Riding through the bocage hedgerows and apple orchards of the Perche, home of the Percheron draught horse breed. Several equestrian centres offer hacking and multi-day treks.
The Perche natural regional park occupies the southern fringe of Normandy, straddling the Orne and Eure departments, and preserves one of the most intact bocage landscapes in France. Dense hedgerow-lined lanes, sunken hollow ways, ancient orchards, and mixed family farms characterise a rolling landscape where equestrian culture runs exceptionally deep. The Perche is the origin of the Percheron draught horse breed, renowned globally for its strength, gentle temperament, and distinctive dapple-grey or black colouring, and horse culture here extends from working farm Percherons to competitive showjumping and long-distance endurance riding.
Visitors can access the Perche landscape on horseback from a number of equestrian centres (centres équestres) and private riding estates scattered across the park. Standard offerings include one to two-hour hacking sessions through the bocage, guided rides to viewpoints above the Huisne or Orne river valleys, and multi-day trail rides with overnight stays at farmhouse gîtes that accommodate horse and rider together. Beginner-friendly trekking horses are carefully matched to rider experience and size; advanced riders can request more forward-going mounts.
Prices for a one to two-hour accompanied hack typically range from €25 to €45 per person. Multi-day treks with full board and horse-and-rider accommodation cost €200–€350 per person per day depending on service level. Helmets and body protectors — mandatory at all FFSE (Fédération Française du Sport Équestre) affiliated centres — are included in the hire fee.
The bocage terrain is mixed: open grassy tracks, dirt bridle paths, and occasional short sections of quiet tarmac lane. Spring and autumn are optimal seasons: ground conditions are firm but not baked, vegetation gives shelter without obscuring views, and wildflower-edged paths make for visually rewarding rides. Summer midday heat is uncomfortable for both horses and riders; early morning and late afternoon departures are preferred. The park holds buzzards, red kites, deer, and badgers; horses in this landscape are well accustomed to local wildlife and rarely spook unpredictably. The Haras du Pin national stud, approximately 30 kilometres north in the Orne, maintains a significant Percheron breeding programme and is open to visitors as a complementary excursion.
Activity facts
- Where
- Perche natural park, southern Normandy
Highlights
- Riding through Perche bocage hedgerows — the ancestral home of the Percheron draught horse breed
- Multi-day trail rides with farmhouse gîte overnight stays for horse and rider
- FFSE-certified centres with helmets and body protectors included in the hire fee
- Red kites, buzzards, and deer regularly visible from horseback across the park
Tips for visiting
- Wear long trousers and ankle-covering footwear with a small heel; riding boots or sturdy lace-ups are preferred
- Book multi-day treks at least three months ahead — capacity is limited and summer routes fill early
- April–June and September–October offer the best ground conditions and air temperatures for riding
- Be honest about riding experience when booking; horse matching is a safety-critical step at reputable centres
- The Perche natural park tourist office maintains an up-to-date directory of FFSE-affiliated riding centres
Frequently asked questions
Do I need riding experience to visit an equestrian centre in the Perche?
Complete beginners are welcomed at most centres. Shorter one-hour sessions on the lead rein or in an enclosed paddock are offered for those with no prior experience before any open-country hacking is attempted.
Can children go horse riding in the Perche?
Children from age 4–5 can participate in pony sessions at most centres. Older children aged 8 and above can join guided bocage hacks; the minimum age for independent open-country riding varies by centre and should be confirmed when booking.
Is it possible to see authentic Percheron draught horses in the area?
Several farms in the Perche still breed working Percherons, and some equestrian centres maintain Percherons alongside lighter trekking horses. The Haras du Pin national stud, about 30 km north in the Orne, has a major Percheron programme and is open to the public.
What does a multi-day trail ride involve logistically?
Riders and horses travel together between overnight stops at farmhouse gîtes or specialist equestrian accommodation, covering 20–40 km per day. Luggage is transferred by the operator. A support vehicle typically accompanies longer treks and carries emergency horse kit.