The Riding: Most of the riding is on the Chemin Rurale (by-ways) which means virtually no cars, although the odd encounter with a French farmer and his herd of cows/sheep is not unheard of. It is possible to ride along for hours in peace and quiet, in a world of your own, and then you might find yourself riding by a farmyard or through a small hamlet, where anyone who happens to be around will actually take the time to smile and call out a greeting. You'll find that on your French riding holiday, time almost stands still. Everything gets done just the same but without the hassle and stress that seems to be part of life elsewhere.

Due to the nature of the terrain, riding on French riding holidays is mostly of a relaxed pace so that you are able to enjoy the beautiful scenery and wild life. However, since the horses see this all the time to keep them happy and interested there are plenty of sections for trotting and cantering too. All riding is with English tack.

And then relax even more! On arriving back at Laumiere there will be a cool refreshing drink waiting for you followed by lunch, which is usually taken alfresco in a shady area of the garden. After this, the rest of the day is yours to relax in the grounds, or you can set off to explore the area.

"I visited Chateau de Laumiere in June 2007and found it to be everything it promised, and more! The first bonus is that flights to Toulouse are incredibly cheap and quick - just an hour and a half. It's easy and cheap to hire a car - and there is so much to explore in this beautiful area that a hire car is an absolute must, for your own enjoyment . It also makes it easy to get to the many delightful nearby restaurants and bistros, and the drive from the airport is straightforward. There is masses to do for non-horsey partners and friends, and just about every outdoor activity you can imagine.

The Chateau itself is gorgeous, peacefully situated and surrounded by its own land and wonderful outriding. The rooms are lovely and you're able to relax immediately - there is a beautiful salon for guests to enjoy and plenty of books and magazines to read. Chris and Lynda's hospitality is outstanding, whether it's breakfast, appero, lunch or dinner - and the wine flows! If you're tempted in between, there is a well stocked fridge with unlimited refreshments, including more wine! You can dress up if you want to, or lounge about in Joules and jeans - which I favoured. The atmosphere is friendly, informal and relaxing and stress and tiredness just disappear - it's that kind of place.

Anyone who loves horses can breathe a sigh of relief immediately. Lynda's daughter, Tania, is an accomplished and enlightened horsewoman, combining a reassuring mixture of polished traditional skills with natural horsemanship training and 'good stockmanship' to produce a string of happy, relaxed and well mannered horses - from anglo arabs and selle francais to thoroughbreds and my favourites, the native Merens. Happily, none of them are 'shut down plods' and they are delightful to ride. I enjoyed short and long hacks out in the beautiful countryside, with some lovely canters and relaxing meandering walks. Hoping to work on my jumping technique, I had a lesson with Tania, who identified immediately how I could improve and showed herself to be a first rate, positive instructor.

The horses are turned out a great deal and brought in during the day if it's very hot - it's good to see them encouraged to be 'horses' and they respond by giving you a great ride. They're pleasantly forward going and light on the mouth - and all have their own personally-fitted saddles and are in snaffle bits. These are riding horses you really don't have to worry about - they're living the life of Riley!

I arrived at Chateau de Laumiere tired stressed and in need of a few days off - albeit not from horses! I left refreshed, exhilarated, relaxed and re-energised and will definitely be making a return visit. This is one place where it really does do what it says on the tin and Equinetourism.co.uk thoroughly enjoyed the break here." Dawn Williams, Equinetourism.co.uk MD

*All ET reviews reflect a personal opinion of a particular destination and do not guarantee or endorse. Please see the Review section for more information or our disclaimer.

Chris, Lynda Harrison Gurney & their daughter, Tanya - After several wonderful equestrian holidays in France, Chris and Lynda bought a holiday home which enabled them to spend even more time in the country, experiencing the hospitality of the people, good food, wine and relaxing life style. When they subsequently decided that a complete lifestyle change was needed, there really was no question as to where to go.

Tanya was not immediately convinced that she needed a lifestyle change but decided to accompany Chris & Lynda on their exploratory visit and, as they hope you will, she fell in love with Chateau de Laumiere on first sight (or to be honest, the mucking out machine in the stables). The fact that the chateau came with it was a bonus!!

In 2002, they experienced the nuances of purchasing the French property, but this was decidedly easier than transporting horses, family, belongings and five dogs in November 2002, and then setting up equestrian holidays in a remote part of France!

This region was originally part of Aquitaine – owned for many years by the British and ruled by one of the most outstanding women in history – Eleanor of Aquitaine 1122-1204. She was married to Henry II, and was the mother of one of our most famous Kings – Richard the Lionheart - who was actually born in France.

The area has a long and turbulent history, including the 100 years war –1345 – 1453, which began in Aquitaine. Since arriving, we have on several occasions been met (quite benevolently) with the phrase “we spent 100 years fighting you and still you come back!”.

This was followed by the wars of religion 1562 - 1685, and the Revolution - 1789 - all of which have left their mark on the area. The numerous chateaux, built both by the French & the English, attest to this, as do the Bastides (fortified walled towns) - Carcassonne being a stunning example of this where once inside its walls you can wander along the narrow streets and imagine yourself having been transported back through time.

Brittany Ferries
P&O Ferries
Hoverspeed
Speedferries
Condor Ferries
Sea France Ferries

CONTACT
CHATEAU DE LAUMIERE

email [email protected]

Tel 00 33 5 65 21 44 84
(From France 05 65 21 44 84)

Lynda Harrison-Gurney

email [email protected]
www.chateau-de-laumiere.com

Château de Laumière, 46260 Promilhanes, France