Join us for an enchanted time of living in a 16th century castle and riding fine horses in the lush, rolling French countryside. Upon your arrival at the historic and magnificent Chateau de la Boulaye you’ll be swept back in time to a bygone era of quiet beauty and graceful living. After settling in to your spacious quarters in the Chateau, a stroll around the manicured grounds reveals the elegant ambiance of this beautiful property. You’ll discover a number of centuries old, stone out-buildings including the private chapel of Gothic Revival architecture, the cider brewery and, of course, the traditionally designed stone and timber stable complex with high walls and buildings enclosing the riding courtyard. Past the stable you’ll find a dressage arena and a wonderful cross country jumping course complete with natural log and water jumps. As you amble along the grass lanes lined with ancient hardwoods, you’ll come upon a beautiful lake which reflects the back view of the Chateau. Beyond the lake are large rolling pastures which are home to the Chateau’s forty well bred horses.
During the week a number of optional activities will be offered at no extra charge including daily group lessons in horsemanship and classical riding instructed by Ed Dabney. Ed will also guide group rides around the property and in the adjoining 5,000 acre wooded equestrian park. Other activities may include a tour of the Abbaye St. Vigor which is still an operating abbey built in 1088. The abbey features unique architecture and a very interesting museum. You may enjoy touring the French countryside which is dotted with quaint villages, chateaus and historical sites. You may choose to participate in the many cultural events and festivals which are so often held in this area of Normandy.
Chateau de la Boulaye’s location near Omaha Beach, site of the US troops landing on D Day during World War II, placed it in the center of activity for the days following D Day. In fact, General Eisenhower lived at Chateau de la Boulaye and made it his headquarters for a time during the liberation of France. The Chateau was also General Bradley’s headquarters. Because of the historical significance of this area, a half day battlefield tour will be offered for those interested in participating. The tour will be guided by a retired British General who now lives in the area and knows all the details of the history of the battle. After the battlefield tour you'll have the rest of the day on your own in the beautiful and historic city of Bayeux. Here you'll have the opportunity to "shop till you drop" in a large variety of specialty shops lining the narrow streets of the old downtown area, have tea and pastries at Mathilda's, see the famous Bayeux Tapestry http://en.wikipedia..org/wiki/Bayeux_Tapestry. While in Bayeux you'll also want to be sure and see the magnificent 11th Century Bayeux Cathedral http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayeux_Cathedral. In the evening we will meet at Bayeux's most exclusive restaurant, La Pommerie, for an incredible meal of the finest French cuisine.
You are welcome to spend time on your own riding horseback on the property, relaxing, reading, walking, bicycling or visiting the nearby quaint village of Cerisy-la-Foret. While in the village be sure to visit the bakery. I highly recommend their chocolate éclairs. They’re wonderful!
Chateau de la Boulaye, built prior to 1550, was renovated in 1789 and again completely renovated in 1995 to add modern plumbing and electrical standards while still preserving the Chateau’s historical integrity. Your living quarters in the Chateau will be a private area including your own spacious bedroom, complete kitchen, comfortably appointed sitting room and modern bathroom with large tub. You'll find coffee and snacks in your fully stocked private kitchen. Wonderful meals of delicious French cuisine prepared by a master chef will be served in the elegant grand dining room.
The trail horses have all been trained and ridden by Ed Dabney personally. He has taken them through his entire training program and ridden them in the villages and on the forest trails so you will be assured of having a good riding horse.
In 2009 we are offering riding holiday weeks June 13 - 20, June 27 - July 4, July 11 - 18 and September 12 - 19 . We have a maximum of eight participants per week (based on double occupancy). The price of $2,850 per person includes seven nights and seven days at the Chateau, all meals, horseback rides, and transportation to and from the nearest train station. This price does not include air and train transportation, optional battlefield tour or gratuities to Chateau staff. There are many activities for a non-riding guest such as golf, fishing, sight-seeing, shopping, hiking, bicycling or just relaxing by the lake with a good book.
You would fly into the Charles De Gaulle airport in Paris. Ground transportation would be from Charles De Gaulle airport to the Paris train station, St.Lazare. Take the train to Cherbourg and get off in Bayeux. We will pick you at the train station in Bayeux. You should arrive in Paris on Saturday morning and depart Paris on the following Saturday evening. You may want to add a few days in Paris before or after your riding holiday.
Please contact us with questions or for additional information. Contact customerservice@eddabney.com.
Reservations will be accepted on a first come first serve basis when we receive your reservation form and full trip payment. Click here for reservation form. For European clients please contact Madeleine Forsgren at HMS@stenbro.com (www.stenbro.com) to submit your reservation and trip fee.
Chateau de la Boulaye is a privately owned estate and has just recently been open to the public. This is truly a unique opportunity to enjoy the experience of living and riding at this beautiful and historic Chateau.
We look forward to you joining us for this exciting and elegant riding vacation.
- ED DABNEY Gentle Horsemanship
TESTIMONIES FROM 2008 GUESTS:
Ed & Maddie,
Thank you for such an incredible journey in France! You two made the trip so special! I will always have great memories and am so glad I was able to go! And thank you for the “perfect” horse! An experience to treasure!
Debbie Mullinax
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Ed,
Thank you again for a wonderful trip to France. It was a dream come true for me.
Lori Barefoot
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Ed,
Many thanks for a fun filled riding adventure. The Chateau is a beautiful place to come and feel totally relaxed.
Geordie Miller
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