We have created a six-hour horse riding adventure in Callian, which takes you from Haras des Villards through Mediterranean trails lined with cork oaks, heather and pine trees, all the way to Lake Saint-Cassien and Château Rémillier. Along the way, you will enjoy lunch by the water, with the option to swim in summer. This active outing also includes a visit to discover the breeding of Minorcan horses. It is perfect for riders aged ten and over, with a maximum of eight participants.
Duration: 6 hours, full day
Meeting point: Haras des Villards, Callian, no pick-up; meet at the equestrian centre
Required level: all levels welcome, sporty day ride
Minimum age: 10 years
Activity locations: Haras des Villards → Lake Saint-Cassien → Château Rémillier
Price: €100 per person
Group size: maximum 8 riders
Languages: English, French
What is included:
Full-day accompanied horse ride.
Lunch break by Lake Saint-Cassien, meal not provided, swimming possible in summer
Visit to the Minorcan horse breeding.
The full-day ride starting from Haras des Villards takes you through a superb mix of landscapes: cork oak forests, paths scattered with heather and peaceful pine groves, before arriving at the magnificent Lake Saint-Cassien and then heading towards Château Rémillier. With a maximum of eight riders and a guide who has been leading equestrian adventures for more than ten years, this six-hour outing includes a lunch break by the water, where you can even swim in summer. The pace is sporty yet accessible to all levels, though a good level of fitness is recommended. The reward? A whole day spent outside, far from the hustle and bustle.
At the heart of this adventure is Lake Saint-Cassien, an impressive 430-hectare reservoir nestled in the hills. It was created in the 1960s when the Saint-Cassien dam was completed in 1966, and it takes its name from Jean Cassien, the Christian saint who founded the Abbey of Saint-Victor in Marseille. Today, the largest body of water in the Pays de Fayence offers perfect trails for horse riding and is a welcoming place for swimmers and anglers.
Lake Saint-Cassien plunges to more than 50 metres deep near the dam, and its Y shape creates many pleasant little coves, perfect for a refreshing swim during your ride. In addition, the water quality is monitored throughout the summer, and several designated swimming areas are easily accessible from the paths used by riders.
Christelle, our guide, knows all the best spots along the shore and organises the break at the right time to enjoy the warmest part of the day.
The Minorcan horse comes from the beautiful Balearic island of Menorca, where its history dates back at least to the 1st century AD. The Minorcan horse stands out for its spectacular jet-black coat, elegant limbs, noble character and agility. These qualities have been carefully preserved over the years, as the breed was mainly used for riding and dressage rather than agricultural work.
Depending on the season, a full-day ride offers the opportunity to visit the breeding programme at Haras des Villards, where these black horses are bred. Riders can observe the stallions, mares and foals up close, discovering how the breed's qualities, such as strength, sure-footedness and a calm temperament, make them perfectly suited to the varied landscapes around Lake Saint-Cassien. This behind-the-scenes experience at the stud farm adds a unique touch that you will not find on classic rides, and for horse lovers, it often becomes the highlight of the day.
Expérience Côte d’Azur is the official activity booking platform for the Estérel Côte d’Azur destination, with more than 600 experiences offered by over 130 local providers across the French Riviera.
Based on 5 Reviews
Un très beau moment !
Nous avons passé une magnifique journée ! Attentive, dynamique et chaleureuse, Christelle a su trouver chaque humain pour ses chevaux. Le petit groupe était sympathique et bienveillant malgré les niveaux hétérogènes, la baignade rafraichissante en début d'après midi était la bienvenue pour nous comme pour les poilus. Une expérience inoubliable que nous réitérerons très vite !
Unforgettable
I would highly recommend this horseback riding adventure through stunning and diverse landscapes to anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable day. The horses were equally impressive - beautiful, strong, sure-footed, and responsive. And the hospitality of our host, Christelle. She is friendly, knowledgeable, and went out of her way to ensure that we had a great time.
So much fun
We loved our ride and will definitely come back :)
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Just because you are sixty does not mean you cannot start horse riding! What really matters is your mobility, your balance, your fitness level and choosing a calm ride suitable for beginners. If you are an older beginner, it is better to avoid fast or overly technical rides unless you already have some horse riding experience.
The Horse Riding Callian outing welcomes riders of all levels, but it is presented as a sporty full-day adventure. Given the six-hour duration, it is important that participants feel comfortable with long outdoor activities before taking part in this experience.
A full-day horse ride generally requires more stamina than a short beginner ride. The time spent in the saddle, the varied terrain, and the outdoor breaks all add to the physical challenge. Even if the riding level can be suitable for beginners, good general fitness is essential.
This Horse Riding Callian day is indicated as suitable for everyone, but it is aimed at sporty people. The group is limited to eight riders, with a minimum age of ten, and the route may include beautiful stops by the lake as well as Château Rémillier.
