If you’re dreaming of experiencing the South of France beyond the usual tourist spots, a horseback riding tour in Grimaud might just be what you need. This experience offers a peaceful escape into the natural beauty of the Maures Forest and vineyards, topped off with a wine tasting at a charming local winery. We haven’t done it personally, but from what we’ve read and heard, it sounds like a lovely way to connect with the landscape and enjoy some authentic regional flavors.
What really appeals to us about this tour is how accessible it seems — no prior riding experience needed, and it’s suitable for most ages over 7. Plus, the chance to see unspoiled scenery, spot Hermann’s tortoises, and sip wine at the end makes it feel like a well-rounded taste of Provençal life. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that the tour is weather-dependent, and groups are small, which can mean limited flexibility if you’re in a rush or the weather turns sour.
This tour is perfect for travelers who love outdoor activities, scenic landscapes, and good wine but aren’t necessarily looking for a physically intense experience. If you’re traveling with family (over age 7), or if you simply want a relaxed afternoon that combines nature and local culture, this could be a great fit.
Key Points
- Accessible for all: No riding experience needed, suitable for children over 7.
- Authentic scenery: Enjoy wide-open views of vineyards, forest, and the Gulf of St-Tropez.
- Knowledgeable guides: Guides share insights about the region’s wine-growing traditions and natural environment.
- Quality wine tasting: End the ride with a 30-minute wine tasting at a small, genuine winery.
- Weather dependent: The tour may be canceled in bad weather or if minimum numbers aren’t met.
- Limited group size: Small groups (up to 8) mean a more personal experience but less flexibility.
What to Expect from This Tour
This experience begins at Ranch la Mène, a spot conveniently located near the charming village of Grimaud. From there, the journey unfolds as a scenic 1-hour horseback ride through the Maures Forest and surrounding vineyards. While the ride is described as accessible for everyone, it’s important to note that you do need to wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and sunscreen — typical for outdoor riding.
The horseback ride is the core of this experience. You’ll be riding gentle, well-behaved horses, guided by a certified instructor and wine guide who will keep things safe and informative. As you trot along, you’ll hear stories about the region’s history and its wine-growing traditions, which adds an enriching layer to the ride. The landscapes are said to be stunning — imagine rolling vineyards, shaded forest, and glimpses of the Gulf of St-Tropez sparkling in the distance.
One of the highlights, according to reviews, is how friendly and knowledgeable the guides are. We love that the guides go beyond just leading horses; they share insights about the local ecology, including Hermann’s tortoises that you might spot along the way. The sound of horses’ hooves, the fresh forest air, and the calm environment make this a peaceful, almost meditative experience.
After the ride, you’re taken a short walk to Domaine des Clos Servien, a small but authentic winery located just five minutes away. Here, you’ll taste local wines for about 30 minutes. Visitors often rave about the quality of the wines, with some calling it “super fun” and “beautiful.” The tasting is meant to complement the riding experience, giving you a taste of Provençal life, not just in scenery but in flavor.
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The Itinerary in Detail
Starting Point: Ranch la Mène
Your day begins at Ranch la Mène, where you’ll meet your guide and get fitted with a helmet. The location is convenient, with parking nearby, and the proximity to Grimaud means you can easily explore the village afterward if you wish.
Horseback Riding (1 hour)
This part of the tour is designed to be leisurely and accessible. It’s not a race or a demanding trek but rather a gentle ride suitable for most ages and levels of fitness. The terrain varies between forest trails and vineyard paths, giving you a real feel for the landscape. The horses are described as “sweet” and “gorgeous,” and reviews emphasize how friendly and well-cared-for they appear.
Throughout the ride, your guide will share stories about the region’s history, natural environment, and wine traditions. Expect to see Hermann’s tortoises if you’re lucky, and enjoy the serenity of being immersed in nature away from crowds.
More Great Tours NearbyWine Tasting (30 minutes)
After the ride, the group walks to the nearby winery, Domaine des Clos Servien, a small, authentic place that lets you taste their wines in a relaxed setting. If the winery isn’t available, the tasting might happen directly in the vineyards, which is still a lovely way to experience local wine production.
Guests often comment on the quality of the wines and the friendly, genuine atmosphere. This part of the tour is a hit for those who appreciate wine or simply want to unwind after the scenic ride.
Returning to Ranch la Mène
Once the tasting concludes, you’ll head back to Ranch la Mène, completing the loop of your half-day adventure. The entire experience is quick enough to fit into a day’s itinerary without feeling rushed but immersive enough to feel like a genuine escape.
The Fine Points: Value and Practicalities
At $92 per person for 1.5 hours, this tour offers a lot of value. You get a guided horseback ride through beautiful landscapes, a wine tasting at a reputable local winery, and the bonus of two free tickets to the Musée de la Gendarmerie — a neat little perk for history buffs or museum lovers.
The price reflects not just the activity but the quality of the experience — friendly guides, well-cared-for horses, and authentic regional wine. It’s a small-group experience, capped at 8 participants, which typically means more attention from guides and a more intimate vibe.
Remember, the tour is weather-dependent. If rain or bad weather hits or if the minimum of 6 participants isn’t reached, your booking will be canceled and refunded. So it’s wise to keep an eye on the forecast and have a backup plan just in case.
Who Will Love This Experience?
This tour is a standout for travelers who enjoy gentle outdoor activities and want a taste of Provençal countryside. Families with children over 7 will appreciate that no prior riding experience is needed, making it accessible for most. If you’re a couple or a small group seeking scenic views, local culture, and a relaxed pace, you’ll find this very satisfying.
It’s not suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems or mobility issues, or anyone allergic to animals — the activity involves being around horses and possibly some wildlife. Also, if you’re a serious wine connoisseur, this is more about enjoying a laid-back tasting than a comprehensive winery tour.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
For the price, this experience offers a genuine slice of Provençal life that’s hard to find in standard tours. The combination of horseback riding and wine tasting makes for a memorable afternoon, especially if you’re into scenic outdoor activities that don’t require advanced skills. The guides’ warmth, the stunning views, and the quality of the wines seem to be the highlights based on reviews.
If you’re after a quiet, authentic experience and enjoy being in nature, this tour checks many boxes. It’s perfect for those wanting a slow-paced, scenic, and culturally rich activity that combines gentle adventure with culinary delight.
Grimaud: Horseback Riding & Wine Tasting in Maures Forest
FAQs
Is this suitable for children?
Yes, children over 7 are welcome, and the tour is described as accessible for everyone, with no riding experience required.
What should I wear?
Bring sunscreen, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. These help ensure comfort and safety during the ride.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour may be canceled if the weather isn’t suitable or if there aren’t enough participants (minimum 6). In such cases, you’ll be refunded.
Are the groups large?
No, the tour is limited to 8 participants, making it a more personal experience.
Can I join if I don’t know how to ride?
Absolutely. No riding experience is necessary, and the horses are described as gentle and well-behaved.
What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers the 1-hour horseback ride, a 30-minute wine tasting, a certified riding instructor and wine guide, helmet, and two free tickets to the Musée de la Gendarmerie.
In the end, this horseback riding and wine tasting experience in Grimaud offers a wonderful way to slow down, enjoy nature, and sample local flavors — a lovely pocket of authenticity in the South of France. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just looking to add a peaceful, scenic activity to your itinerary, it’s worth considering.
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