lack of fitness or unsuitable riding ability.
Not sure what your riding ability is? See the definitions below.
- Type of tack
French trail riding saddles (with a gel pad!) equipped with saddlebags. Horses are ridden in ‘Myler’ bits - this style of bit is one of the kindest available. It spreads the rein pressure exerted by the rider over several different areas. Initially, it acts on the nose, poll and back of the jaw, with the mouthpiece ‘floating’. A third of the total pressure will be felt in each of these three areas. Only if the rider continues to pull on the reins will the mouthpiece engage.
- Horse breed
You’ll be riding pure or cross-bred Paint, Arabian, Thoroughbred and warmblood horses varying in height from 15.3hh to 17hh. Most of the horses were bred at your hosts' equestrian farm. They are level-headed, experienced trail horses that connect with all types of riders.
- Accommodation
Accommodation is in comfortable, clean two– to three-star French B&Bs and hotels with double or twin rooms, sometimes shared bathrooms and modest European-sized beds, so a single supplement is recommended if you prefer your own room and a double bed.
*Also note that some nights the group may be split between two accommodation locations, pending room availability, but you’ll always share dinner together.
- Pace
The pace varies depending on the trail, with long periods of walking and plenty of trots and canters. The riding landscape varies from rolling hills to vineyards to French farmland and woods.
- Weight limit
A strict maximum of 90kg / 198lbs.
It is VERY important that you provide your current weight accurately when booking. If your weight is not accurate, we cannot guarantee that your hosts will have a horse for you to ride.
- Group size
A minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 guests.
- Minimum age
16 years of age
- Time in Saddle
On average, 5 to 6 hours per day.
- When to go
April/May and October/November
- Languages
Instructions spoken in English.
Guides speak French, German and English.
What’s included (and what’s not)
Included
- All meals including wine with lunch
- Accommodation in shared rooms (unless a single supplement has been purchased) with shared bathroom
- Riding, horses, tack, guide, translator
- Luggage transportation
- Excursions as described in the itinerary
Excluded
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Transfers to and from the ride (€20 per person, round-trip)
- Drinks other than wine at lunch
- Any applicable entrance fees and wine tastings (approximately €90)
- Staff tips (€10 per day)
Departure dates and prices
Instalment plans available
Lock in your ride with a 10% deposit and pay the rest over time – interest-free in 10 easy payments. Learn more.
Per person
2026
October 3 to 10, 2026
Waitlist yourself and we will send you an email if this date becomes available. Spots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
October 11 to 18, 2026
Waitlist yourself and we will send you an email if this date becomes available. Spots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
October 24 to 31, 2026
Waitlist yourself and we will send you an email if this date becomes available. Spots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
November 1 to 8, 2026
2027
April 11 to 18, 2027
April 24 to May 1, 2027
Waitlist yourself and we will send you an email if this date becomes available. Spots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
May 2 to 9, 2027
October 2 to 9, 2027
Waitlist yourself and we will send you an email if this date becomes available. Spots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
October 10 to 17, 2027
October 23 to 30, 2027
October 31 to November 7, 2027
We'll email you — you'll be among the first to hear when new departure dates are released.
The fun bits
Payment details
- A fixed Booking Fee of €93 EUR
- All bookings are charged in the local currency of the ride destination.
- Accepted payment method is by credit or debit card only.
Cancellation policy
We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel your ride, please let us know as soon as possible. Cancellation fees apply based on how close your departure date is, and deposits are non-refundable. We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your booking. Read our full cancellation policy.
International fees
If you're paying in a currency different from your own, your bank may charge a conversion or international transaction fee.
Please note
Solo globetrotters will be required to pay the single rider rate if we do not have another guest willing to share.
Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary only. It can be ridden in either direction and is subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.
This holiday is all about the riding {the part we love most!}. Aside from the excursions mentioned in this itinerary, there is no scheduled time to explore your surroundings off the horse.
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Day 1: Arrival
Non-riding dayToday is the day you’ve been waiting for! You’re in France, tick, you’re in Bordeaux, tick, and you’re about to embark on a week-long riding adventure through the French countryside on horseback, hopping from one vineyard to the next and staying in charming accommodations en route. Does it get any better than this?!
If you’re using the transfer service offered by your hosts, you’ll be picked up from either Bordeaux Airport or Libourne Train Station (depending on the date – see ‘Transfer information‘ below) at 6pm and driven to your first night’s accommodation at a B&B in Ruch, a small prefecture within Bordeaux’s largest winemaking region, Entre-deux-Mers. You’ll have a sumptuous group dinner here with your French guides and hosts, and get a run-down of the week’s riding.
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Day 2: Château du Courros
5 to 6 hours in the saddleHIP, HIP HOORAY – you get to meet your horses today! You’ll have breakfast at around 8am (please note, the majority of your French breakfasts will consist of fresh bread and pastries – there will NOT be a cooked breakfast) before meeting the horses that will carry you through the charming landscapes of Bordeaux. This morning, your hosts will guide you through the tidy rows of vines, forest glades and rolling hills that characterise Entre-deux-Mers. You’ll pass by the 13th-century Château de Rauzan before reaching your picnic area on the banks of the Garonne River.
After replenishing your strength with fabulous French picnic fare, the ride continues through more beautiful vineyards to Château du Courros. Built on the grounds of a pre-6th-century religious community dedicated to Saint Vincent (said to be the patron saint of winegrowers), this winery is famous for its ‘Bordeaux Supérieur’ blend, which you’ll be able to sample. Finally, you’ll reach the horses’ field and bid them adieu before returning to your accommodation in Ruch.
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Day 3: Château Franc Mayne
5 to 6 hours in the saddleAfter breakfast, you’ll get back in the saddle and ride along the Dordogne River towards Saint-Émilion, a charming, UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval village known for its fabulous wines. Here you’ll dismount and visit Château Pavie, a winery that has been awarded the highest ranking among Saint-Émilion wines: Premier Grand Cru Classé A. Next, you’ll visit Château Franc Mayne, another Grand Cru Classé winery, and enojy a picnic among the 7 hectares of vines. The history here is easy to see, with an ancient Gallo-Roman road running right alongside the vineyard and an old coaching inn that still bears witness to the passage of pilgrims on their way to Spain’s Santiago de Compostela. Once you’ve filled up on lunch, you’ll head inside for a tasting and tour of the 2 hectares (!!) of underground cellars.
In the afternoon, you’ll take in more world-famous estates – Château Pétrus, Cheval Blanc and Château Figeac – before arriving at Château Le Gay, an estate in the neighbouring Pomerol appellation, where the horses will spend the night. You’ll be transferred to a nearby hotel for another moreish French dinner.
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Day 4: Saint-Émilion
4 to 5 hours in the saddleThis morning, the horses (and riders!) get a break as you explore the town of Saint-Émilion on foot. A city steeped in history, perched on a rocky promontory, Saint- Émilion and its wines both draw their originality from the limestone at their feet. Many towns in Bordeaux were constructed from limestone mined underground at Saint-Émilion in centuries past. This is evidenced by 200 kilometres of underground galleries, some of which can still be explored today. Many wineries even use these spaces as cellars.
At around midday, you’ll regroup and head back to the horses at Château Le Gay. Here you’ll have your picnic before riding on through vineyards interspersed with sun-dappled forests until you reach Château Mayne-Veil, a winery in the Fronsac appellation that specialises in Merlot. Leaving the horses here, you’ll head to your hotel in the town of Libourne.
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Day 5: Mouillac
5 to 6 hours in the saddleToday, globetrotters, you head towards the village of Mouillac through a delightful array of landscapes including vineyards (of course!), meadows and forests. Weather and terrain permitting, there’ll be some glorious wind-in-your-hair canters en route.
Your picnic lunch is served at Mouillac’s 1,000-year-old Romanesque church. While exploring, see if you can find the church’s 9 canonical dials.
This afternoon, you’ll ride on to the town of Cubnezais through the vineyards of the Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation and magnificent old pine and hardwood forests. At the end of the day, you’ll leave the horses at a picturesque estate and take the transfer to your B&B in the town of Civrac-de-Blaye for a much-anticipated evening meal.
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Day 6: Citadelle de Blaye
5 to 6 hours in the saddleDay 6 of your French riding escapade sees you exploring the rolling hills of the Côtes de Bourg. You’ll have some beautiful uphill canters before reaching Château Lamothe, where you’ll dismount for your lunchtime picnic and a tasting inside the grand Château itself.
At around 3pm, you’ll hop back in the saddle for the ride to the coastal town of Blaye. 50 kilometres downstream from the city of Bordeaux, this town is famed for the Citadelle de Blaye, a fortress designed by Louis XIV’s legendary engineer, Vauban, to protect the estuary from enemy vessels. After your grand entrance on horseback, you’ll delve deeper into this architectural marvel with a tour of its 1.5 kilometres of ramparts, gates and underground passageways, topped by a convent, prison, barracks and powder magazine.
Leaving the horses in their overnight field, you’ll head into Blaye for dinner and a good night’s rest.
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Day 7: Moulis-en-Medoc
4 to 5 hours in the saddle -
Day 8: Departure
Non-riding dayAfter a farewell breakfast, you’ll be transferred to either Bordeaux Airport or Libourne Train Station (depending on the date – see ‘Transfer information‘ below). If you’re flying out from Bordeaux today, please ensure your flight departs after 2pm.
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Non-Riders
Should you wish to join this holiday as a non-rider, you will require your own car to transport yourself to the lunch and accommodation locations each day. Having a car will also afford you the freedom to enjoy your own sightseeing throughout the day, before meeting up with the riders. The non-rider price includes all meals and accommodation.
Transfer information
We recommend using the transfer service your hosts offer (€20 per person, round-trip, payable upon arrival).
Transfer locations vary throughout the season. It is very important that you note the pick-up and drop-off locations for your specific departure date below.
October 3 to 10, 2026: day 1 pick-up at Libourne Train Station at 6pm; day 8 drop-off at Bordeaux Airport for flights after 1pm.
October 11-18, 2026: day 1 pick-up at Bordeaux Airport at 6pm; day 8 drop-off at Libourne Train Station after breakfast.
October 24-31, 2026: day 1 pick-up at Bordeaux Airport at 6pm; day 8 drop-off at Libourne Train Station after breakfast.
November 1 to 8, 2026: day 1 pick-up at Libourne Train Station at 6pm; day 8 drop-off at Bordeaux Airport for flights after 1pm.
Please note
If the transfer is picking you up from Bordeaux Airport, please give yourself time to clear customs, get your luggage and be on time for the 6pm transfer so as not to keep other guests waiting. The meeting point is the ‘Brioche Doree’ snack bar in Hall B (NOT Hall A).
We do not recommend self-driving to and from this ride simply due to the fact that it starts and finishes in different locations, which makes it hard to return to your car on the last day.
Accommodation
You will stay in a selection of quintessential French B&Bs and hotels. There are double and twin rooms available. At some of the accommodation houses you’ll need to share a bathroom, including those who have purchased the single supplement for your own room. Please take note that the accommodation is two or three stars, but is comfortable and clean. Oh, and it’s Europe, so be prepared to stay in modest-sized single beds in a twin-share room. If you prefer your own privacy and a double bed, we highly recommend investing in the single supplement.
*Also note that some nights the group may be split between two accommodation locations, pending room availability, but you’ll always share dinner together.
Food
You’ll be served continental breakfasts at your accommodation – think fresh bread and French pastries. Lunches are a buffet prepared by your guides, complete with wine, coffee and water. In the evenings, you’ll enjoy three-course dinners at either your accommodation or a local restaurant (wine not included), and as dinners are often set menus, it’s important to notify us of any dietary requirements in advance.
Reviews
Hope T
Danielle M
‘What an amazing experience of a lifetime, if your on the fence just jump and book the ride you won’t be disappointed.’
Maria V
Susan W
Sarah J
Jessica D
Claire A
Susan P
Drisha P
Gina R
Tracy B
Taelor W
Beth B
Pam G
14 reviews
Hope T
‘The Bordeaux Wine Trail was recommended to me by some seasoned Globetrotters, and I could not be happier to have finally taken the plunge to tackle this ride! Magali and Ania were spectacular hosts who kept us safe, well-fed, and laughing the whole week. The accommodations ranged quite a bit, but we had some spectacular bed & breakfasts that were both comfortable and peaceful. This being my first strong-intermediate ride, I was nervous about the pace and my saddle fitness. However, Magali structured the week perfectly! Taram was an ideal partner for my week. He is strong, confident, surefooted and responsive. Exactly what I wanted in a trail horse. This was a lovely introduction to France, and I would not have it any other way.’
Danielle M
‘What an amazing experience of a lifetime, if your on the fence just jump and book the ride you won’t be disappointed.’
Maria V
‘I loved every single minute of this ride: the French landscapes, the vineyards tinted with autumn colours, the reliable horses, the wine tasting (a lot!), and the picnic lunch near our horses. Everything was fantastic. My favourite day was when we crossed the Garonne River on the ferry with the horses and entered the Blaye citadel. Our guides were perfect; David has deep knowledge and confidence with his horses. They really follow him and his voice, trusting him completely. It was very interesting to see how he relates to them; I learned a lot. Davidson, my horse, was sweet and reliable. It was an honour to ride him for the entire week. I was a solo traveller and the only one whose first language was not English, and I was a little nervous at the beginning. However, I found a group of incredible not just riders, but above all, “horse-people” who made the ride special. We had so much fun, which, with Globetrotting, is always a guarantee!’
Susan W
‘French immersion on horseback with wine! Feeling the thrill of cantering through hills covered in rows of vines… the clip-clop of our hooves trotting through medieval towns, and seeing locals coming out to wave with their children in their arms… and that pungent smell of grapes mixed with the occasional puffs of mint. At night, we hit our beds with full bellies and perfectly exhausted muscles. Highlights included: fantastic, well-loved horses built for the job, delicious food, wonderful hosts, UNESCO sites, a ferry ride (with horses), a full range of wine lectures and tastings, making new friends, and connecting with old friends. This trip was a dream.’
Sarah J
‘If you want a horse-filled holiday that is nothing short of magical, look no further than this ride! I cannot say enough amazing things about the horses, wine, landscapes, guides, and food on this ride. It was one of the best vacation experiences of my life!’
Jessica D
‘I would definitely recommend this ride! On about day 3 it hits you – what an amazing and unique experience you are a part of. Starting with the horses, they were all lovely, well-behaved, very sure-footed and knew their jobs perfectly. They were also incredibly well cared for and loved, which makes a horse girl happy. The guides and our translator were so knowledgeable, happy and just there to ensure we had a fantastic time while also making sure we were all safe and looked after. The B&Bs varied each night, from homes to quaint spots in unknown towns, but they were all very comfortable with all amenities needed, breakfast provided, etc. Each day we had 1-2 wine tastings at such interesting spots, and the wine was delicious (this coming from someone who normally isn’t a huge red fan) and there were often whites, rosés and crémants. And last but definitely not least – the actual riding. How can you ever explain the absolute joy and luxury of riding through the vines of actual vineyards? Meandering through small towns? And cantering through open fields? Every day differed in terms of what you encountered and also time in the saddle, so you got the needed breaks occasionally but also never got bored. These are memories that will never fade.’
Claire A
‘Experience of a lifetime on the most beautiful horse. It was a huge accomplishment for me to return to riding after some years. We couldn’t be in better hands than with David and his team, riding through stunning scenery with a fabulous group of ladies.’
Susan P
‘Imagine a day where you wake up knowing that you will get to ride all day with your friends… across vineyards, forests, and rivers in the Bordeaux region of France! And then you get to do it again! You get to eat fabulous food and drink wine… from world-famous wineries for a week! I didn’t just imagine it; I did it! I celebrated my 65th birthday doing it, and I highly recommend it!’
Drisha P
‘Bonjour Globetrotters! I had a total blast on this trip. Some favourite moments were: fast canters through vineyards, delicious pastries for breakfast (I’m now a pain au chocolat addict), sunny lunch picnics filled with laughter, wine, cheese, baguettes and naps while the horses relaxed, diverse scenery from vineyards to forests to towns and castles, fun-filled wine tastings, and the sound of the horses’ hooves on cobblestone streets. The highlight of this ride, though, was my noble steed Chetan. He’s not only beautiful, but has a canter smooth as butter, is super responsive, trustworthy, gentle, bomb proof and was always making the group giggle with those funny sounds he made. If you love the sound of all of this, then you’ll have no regrets bidding your home au revoir for this trip!’
Gina R
‘The Bordeaux Wine Trail was one of a kind! A wonderful combination of relaxation, excitement, wine and picturesque scenery. Exploring this region on horseback was a once in a lifetime experience. My horse Kelly was smart, trustworthy and a true delight to ride. Our guides were terrific: well prepared, capable and fun! Globetrotting did an excellent job providing information and tips to prepare for the trip, and classified the ride appropriately. I’ll definitely book with them again.’
Tracy B
‘I booked this ride with nine friends to celebrate my 50th birthday and we were all ecstatic from start to finish. We were matched perfectly to our horses. My horse was Chetan, and he was THE BEST! Kind, willing, careful, and responsive – exactly what I was looking for in my perfect mount. We thoroughly enjoyed touring Bordeaux on horseback. It’s such an intimate way to see a new place, and we saw things that most tourists never would. Our lodgings were varied and comfortable, and the food was delicious. The guides were accommodating and bravely protective, allowing us to relax and really enjoy all aspects of the trip. I couldn’t be happier that I chose this ride to celebrate a milestone. My next ride is already booked!’
Taelor W
‘The fellow globetrotters I met on this trip were absolutely incredible. If I could’ve packed all of them up in my suitcase and brought them home, I would have. I can say I was genuinely sad to go our separate ways at the end of the trip. Luckily, we are already making plans to visit each other and to hopefully do a ride together somewhere next year. While this was not what I would call a relaxing ride (it was pretty fast-paced and required a bit of a taste for adventure!), it did a great job of getting my globetrotting bug started. I can’t wait for my next ride!’
Beth B
‘I absolutely loved my ride with David, Ania and Anouk through the wine country of France! All of the accommodations were lovely and all of the food was delicious. The guides’ level of knowledge and love for each and every horse was fantastic. My horse Davidson was amazing! He was so surefooted and loved being out on a ride. I will return next year, and hopefully all of the new friends that I made will be back for this ride again, too!’
Pam G
‘The Bordeaux Wine Trail was even better than expected, if that is even possible. The guides, horses and scenery were equally spectacular. The wine tastings were all unique experiences, which was so wonderful. My horse, Kelly, was the perfect ride to make me feel comfortable and confident the entire trip. Our guide Magali was spectacular: an expert horsewoman who handled everything and everyone in a professional and kind manner. We were all blown away by how amazing she was with every horse. Annouk was also lovely and took great care to be sure we got whatever special requests we asked for. I would definitely recommend this ride!’
What's my riding level?
Not sure what your riding level is? Watch our videos to see all our levels.
Beginner
Reasonably confident riding a horse at a walk, a rising trot, and learning to canter.
Intermediate
Confident and in control riding at all paces outside an arena, but not riding regularly. Comfortable and competent using aids {the language of your leg, seat and hands} to communicate with your horse.
Strong Intermediate
An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly outside of an arena and is fit enough to ride for at least six hours per day. Strong intermediate riders are comfortable and competent in all three gaits; able to post or sit to the trot; have an independent seat while cantering (don’t hold onto the saddle); and can pick up the correct canter lead. They can also navigate more complex terrain, including asking a horse to sidestep and jump over a small obstacle.
Advanced
A frequent rider who is very fit, comfortable in the saddle for at least six hours per day, and has an independent seat and soft hands. Advanced riders are confident on a forward-moving horse at all paces over rough and variable ground on open terrain. They can ride over small jumps and know the techniques used to collect a horse
Not sure? Contact our team to help you figure out your riding ability.
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