I thought about starting this post with the most stereotypical French thing I could think of, but it made me uncomfortable to joke about mimes stealing the Eiffel Tower. Or whatever it is they do, I havent been to France.But Ill add that while I havent been, its only because Im currently planning my trip now. Eventually, Ill be in France, eating baguettes while riding a mime (shaped as a boat of course) on the Seine River.Naturally, as a horse person, the first thing I have to ask (or scream out really) is, WHERE DO I GO HORSEBACK RIDING WHILE IN PARIS??!?!?No need to panic, I have some ideas, and Im sharing them with you because thats just the kind of person I am. These trips are the perfect addition to your Paris vacation. Spend some time exploring the incredible city, and then head out into the beautiful countryside. As they say, Paris is not France, which may seem confusing since according to Google Maps, its definitely the capital of France, but ignore that. For the full French experience you need to get out of Paris and see the country. They are worlds apart. But luckily these trips are incredibly close to Paris, so you wont be traveling too far!Traveling to the StablesLets get started with how to leave Paris to go riding: France has an amazing train system, which is going to feel very foreign to us Americans. Its worth looking into the train as a feasible option for traveling to horses. Renting a car in Paris is a pain, theres not much parking, and most people just use the trains to get around. Youre not going to be needing a rental car during these trips, so unless youre planning your trip to go beyond just Paris, (like a road trip around France), its easier to stick to using the trains.These places I am suggesting do have train stations nearby that connect them to Paris, but youre going to have to talk to the stables individually to make sure you can manage from the train to the stable. Im not in the business of leaving people stranded, but I am a promoter of, please please please dont get yourself stuck in a foreign country at a train station!Chantilly, FranceLets start with Chantilly. Im not talking about the land of Rt 50, strip malls and endless suburbs (thats a northern Virginia reference, where Im from), Im talking about the way more beautiful and magical Chantilly, France (which you probably already knew since this is an article about France).Located 55 km outside of Paris is the beautiful Chantilly region, known for beautiful traditional French Villages, the impressive Chteau de Chantilly, and beautiful landscapes. This area is only a 22 minute train ride from Gare du Nord train station in Paris to the Chantilly-Gouvieux station in Chantilly.For the horseback riding check out this 2 day vacation package, riding through the Forest of Halatte. Theres opportunities to see castles (which is my favorite part of any part of Europe!) If youre an experienced rider, let them know, and youll be able to take a faster ride out to see the Chteau de Chantilly! (only available on weekends).Theres a bunch of different trails to explore, just talk to your host and figure out the best one for you. The horses are trained for endurance, so they are able to take you far to roam and explore the countryside.For more rides, more trails, and more castles, they also have a 4 day vacation package!I feel like these trips are very reasonably priced, which is important when youre figuring out your travel budget. Its a great way for some great riding without breaking the bank.The Loire ValleyThe Loire Valley is a huge draw just for being its loveable self. It is the land of castle (Chateaus) and wine. You could spend several days in Paris, and then switch over to the Loire Valley for several more days (this is actually my plan!)Its full of incredible, fantasy-worthy Chteaus, including the not to be missed Chteau de Chambord,Chteau de Chenonceau, (the castle built over a river and lived in by a lady of the King and later taken over by the very bitter Queen!) and the Chaumont-sur-Loire. If youre planning to go to the Loire Valley, these are the ones to see!There are trips centered around riding to these castles. You get the awe inspiring visuals of approaching on horseback, and then you get a private tour.Lets start with A 3 Day Luxury Trip to the Loire Valley Castles.Consider this your tour of the most magnificent estates, equestrian style. This trip is tailored to intermediate to advanced riders and features between two and four hours of riding a day. The trip starts with luxury they will literally pick you up in Paris and bring you to your accommodation: the Chteau des Grotteaux. I love it when the little things that make life easier are included.Each day, you will meet your horse and ride to one of the incredible Chateaus. Once there, youll have lunch, and a tour of the Chateau. Everything is included, the food, the tours, the tickets, making this a truly luxury experience.Maybe you need MORE luxury? What about the ultimate equestrian vacation through the Loire Valley, riding from castle to castle to spend each night in beautiful luxury accommodations?Well, this one has you covered: 7 Day Loire Valley Luxury Horseback riding Tour.If youre looking for that once in a lifetime trip, this is the one. Its truly, Lart de vivre, which is, the art of living well. And you would be living very well. Prepare to stay in numerous luxury chateaus, riding between them, enjoying gourmet cuisine and wines, riding and exploring the incredible Loire Valley. Spend a day enjoying excursions by car, for when your legs are too sore from riding.There will be so much riding! Four days of riding, with approximately three hours a day. This trip is for intermediate and above, for lots of trotting and cantering through the French countryside.After your rides, youll be relaxing in some of the most luxurious hotels including the Relais de Chambord, located on the grounds of the Chteau de Chambord, and the luxurious boutique spa hotel of Domaine des Thomeaux.This is truly a trip for castle lovers, as you ride through the beautiful French countryside there are many stops at incredible destinations. Imagine having a picnic at the Chateau de Beauregard, exploring the Chteau de Cheverny and its splendid Renaissance furnishings, and marveling the fortified castle of Chateau de Fougres sur Bivre. But theres still more! Ride by the Chaumont sur Loire castle, and up the knights entrance to the Chateau dAmboise.As someone who loves both horses and castles, I cant think of a better trip than this one.A trip to Paris is a truly memorable experience, and has been on my bucket list for years. But I cant think of any other way to make it truly magnificent than to take a trip to the French countryside to ride horses. Honestly the horseback riding by itself is worth the trip, but If its all right next to each other, might as well combine them.Paris and horses. Thats the kind of trip I dream about.My trip is being planned maybe Ill see you there!The post Horseback Riding While on Vacation In Paris appeared first on An Equestrian Life.