Welcome to Pradis horseriding holidays.
Natural Parc Livradois Forez in the South of France. Small professional horsefarm with excellent care for the horses and riders. Outdoor riding in the mountain range of the Auvergne in a safe and comfortable way.
At an altitude of 700m, far away from traffic and industry, only the noise of the wind, birds, crickets and now and than a snorting horse.
Small manageable groups, professional english spoken guide & well trained horses enable you to relax and enjoy both your ride and the natural beauty of your surroundings. We can offer half-, and dayrides, week,- or halfweek arrangements on full board basis. Just contact for more info.
LATEST NEWS
- Calendar 2024 is online! 21 September 2023
WHERE?
There is a good train connection to Vichy, or Saint Etienne. But you can fly in to Clermont-Ferrand or Lyon.
We can arrange the following transfers :
Airport Aulnat (Clermont-Ferrand) – Pradis 50,-euro per car / single journey
Trainstation Vichy – Pradis 50,-euro per car / single journey
Treinstation Saint Etienne – Pradis 50,- euro per car / single journey
*We cannot arrange transfers from Lyon airport so you need to take the train Lyon – SaintEtienne where we can pick you up, or rent a car at the airport
Discover the volcanoes of the Auvergne. This giant chain of almost 80 extinct volcanoes is unique in Europe. The highest and most famous peak is the “Puy de Dome” near Clermont Ferrand, feared by many “Tour de France” cyclists! From its summit, you have a marvellous view of the surrounding volcanoes.
At Clermont Ferrand, you will also find the “Vulcania” theme park. Opened in 2002, Vulcania contains fascinating, interactive displays demonstrating everything you ever wanted to know about volcanoes. To the south of Pradis, is the town of Le Puy-en-Velay. Just arriving there is a sensational experience. Located in the bowl of a volcanic cone, the town teeters on a stunning series of rock outcrops and giant basalt pillars. The town has three peaks, each topped with a church or statue. Seen from afar, this represents one of the most dramatic sights in France. Le Puy’s main attraction is however its medieval Holy City – a centre for pilgrims dating back to A.D. 962.
There is so much to do. The nearby town of Ambert is just 5km from Pradis, and hosts a lively market on Thursday mornings, where you can buy local cheese (the blue Fourme d’Ambert is world-renowned), sausage, honey, clothes and handicrafts. You can visit castles, museums and churches. And what about delta- para flying, rock climbing and swimming? But if you prefer, you can also just stay at the farm, relaxing, painting, drawing, or just find a quiet spot to enjoy a good book…Pradis is the ideal place for a holiday with friends, family or companions
The mountain paths are strewn with wild berries, forest strawberries and wild plums – but the most famous are the blueberries known as “myrtille”. August is the season of the “myrtille”, a highlight of which is the harvest festival at the “Col du Beal” where local people sell their homemade blueberry pies, jams and sauces. Visit the weekly market in ambert where you can find local cheeses, meat, and homemade bread to really ‘taste’ the Auvergne
We are located in the centre of the 300,000 hectare Parc Livradois-Forez, 5km from the market town of Ambert.
The hills of Billom, the mountains from the “Forez”, the highlands from the Livradois and the valley of the Dore. Mountain streams, mills, lakes, fields, forests offer a spectacular and varied landscape.The isolation and tranquillity of the Auvergne, far from pollution, industry and centres of population, encourage the presence of numerous mammals, which can be found living in the Natural Park. Foxes, deer, wild boar, pine marten and ermine can all be found. More than 30 species of bird can be found including numerous birds of prey – from the smaller hawks and kestrels to magnificent, soaring eagles. So don’t forget to bring your binoculars!
Narcissus, wild orchids and Turkish lilies can all be found on the mountain pastures, as well as the well-known “gentian”. With its large yellow flowers and statuesque height of up to 2 metres, it is easy to recognize. The gentian roots, once crushed and prepared with a special alcohol are turned into a very particular liqueur that you simply have to taste while in the Auvergne!
The FARMHOUSE
Non-riders can choose for bed & breakfast, half or full board for their stay at Pradis. Riding programs are based on a full board stay. They will be treated to a picnic in the woods during the day rides and a home-cooked evening meal prepared with local products like the famous cheeses, honest meat, and delicious mushrooms and myrtilles from this region.
HORSES
Our horses live outdoors in large fields with shelters. They are familiar with the natural hierarchy of the herd, wich makes them very easy to handle.
As they have to work very hard during the trails over the many ascents and descents, we have selected our horses on their good bone structure and gentle characters. Different breeds, from thorough blood till Haflingers, from Pinto’s to Arab horses. Every horse possessing his own qualities and personality. Getting out together on day-trails, feeding, and grooming them makes bounding with your horse very easy…
You will be surprised at their strength and agility.
Please enter our photo gallery to meet “les chevaux magnifiques” of Pradis..
For Who?
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A holiday at Pradis is for everyone who loves the peace and quiet of the country life, but appreciates the comforts of home. At Pradis ‘outdoor paradise’ you can relax, unwind and discover the natural beauty of this rural part of France.
Last 10 years success and our passion for horseriding holidays made us decide to reservate our farmhouse between 01 June till 15 september only for the so called ‘horseriding programs’. But you are, more than welcome to stay at our holiday rental (gîte) wich is for rent whole year