Horse riding in Serre Chevalier

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Whether you are a beginner or an experienced horse rider, an excursion on horseback along the Serre Chevalier valley is a magical experience. 

We took a two-hour accompanied round trip trek from the Ranch du Grand Aigle in Le Lauzet, (situated between the village of Monetier les Bains and the Col de Lautaret) following the Guisane river south to the picturesque village of Le Casset.  These villages are deemed to be the gateway to the Parc National des Ecrins.

We asked for the trek to be suitable for riders with a small amount of experience or rather rusty in the saddle!   The route we followed would be suitable for beginners too, the trek leader will ask if everyone is happy to trot or canter, and if you are not, just say so.   Ideally don’t whoop with excitement when your horse takes off in a canter, it does spook the other animals and is not really good form… I had to use my neckerchief as a gag!  I rode "Pieds Blancs" (White Feet) a very steady and responsive chestnut pony, aged about 21yrs old who is often used for beginners or youngsters.

We sang a few choruses of  "Mustang Sally" in honour of our friend Sally’s birthday…"All you want to do is ride around Sally, ride Sally ride…! etc etc.

The scenery is just amazing and it is great to enjoy it at a relaxed pace.  The pastures even now at the end of June are a mass of multicoloured alpine flowers, yellows, purples, pinks and with all the spring rain the grasses are long and lush.  The route we followed alternates between shady forest and more open meadows.  The sky above the craggy grey mountain tops was deep azure blue.  One highlight of the excursion was the terrific view of the majestic La Meije glacier, still snow covered in the midsummer heat. Heaven on earth.  As you turn down to the village of Le Casset, the tall tower of the Italian-style church, surrounded by clusters of stone houses, makes you feel as if you have stepped back in time.

How to book a trek from the Ranch du Grand Aigle, le Lauzet, Serre Chevalier:

All treks must be booked in advance, and at peak holiday times you should do your best to enquire by phone or email a good few weeks in advance and confirm in person when you arrive for your holiday.  We were recommended to book the trek through the Centre d’Equitation at Villeneuve, (riding stables) which is located next to Hotel Le Sporting and the Go-Kart track, along the RN91, on the outskirts of  Villeneuve, heading in the direction of Monetier. 

NB., As riding stables are busy places with the stable managers working the horses for much of the day, it can be quite difficult to get through by telephone, so I went along in person.  Also the stable managers tend to speak only minimal English.  I spoke to Helene at the riding stables in Villeneuve who contacted the Ranch du Grand Aigle in le Lauzet for me to check availablity for the booking. 

Club Hippique de Serre Chevalier, Centre d’Equitation Villeneuve, Helene et Paul Eric Daniel: Tel. +33 (0)4 92 24 78 61 or mobile: +33 (0)6 84 14 39 76

If you want to check out the websites and try communicating by email, here are the addresses:

www.ranchdugrandaigle.com

www.clubhippique-serreche.com   

ch.serreche [ at ] wanadoo.fr

We paid 36 euros per person (summer price 2008) for a two hour guided trek, from 10am until 12 midday. You arrive 15 minutes early to help groom and saddle up the horses.  Hat hire is included in the price. You will follow an experienced trek leader who is assisted by the ranch’s team of experienced riders, appropriate numbers chosen according to number and riding experience of the clients.  The horses are really well cared for and well turned out, with comfortable saddles.

Other packages / prices available on application.