Horse riding in the Camargue: top riding schools
The Camargue offers an exceptional setting for lovers of horse riding and wild nature. With its salt ponds, rice fields, marshes and fine sandy beaches, this unique area in the Rhône delta is ideal for exploring on horseback. Horse-riding in the Camargue gives you the chance to see pink flamingos, black bulls and white horses roaming free, while exploring authentic landscapes where land and water merge. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, the region’s equestrian centres offer rides to suit all levels, from one-hour outings to full-day excursions. Mount your horse and set off to discover the wild lands that have inspired so many artists!
Also in the Arles guide :
- Visit Arles in 1 day: 18 things to do and see on foot
- Visiting the Camargue: 12 must-sees and must-dos
- Visiting Aigues-Mortes: 8 must-dos
- Visit the salt marshes of Aigues-Mortes
- Visiting Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer: 15 must-sees
- Visiting Le Grau-du-Roi: 10 must-see places
- Visit the Seaquarium in Le Grau-du-Roi: opening times, prices and tours
1. Les Arnelles Equestrian Centre in the Camargue
Located on the shores of the Mediterranean in Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, the Centre Equestre les Arnelles (Route de l’Amphore, 13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 712 reviews) offers horse-riding in the Camargue to delight lovers of authentic nature. Rides lasting between one and a half and two and a half hours take riders through ponds and marshes to the wild beaches of the Camargue. The “Fauna and Flora” walk allows you to observe migratory birds, particularly the pink flamingos that populate the ponds, in an unspoilt setting where horses and Camargue bulls graze. The enthusiastic guides share their knowledge of the area and its traditions, making each outing instructive. Accessible to beginners and experienced riders alike, this riding centre offers an immersive experience at the heart of the Camargue’s biodiversity.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Arles on foot and on your own
After your horse ride, extend your discovery of the region by exploring Arles, the gateway to the Camargue. This Roman city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to majestic arenas, an ancient theatre and numerous remains that bear witness to its glorious past. Let yourself be guided by the Navaway audio tour, which will take you to 18 emblematic places of interest, from the Alyscamps immortalised by Van Gogh to the Espace Van-Gogh, via the Place de la République and its historic monuments.
2. Tamaris Horse ride
Les Promenades Tamaris (Route d’Arles, 13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 312 reviews) embodies the Camargue spirit in all its splendour. This equestrian centre offers a variety of tours ranging from one hour to three hours, enabling you to discover the wild Camargue in all its diversity. The rides take you through salt marshes, reed beds and canals, offering exceptional panoramic views of the region’s typical landscapes. The hour-and-a-half walk takes you through the sansouïres where the bulls graze, while the three-hour tour takes you along the ponds to the wild beaches. The warm, professional welcome provided by the guides, all of whom are passionate about their area, guarantees a memorable experience. The Camargue horses are docile and used to wet terrain, making them ideal for riders of all abilities.
3. La Fadaise horse ride
Nestling in the heart of the authentic Camargue, La Fadaise (13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, rated 4.8/5 on Google out of 52 reviews) offers a warm and intimate equestrian experience. This small, family-run centre stands out for its personalised approach and small groups, which means you can really immerse yourself in the Camargue countryside. The rides wind their way through rice fields, marshes and wild expanses where the local wildlife roams freely. Riders may come across grey herons, little egrets and, if they’re lucky, the famous pink flamingos for which the region is famous. The ride at sunset is a particularly magical moment, when the golden lights set the ponds ablaze and the birds return to their nests. The guides, true traditional herdsmen, passionately share their love of the Camargue horse and their knowledge of the local ecosystems.
4. Lou Seden – Horse rides
Lou Seden (13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, rated 4.7/5 on Google for 119 reviews) offers horse-riding tours that will appeal to lovers of adventure and wide open spaces. This riding centre specialises in long rides that allow you to really immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Camargue. Tours lasting two to three hours take you off the beaten track, through varied landscapes alternating between salt marshes, flooded meadows and forest edges. Experienced riders will particularly appreciate the opportunity to gallop across deserted beaches or wide open spaces. The professional team ensures everyone’s safety while allowing plenty of freedom of movement. The horses, perfectly trained and accustomed to the Camargue terrain, offer a comfortable and safe ride. Don’t hesitate to round off your stay with a visit to Arles, just a few kilometres away, to discover its exceptional heritage.
5. Crin Blanc Equestrian Centre
The Centre Equestre Crin Blanc (Route des Cabanes, 13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 79 reviews) takes its name from the famous film shot in the Camargue and perpetuates the spirit of adventure that characterises this region. The horse-riding tours, which are open to groups of 8 to 10 people, guarantee a safe and friendly atmosphere. The tours take you through typical landscapes where you can observe the fauna and flora characteristic of the Camargue: wild horses, bull herds, migratory birds and vegetation adapted to the brackish environment. The well-being of the horses is a priority for the Crin Blanc team, who ensure that each animal is treated with respect and kindness. Our qualified equestrian tourism guides adapt the pace of the ride to the abilities of each individual, allowing beginners to gain confidence while offering experienced riders the opportunity to enjoy the wide open spaces of the Camargue to the full.
6. Cabanes De Cacharel
The legendary Cabanes de Cacharel (Route de Cacharel, 13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, rated 3.9/5 on Google out of 313 reviews) is an integral part of Camargue equestrian history. This historic estate offers horse rides that immerse you in the authentic atmosphere of the traditional manades. Rides lasting one or two hours allow you to explore an unspoilt area where Camargue horses and bulls graze in their natural environment. The site enjoys a privileged location close to the Pont de Gau Ornithological Park, offering the chance to observe exceptional birdlife. Riders can also take advantage of a break on the estate to learn about bull breeding and understand the gardian traditions that perpetuate an ancestral way of life. To complete your immersion in Camargue culture, take time out to visit Arles, the city of art and history that so inspired Vincent Van Gogh.
7. Horse ride La Manade
Promenade à cheval La Manade (13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, rated 4.8/5 on Google for 61 reviews) offers a horse-riding experience as close as possible to the traditions of the gardiannes. The centre stands out for its authentic approach, allowing visitors to discover the day-to-day work of a real Camargue manade. The rides take riders through the manade grounds where horses and bulls roam in semi-freedom, offering a realistic view of traditional animal husbandry. The two-hour rides alternate between the marshes, reed beds and the canals that criss-cross the Camargue. The guides, true passionate gardians, explain the breeding techniques, the particularities of the Camargue horse and the importance of preserving these age-old traditions. This authentic experience will delight those looking for a different kind of equestrian experience, far removed from mass tourism.
8. Maëlle at La Palunette
Maëlle à La Palunette (13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, rated 4.9/5 on Google for 123 reviews) represents excellence in horse riding in the Camargue. This centre regularly gets top marks for the quality of its welcome, the professionalism of its guides and the obvious well-being of its horses. The rides on offer are perfectly adapted to the level of each rider, from beginners discovering horse riding to experienced riders looking for a thrill. The itineraries take you through a variety of spectacular landscapes: sansouïres (salt marshes) dotted with samphire, shimmering ponds teeming with birds, wild beaches battered by the waves. A walk at sunset is a special moment, when the sky takes on flamboyant colours and nature calms down. Maëlle’s team have a real passion for their job and for the Camargue, which shines through in every detail of the experience. After this memorable equestrian escapade, extend your discovery of the region by following theaudio-guided itinerary to visit Arles and its architectural treasures.
9. The Camargue on horseback – Pont de Gau
The Pont de Gau stable (Route D570, 13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer) enjoys an exceptional location opposite the famous Ornithological Park. This equestrian centre offers horse and pony rides in a 280-hectare private estate where land and water merge into magical landscapes. The rides take you through marshes and reed beds, along the Etang de Gînes, in the heart of unspoilt countryside where Camargue horses and bulls roam. The site is also home to a traditional livestock farm, allowing visitors to observe the animals in their natural environment. Children will particularly enjoy the pony rides, while adults can opt for longer tours to discover the wide open spaces of the Camargue. The proximity of the Ornithological Park makes it easy to combine horse riding and bird watching, offering a full day dedicated to discovering the biodiversity of the Camargue.
10. Horse riding at Chez Elise
The Chez Elise centre (13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer) offers a warm, family-friendly approach to horse riding in the Camargue. Accessible from the age of 6, the rides are suitable for all levels, from beginners to the most experienced riders. Group rides are a great way to share a convivial moment while discovering the typical landscapes of the Camargue: salt marshes, flooded meadows, wild beaches and tamarisk-lined canals. Elise and her team cultivate an infectious passion for their region and its traditions, transforming each outing into a veritable voyage of initiation into the heart of Camargue culture. The horses, perfectly trained and accustomed to the different terrains, offer a safe and comfortable ride. The two-hour rides are the ideal way to get the most out of the experience without getting tired, allowing you to alternate between walking, trotting and a few gallops for the more experienced riders.
11. El Rancho Camargue
El Rancho (Route de l’Espiguette, 30240 Le Grau-du-Roi) is located on the outskirts of Aigues-Mortes and offers a variety of horse rides for all levels. The centre specialises in one-hour discovery rides in the Camargue marshes, accessible to beginners and perfect for a first approach to horse riding in a natural environment. For more experienced riders, El Rancho organises rides on the beach where you can gallop with your feet in the water, an unforgettable experience that combines freedom and thrills. The rides take you through a varied landscape of dunes, ponds and pinewoods, offering different panoramas on every outing. The professional team ensures the well-being of the horses and the safety of the riders, creating a relaxed and reassuring atmosphere. Attractive rates and flexible timetables make El Rancho an excellent option for discovering the Camargue on horseback.
12. Le Palomino Camargue
Located on the road to Arles, Le Palomino (Route d’Arles, 13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer) is a haven of peace for horse-riding enthusiasts. Dédé and Christie, experienced ATE guides, draw on their 55 years of experience to offer safe, peaceful rides in unspoilt surroundings. The routes take riders through remarkable natural areas where the Camargue’s flora and fauna flourish far from the hustle and bustle of tourism. The one- to two-hour rides allow you to observe pink flamingos, herons and egrets while enjoying the peace and quiet of the marshes and ponds. The Palomino favours small groups to guarantee a personalised experience and individual attention for each rider. The horses, selected for their docility and reliability, are ideal for families and people looking for a quiet ride in harmony with nature.
13. L’Instant Gardian
L’Instant Gardian (13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer) offers much more than just horse riding: it’s a real immersion in Camargue culture. As well as the classic horse rides, the centre offers Camargue riding lessons for all levels and bull-sorting sessions in the manade, allowing you to discover authentic gardian traditions. The rides take you through wild landscapes where horses and bulls run free, offering a fascinating natural spectacle. Passionate guides share their in-depth knowledge of the local fauna, flora and traditions, adding a cultural dimension to the equestrian experience. Experienced riders will particularly appreciate the opportunity to take part in the work of the manade and discover the ancestral techniques of bull sorting. This authentic, respectful approach to tradition makes L’Instant Gardian an essential address for understanding the soul of the Camargue.
14. La Comtesse horse ride
The Manade de la Comtesse (near Aigues-Mortes, 30220) offers a unique equestrian experience at the heart of a traditional estate steeped in history. Horseback rides allow you to visit the estate, meet its horses and bulls, and discover its typical landscapes and fascinating history. The rides take you through meadows, marshes and forest edges, where the manades graze in unspoilt surroundings. The guides, true traditional herdsmen, explain the way of life and daily work of a Camargue manade, offering an authentic insight into this ancestral activity. The meeting with the bulls is one of the highlights of the visit, allowing visitors to observe these emblematic animals in their natural environment. The Domaine de la Comtesse cultivates a welcoming family spirit that appeals to visitors looking for authenticity and conviviality.
15. Domaine de Méjanes
The Domaine de Méjanes (13200 Arles) offers exceptional horse-riding along the Etang du Vaccarès, the largest lake in the Camargue. The Manade de Méjanes invites you to discover all the secrets of the estate, whether galloping through the sansouïre or taking a leisurely stroll along the banks of the lake. The grandiose, wild landscapes of the Vaccarès offer an incomparable natural spectacle, with its shimmering waters populated by migratory birds and its infinite horizons. On your walks, you’ll be able to spot pink flamingos, purple herons, egrets and many other species in an unspoilt environment. The estate also offers events based on Camargue traditions and bull rearing, adding an enriching cultural dimension to the equestrian experience. Located close to Arles, the Domaine de Méjanes is an excellent base from which to explore the Camargue. Don’t forget to take the time to visit Arles, the jewel of Provence’s heritage, just a few kilometres away.
In conclusion, horse-riding in the Camargue offers an incomparable way of discovering this unique territory, where wild nature and age-old traditions combine harmoniously. Whether you opt for a short one-hour ride or a long half-day excursion, every outing on horseback allows you to explore exceptional landscapes populated by remarkable wildlife. The region’s horse-riding centres, run by enthusiasts attached to their land, will give you a warm welcome and ensure that your experience is memorable and safe. Between salt marshes, shimmering ponds, wild beaches and traditional manades, the Camargue reveals its many faces to those who take the time to explore it at the peaceful pace of a horse. To complete your discovery of the region, follow the audio-guided itinerary to visit Arles and its Roman monuments, which bear witness to two millennia of history.
FAQ: everything you need to know about horse riding in the Camargue
What is the average cost of a horse ride in the Camargue?
Prices for horse-riding in the Camargue vary according to duration and type of service. You can expect to pay between €25 and €40 for a one-hour ride, between €35 and €50 for a 1.5-hour ride, and between €45 and €70 for a two-hour ride. Sunset tours, which are particularly popular, can cost up to 70 euros per person. Prices generally include equipment (spray can, stirrups) and supervision by a professional guide.
Are horse rides suitable for beginners?
Yes, most riding centres in the Camargue offer rides suitable for beginners. Camargue horses are renowned for their docility and sure-footedness in wet terrain. The guides adapt the pace of the ride and give advice to ensure that everyone feels at ease. It is advisable to indicate your level when booking so that the centre can allocate you an appropriate horse and integrate you into a homogeneous group.
What is the minimum age for horse-riding in the Camargue?
The minimum age varies from one riding school to another. Some accept children from the age of 6 for pony rides or short rides, while others set the limit at 8 for classic horse rides. A maximum weight is generally specified (often 90 kg) to ensure the well-being of the horses. Children must be accompanied by an adult and wear a spray provided by the centre.
What’s the best time of year to go horse-riding in the Camargue?
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the ideal periods for horse riding in the Camargue. Temperatures are pleasant, nature is lush and migratory bird watching is at its best. Summer is still possible, but can be hot, so opt for early morning or late afternoon rides. Winter also has its charms, with a wilder Camargue and distinctive colours, but some centres close or reduce their activity.
Do I need to book a horse ride in advance?
Booking is highly recommended, especially in high season (July-August) and for the popular sunset tours. Many centres offer online booking via their website or by telephone. Booking in advance guarantees you a place and allows the centre to put together homogeneous groups according to level. In low season, some centres accept unscheduled arrivals if places are available, but it’s best to phone to check.
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