Horseback riding Sainte-Victoire near Aix-en-Provence with picnic

Saddle up in Provence's wine country and set your own pace through the mountain

A half-day horseback ride through the Sainte-Victoire massif near Aix-en-Provence, with 45 minutes of horse preparation followed by over an hour in the saddle through vineyards and past a perched village. The ride ends with a local picnic featuring rosé wine from the operator's village, and hotel or train station pickup is included. A guide accompanies the ride. The supplement for the horse is 60 € per person.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Sainte Victoire and local village

• Drive scenic road on Sainte Victoire massif
• Walk through vines fields
• Visit perched village
• Play pétanque on local square
• Enjoy wine tasting at winery
• Stroll village without pressure

The experience

You arrive at your hotel or train station in the Aix-en-Provence area and get picked up in an air-conditioned vehicle. The driver takes you to the stables, where you spend 45 minutes getting to know your horse and learning the basics before heading out. This prep time matters: it is not rushed, and it means you are ready to ride rather than nervous about it.

Once mounted, you ride for just over an hour through the Sainte-Victoire landscape: vineyards, open fields, and the quiet paths that wind past the perched villages locals know. The guide leads the way and sets a pace that works for the group. You are not watching scenery from a vehicle. You are moving through it on horseback, feeling the rhythm of the ride and the Provence around you.

After the ride, you head to a spot in the nature for a picnic with local specialities and rosé wine from the operator's own village. The day wraps up with a return to your hotel or train station. The whole experience runs about four and a half hours from pickup to drop-off, and it is built for people who want to move through the landscape rather than be driven through it.

What’s included

• Private transportation with pickup and drop-off at your hotel or train station in the Aix-en-Provence area.
• 45 minutes of horse preparation and instruction before the ride.
• over an hour of guided horseback riding through Sainte-Victoire.
• a local picnic in the nature with rosé wine from the operator's village.
• air-conditioned vehicle for transport to and from the stables.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to10h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French and Polish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 32 pickup points.

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Happy Day In Provence

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, French or Polish, so choose based on the language you are most comfortable with. The ride suits all fitness levels and all riding experience: the preparation time and the guide's pace mean you are not expected to arrive as an expert.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and Polish.

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.

How long do I actually spend in the saddle?

The horseback ride itself is just over an hour, preceded by 45 minutes of preparation with your horse at the stables so you are comfortable before you mount.

What is Sainte-Victoire like to ride through?

Sainte-Victoire is a mountain massif with vineyards, open fields and paths past perched villages: authentic Provence away from the main tourist routes. The ride stays on natural ground suitable for horses and riders of all levels.

Is a guide with me the whole time?

Yes, a guide accompanies the ride and leads the group. The guide speaks English, French or Polish depending on your preference.

What happens after the ride?

You finish with a picnic in the nature that includes local specialities and rosé wine from the operator's village. Optional additions like wine tasting or a game of pétanque can be arranged depending on what you decide together.

Does the price include getting to the stables?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel or train station in the Aix-en-Provence area are included, along with the air-conditioned vehicle to and from the ride.

What if I want to do yoga or a hike instead of riding?

The operator offers a choice of activities for the day: an independent 60–90 minute mountain hike or vineyard walk, a yoga session (meditation, soft yin, or energizing kundalini), or the horseback ride. You pick which one suits you, and all end with the same local picnic and rosé wine.