Riding

Local Riding Schools

Notably, the very close Equestrian Center L’Escapade, run by the lovely Amandine in Avoine (78 rue du Val de l’Indre; T: (+33) 06 86 75 45 37).

Otherwise there is also a very good school a little further afield in Cinais: Centre Equestre du Noisillet - run by Laurence (9 chemin du Noisillet; T: (+33) 02 47 95 93 66). If you’re a competent rider, ask if you can go ‘en balade’ in the countryside (a hack in English) - you may have to do a test lesson first, to prove that you are capable.

Another option is riding at the redeveloped Domaine de Roiffé near Fontevraud, which has flexible options and a very user-friendly website. You can also play golf here (see GOLF).

Just down the road, lies the Royal Abbey at Fontevraud, one of the largest surviving monastic cities from the Middle Ages and burial site to Richard the Lionheart - well worth a visit, whether you ride, golf or end up doing neither!