Frequently asked questions
Here are brief answers to questions that seem to crop up quite a lot, with more details on relevant pages on the website where indicated.
We welcome any questions at any point, please do feel free to use our local knowledge, for example: the best way to get to le Bourdil Blanc from your start point, where to stay in Bordeaux, where to eat in Bergerac, expected weather conditions in September…
What is included ?
Will we ride all day every day ?
What riding experience do I need ?
Do we ride from place to place or out from base each day ?
Do I need a car ?
You mentioned non-riders ? Can they come too ?
How do I get to Le Bourdil Blanc ?
Do I need to tip ? How much ?
Is there mobile phone reception and wi-fi ?
What do I need to bring ?
Do you cater for different diets ?
What is included ?
Pretty well everything! Return transfers from Bergerac to le Bourdil Blanc, five to six hours guided riding a day and all meals except dinner on Day Five, including wine with meals and pre-dinner drinks. The only cash you will need during the ride is if you stop for a pre-lunch cool drink in an atmospheric bar on the banks of the Dordogne, dinner on Thursday, and any tips you may wish to leave.
Click Dates & Rates page.
Will we ride all day every day ?
There is an average of five to six hours riding each day with a leisurely break for lunch. On Thursday, after a good morning ride and lunch, you have the afternoon to spend as you wish: sightseeing, souvenir shopping or simply relaxing by the pool in the extensive gardens. We are very happy to advise on places to eat and things to do.
Click The Itinerary page
What riding experience do I need ?
The ride is for intermediate riders and above, it is NOT suitable for beginners. You should be confident and well balanced at all paces riding a responsive horse over varied terrain. The ride is medium paced, English style riding, so you should be happy to post or rise to the trot. Your guide Antoine, who trained at l'Ecole National d'Equitation at Saumur, is delighted to take opportunities to move on where the ground allows so you should be happy cantering in a group and able to control your horse along winding forest tracks. It is imperative for your safety and enjoyment, as well as that of other riders,that you are honest about your riding experience and riding weight as your horse will be allocated according to what you tell us! Please note you will enjoy the ride far more if you are 'saddle fit', so be ready for up to six hours a day several days 'on the trot'.
Do we ride from place to place or out from base each day ?
Neither! The route is progressive but you return to le Bourdil Blanc each evening. The week-long ride takes you through beautiful landscape including private estates, forests, rolling grasslands and through villages so typical of this area of the Dordogne. The itinerary is planned such that the horses stay out en route while you are transferred back to the manor for dinner and the night, so combining the joys of a progressive route with the ease of only needing to unpack once.
Click The Itinerary page
Do I need a car ?
As transfers from Bergerac are included in the ride rate, car hire isn't necessary. But for non-riders a car does offer extra scope for exploration, we are happy to help arrange this. We use car hire companies such as Avis, Hertz and Europcar.
You mentioned non-riders ? Can they come too ?
Absolutely! We realise not everyone rides but riders and non-riders may still wish to go on holiday together. Non-riders are extremely welcome and will find plenty to keep them happy while you ride. The gardens are spacious, there is an outdoor heated pool, tennis court, carp fishing in the lake and a trout stream at the bottom of the garden and good walking around le Bourdil Blanc. Alternatively there are large comfortable sofas and an extensive library for a more leisurely day, the house is for all guests to use as you wish.
Hiring a car is a good plan to make the most of the fascinating sightseeing in this area of the Dordogne, from traditional markets to ancient bastide towns, and of course wine tasting, we are happy to offer suggestions. Non riders are most welcome to join riders for the picnic each day.
Click Dordogne page or Non-riders page
How do I get to Le Bourdil Blanc ?
As le Bourdil Blanc is just 15 minutes from Bergerac airport, the easiest and generally most time efficient thing to do is fly. There are plenty of flights with budget airlines from regional airports in the UK and elsewhere in Europe, and they are very reasonably priced.
A good option for TransAtlantic guests is a connection from Paris to Bordeaux, from here you can hire a car, it is about 1 ½ hr drive / 85km to le Bourdil Blanc. There is also a well-priced, straight forward train service from Bordeaux to Bergerac. Barcelona is another option for TransAtlantic flyers, approx seven hours to Bergerac by car.
More information on Bourdil Blanc page
Do I need to tip ? How much ?
The ride rate does not include a service charge as we believe tipping should be discretionary rather than assumed. It is entirely up to you, though should you wish to tip it is of course appreciated. You can either tip staff direct, or your host Jane is happy to distribute any tips you choose to leave. As a guideline 50 Euros per rider for a week's ride shared between the staff is about average.
Is there mobile phone reception and wi-fi ?
Yes, there are both at le Bourdil Blanc, and generally the signal is also good while out and about, depending on your provider.
Click What to bring page
What do I need to bring ?
The most important thing is a riding hat as these are compulsory, and we do not supply them. There is a list on the site with suggestions of what you may find useful and what is supplied here at le Bourdil Blanc. It is all relaxed and there are laundry facilities so there is no need to bring a huge suitcase.
Do you cater for different diets ?
Absolutely, just let us know of any dietary requirements on booking and we will ensure you too enjoy the impressive skills of le Bourdil Blanc's amazing cook Bernadette as much as everyone else.
Any other questions ? Please email us.