Horseback Riding in Rocamadour: Guide and Itinerary

A Practical Guide to an Unforgettable Horseback Ride

Rocamadour, rising from its cliff above the Alzou Valley, is a sight worth the journey. But it is ata horse’s leisurely pace that the Lot truly reveals its soul. In the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park, every trail tells a centuries-old story. Horseback riding offers a different way to travel, reconnecting you with nature and silence. This practical guide, created by Slow Village, walks you through, step by step, how to plan your ride in this magnificent region.

A horseback riding experience in the heart of the Lot

The Pilgrimage Routes to Santiago and the Legendary Cliffs

The Gramat and Rocamadour is crisscrossed by beautiful stretches of the Way of St. James. On horseback, riders follow the same pilgrimage trails as generations before them, riding along limestone plateaus and passing at the foot of cliffs where hilltop villages cling to the slopes. It’s an immersive experience you can’t get anywhere else: moving at your horse’s pace, you slow down to better appreciate the landscape.

Why the horse is the best companion in the Lot region

Horseback riding in the great outdoors is an experience of total immersion. At a pace of 6 to 8 km/h, you can better appreciate the richness of the landscapes around you. In the Lot region, horseback riding trails wind through unspoiled natural areas, providing access to wild sites, such as the meandering Dordogne or the hidden corners of the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, this immersive experience remains one of the most beautiful ways to discover the region.

Practical Guide: Where and How to Go Horseback Riding in the Lot?

Top-rated horseback riding centers near Rocamadour

The region is home to several reputable riding schools that cater to riders of all levels, from complete beginners to experienced riders:

-The Gramat Equestrian Center offers guided rides led by certified instructors along marked trails across the Causse.

-The Pech de Cuzals Horse Farm, located in the heart of Quercy, offers an authentic atmosphere and gentle horses, ideal for families.

-Les Écuries de Rocamadour for themed tours of the historic site.

In any case, it is advisable tobook in advance, especially during the peak summer season.

Age, prices, and equipment: what you need to know before you go

This activity is truly open to all skill levels and ages. Young children as young as 3 can ride a pony, accompanied and led by an adult. Starting at age 7 or 8, children can go on a full one-hour ride with relative independence, under the supervision of an instructor.

Estimated prices: €20 to €35 for a one-hour walk; €60 to €80 for a half-day guided tour through the Causses.
What to wear: long pants (to prevent chafing) and closed-toe shoes with a low heel. Helmets are provided by the riding center.
Required skill level: No prerequisites for guided hikes. A minimum skill level is required for long-distance hikes with limited support.

Plan a "Slow" getaway centered around horseback riding

Routes between Gramat and the Lot Valleys

For a multi-day horseback adventure, set out from Gramat toward the Dordogne Valley, passing through Rocamadour and the Alzou Gorges. You’ll explore the picturesque villages of Quercy along sunken paths lined with dry-stone walls. Between rides, savor the local cuisine before dining under the stars. To extend this nature getaway, our Slow Village destinations at the Saint-Cybranet campground or theSéveilles campground are ideally located along your route.

Accommodations in Slow Village Saint Cybranet

Relaxation after a day of activity: the perfect place to stay

After a day of horseback riding in the Lot region, treat yourself to a well-deserved rest in a pristine setting, true to the Slow Village philosophy. Saint-Cybranet, ideally situated between the Dordogne Valley and the Lot, is the perfect base for exploring Rocamadour, Gramat, and the horseback riding trails. For a more intimate experience, our village of Séveilles invites you to enjoy a convivial dinner in the peaceful setting of authentic accommodations.

How do I get there?

Slow Village Saint Cybranet

635 Route de la vallée du Céou

24250 Saint-Cybranet

2h45 from Bordeaux
Sarlat la Canéda train station

See itinerary

A complete escape, moving at the horse's pace

Horseback riding in Rocamadour and the Lot region is much more than just a tourist activity. It’s a journey of self-discovery, a unique way to explore one of France’s most beautiful regions at the leisurely pace of a horse, far from noise and screens. Book your riding center, pack your gear, and let the horse guide you along the magnificent trails of Quercy, then extend this getaway with a night at our nature-immersed hotel, Slow Village.

Find your next getaway in the heart of nature

Saint-Cybranet

Tiny House Slow Box 2ch.

A stay in a Tiny House; a stay between minimalism and comfort. Discover this unusual accommodation in the heart of Périgord Noir.

26 m²

2 bdrms

4 pers.

1 bathroom.

Discover

Seveilles

Pitch Comfort +

Spacious and located in the heart of nature, these pitches offer a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape.

200 m²

Discover

Saint-Cybranet

Tente Lodge Insolite 2ch.

The art of camping in harmony with nature, with all the comforts you need! Discover this unusual accommodation in the heart of Périgord Noir.

20.25 m²

2 bdrms

5 pers.

Shared sanitary facilities

Discover

Seveilles

Cabane Périgourdine 2ch.

Discover our unusual Périgord cabin, a typical and authentic accommodation, ideal for a stopover in the heart of the Périgord Noir.

30 m²

2 bdrms

4 pers.

1 bathroom.

Discover

Seveilles

Cabane Signature 3ch.

With 3 bedrooms and a shaded double terrace of over 25m2, our Signature cabin offers top-of-the-range amenities for a comfortable and unforgettable stay.

43 m²

3 ea.

6 pers.

1 bathroom.

Discover

Seveilles

Cottage Signature 2bed.

Made of wood, with a top-of-the-range, modern design, it's fully equipped, with 2 bathrooms for even greater comfort. With its large terrace and hotel-style amenities, you'll feel right at home!

34 m²

2 bdrms

4 pers.

2 bathrooms.

Discover

Saint-Cybranet

Premium location

We've found your next stop on your Périgord getaway! Rediscover camping with the Slow Box.

80 m²

Shared sanitary facilities

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Seveilles

Location Signature - Private bathroom

Our Signature campsites in the Dordogne combine top-of-the-range comfort and unspoilt nature, with kitchenette and private sanitary facilities for an unforgettable stay.

300 m²

Private bathroom.

Discover

Saint-Cybranet

Cottage Signature 2bed.

Enjoy a fully-equipped, top-of-the-range 2-bedroom wooden cottage. The ideal accommodation for your family vacation in a green setting!

34 m²

2 bdrms

4 pers.

2 bathrooms.

Discover

Come explore the Dordogne

Saint-Cybranet

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Réserve zoologique de Calviac: nature immersion in the Dordogne

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Gabare trip on the Dordogne river

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