Horseback riding in the French countryside: No experience needed

Groom and ride horses across little French villages on a working farm

Horseback riding in the French countryside between Paris and Lille takes you to a small farm where you meet Julie, a trained horse and carriage guide, spend 45 minutes learning to groom and handle the horses, then ride for about two hours through Picardie's traditional landscape and villages. The horses are well-trained and gentle. No prior riding experience is necessary, and children from age 10 are welcome. Hard hats are provided.

The experience

You arrive at a small French farm in the Picardie region and meet Julie, your host, who speaks fluent French and English. Before you mount, you spend about 45 minutes with the horses: learning how they work, how to groom them, and how to handle them on the ground. This hands-on time with the animals sets the pace for the rest of the day and builds confidence if you've never ridden before.

Then you ride out into the countryside for roughly two hours, moving at a walk along well-worn paths through the traditional landscape. The route takes you past little French villages and through open farmland, with time to look around and let the pace settle. Each horse is trained to offer a gentle ride, so the focus stays on the scenery and the animals rather than on technique or speed.

The stables provide hard hats for safety. Julie guides the whole experience and can answer questions about the horses, the region, or how to sit more comfortably in the saddle. If you're traveling with children, riders from age 10 can join.

What’s included

• Hard hat.
• horse and saddle.
• grooming instruction and 45 minutes handling the horses on the farm.
• two hours of guided horseback riding through Picardie villages and countryside.
• live guide in English or French.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Wednesday and Friday5 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 15:30

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 5

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Picardie Attelage

Is this one for you?The 45 minutes of grooming and handling on the ground before you ride means you build comfort with the horse before the saddle work begins, so even first-time riders settle into the two-hour ride without anxiety.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need to have ridden a horse before?

No. The horses are trained to offer a gentle ride, and you spend 45 minutes on the ground learning to groom and handle them before you mount. The paths are well-worn and the pace is steady, so beginners ride comfortably.

What happens during the 45 minutes before the ride?

You learn about the horses, groom them, and get hands-on instruction in handling them. This time builds your confidence and familiarity with the animal you'll be riding.

How long is the actual riding part?

The horseback riding lasts roughly two hours, moving at a walk through Picardie villages and farmland.

What's included in the price?

The horse, the saddle, the bridle, the hard hat, and Julie's guidance throughout the grooming and riding portions are all included.