Discover Corsica's gastronomy and heritage on horseback – Corte
Experience Corsica in a unique way! Combine culinary delights with your passion for horseback riding.
In complete safety, you will joyfully experience the unspoiled nature of Corsica, shaped by both maritime and mountainous influences. The Corsican horse, small, determined, and sure-footed, will be your best companion as you explore transhumance paths, climb to mountain passes, discover monuments, and reach the beaches (with the possibility of gallops and swims with the horses).
You will enjoy the group atmosphere, the conviviality of the aperitif, and a delicious hot meal made with healthy, natural products sourced from our farm. You’ll also have the opportunity to taste local products from Corsican producers and learn about the island’s history, especially that of Corte.
Meetings and exchanges will be a highlight of your stay in Corsica.
You will share intense emotions with your horse, guide, and group... A 100% unforgettable immersion in the Island of Beauty!!
The price includes
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and a hot dinner), accommodation, and supervision for the entire duration of the stay.
- Overnight stays will be in a dormitory, with one night spent camping, and the option to reserve a gîte.
- The loan of tack equipment, including saddlebags, tents, and helmets (it is recommended that riders bring their own helmet) is also included.
- A support vehicle will be available to provide transport if necessary, as well as the transfer from Bastia Poretta Airport to the Albadu farm.
Meals
- Breakfast: Bread with butter and jam, fruit juice, tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, homemade cake, pastries, cheese...
- Lunch: The midday picnic or lunch varies, featuring homemade sandwiches with local products, salads, or other options depending on the season.
- Afternoon snack: Cake, cereal bars, and a hot drink (depending on our location).
- Dinner: A hot meal such as vegetable soup from the garden or fresh vegetables, farm-raised veal with olives served with tagliatelle, sheep's cheese, and homemade dessert.
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses, as well as any additional costs not included in the programme.
Riding Level
- Intermediate, canter level 1-2 and above, ability to post the trot, be stable at the trot, and control a horse’s speed.
- A FFE (French Equestrian Federation) licence (available from centres) or public liability insurance is required.
- Maximum Age: Adults
- Minimum Participants: 5
- Maximum Participants: 10
- 6 days of horseback riding from Sunday to Friday.
Horseback Riding
Horses are geldings and female Arabians and Arabian crosses, born and raised in Corsica, sure-footed, of medium size (approximately 150 cm), with coats of grey, chestnut, or bay.
Tack
Mainly leather mixed or trekking saddles, equipped with a crupper, girth, and breastplate, double fabric saddlebags, and leather bridles with simple bits.
Guide
Equestrian tourism guide
Personal Equipment
Sleeping bag, camping mattress, lightweight walking shoes or boots with mini-chaps, anorak, riding breeches, windbreaker, waterproof jacket, flashlight, water bottle (at least 1.5 litres), sweater and flip-flops for the evening, hat or cap, sunglasses, pocket knife, sunscreen, mosquito repellent.
Also bring a fanny pack (for easy access to sunscreen, tissues, camera, etc.), helmet or riding hat, saddlebags (if you have them).
We recommend bringing a small personal first-aid kit.
Program Details
Day 1
Arrival at the airport, transport to the farm via shuttle or independently.
Lunch at the farm on the terrace, followed by an afternoon exploring the Restonica Valley and swimming.
Family-style dinner at the farm, served at the guest table, featuring local products, farm-raised meat, and garden vegetables
Day 2
After breakfast, a briefing with the guide about the itinerary and the skill level of each rider for the allocation of horses.
First contact with the horses by going to the pasture to catch them, grooming, and the first saddling session at the farm, along with familiarisation with the equipment and the principles of the trek.
Lunch at the farm.
In the early afternoon, departure for a 2-hour ride to the Pointe du Corbeau, where you'll discover the local flora and fauna, with a magnificent view of the Corte citadel.
Upon return, care for the horses.
Dinner at the guest table.
Day 3
After breakfast, catch the horses from the pasture, then depart with the picnic towards Sainte Lucie de Mercurio, heading to the Civenti Pass, where you'll enjoy a breathtaking aerial view of the valley.
The ride continues along the Mare a Mare North trail, with a picnic break by a stream.
The ride ends with a visit and tasting of cheeses and cheese-based products (a substantial afternoon snack) at the GAEC A Pasturella cheese dairy. There will be an opportunity to purchase products on-site.
Return to the farm by minibus, followed by dinner at the guest table.
Day 4
After breakfast, we will transport the horses by truck. Once mounted, we will take the "Mare a Mare North Variant" and pass through the charming mountain villages of Poggio di Venaco, Riventosa, and Casanova, stopping for lunch by a fountain dating back to the 20th century.
The support vehicle will pick us up, along with the horses, and take us back to the Albadu farm, where we will unload the horses.
We will then depart by bus to visit the only vineyard in Corte and enjoy a light aperitif in the heart of the vines.
Return to the farm.
Day 5
After breakfast, we will head to the Saint Jean woods, where we can enjoy some trotting and admire the Capella San Giovanni Battista, dating back to the first half of the 11th century.
We will return to the farm for lunch.
In the afternoon, we will explore the heart of Corte, including a visit to the citadel by the little train, a tour of the museum, and an opportunity to purchase souvenirs.
Return to the farm and dinner at the guest table.
Day 6
Early departure towards the Aleria plain to the beautiful Marquilliani estate, producers of olive oil, wine, almonds, and citrus fruits.
Upon arrival, we will take a guided tour of the estate, followed by a tasting in the estate's lovely cellar.
A countryside picnic within the property, featuring local produce.
In the afternoon, a horseback ride through the estate's vineyards.
Dinner in a beautiful vaulted room, with a menu prepared by a local cuisine caterer.
In the evening, we will camp in tents or, if available, stay in a gîte. Guests will have access to the property's swimming pool and sanitary facilities.
Day 7
Breakfast on-site, then departure on horseback towards the sea.
There will be the possibility of galloping and swimming with the horses on the beach. Lunch by the sea, then return to the farm.
Final dinner at the guest table at Albadu.
Day 8
Breakfast at the farm, then transfer to the airport for those who wish, by our shuttle service.
The schedule of this programme is provided as an indication. Depending on technical criteria, safety requirements, or current weather conditions, it may be subject to changes or adjustments.
*Only the responsible guides are authorised to make the necessary decisions in such cases.