La Manche on horseback

Major bridleways and suggestions for rides
Photo
Photo, © Benoit Ghio pour Wolrd Else

La Manche is an equestrian land. Trot or gallop along the beaches, cross the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel or explore the paths through the Norman bocage landscapes. On horseback or in a carriage, visit the territory at your own pace. La Manche has two major bridleways: the Rando des Haras Nationaux and the Baie du Mont.

The major bridleways

La rando des Haras Nationaux

This trail takes horse riders to discover the prestigious equestrian world of La Manche, and connects the National Studs of Saint-Lô and Haras du Pin. On the way, you’ll see some of the other top sites, including the Roches de Ham, the Souleuvre viaduct, the Château de Pontécoulant and the Roche d’Oëtre. This trek combines equestrian, culinary and scenic delights!

The trail is made up of 9 stages, including two in La Manche:

Photo
Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud

Patrimoine à cheval en Baie du Mont Saint-Michel

The 148 km of this trail meander between Normandy and Brittany, taking you along the coast and just inland. On the way, you’ll discover the rich heritage of the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel. The bridleway travels through varied landscapes of coast, polder, marsh, bocage and woodland, and is the perfect way to explore the bay and its wonders.

 

The stages : 

Photo
Photo, © David Daguier CD50
Photo
Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud

All the trails

With its tracks, greenways and marked bridle paths, La Manche welcomes riders of all levels for a trek or an equestrian holiday.

Itinerary 

Horse rides

Beach ride

Beginner level

The riding school in Granville offers evening rides from 6.30 p.m. (from 8 years of age). This hour-long hack takes you along the beach in Donville les Bains and Bréville-sur-Mer. A great way to enjoy the gorgeous views!

 

Photo
Photo, © Ales Strohl

Beach ride

Intermediate level

For more experienced riders, the riding school in Granville also offers evening rides from 6.30 p.m. along the beach in Donville les Bains and Bréville-sur-Mer. The hack includes some trotting.

Photo
Photo, © Captain Yvon

Dune ride

Beginner level

This hack is offered by the riding school in Granville. You’ll follow the paths through the dunes along the beach in Donville les Bains and Bréville-sur-Mer. This ride is suitable for beginners, from 8 years of age. 

 

Photo
Photo, © Alice Bertrand

Dune ride

Intermediate level

Take part in this ride on the paths through the dunes for a great experience! The hack includes some trotting and is suitable from 10 years of age.

 

Photo
Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud

Beach ride

Beginner level

During 1h30, walk along the sea, in complete safety with La cavelerie d'Andrea. You will take a hiking trail to the beach of Saint-Pair-sur-Mer to admire the sunset over the sea. Aperitif to finish the walk.

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Photo, © Cavalerie d'Andrea

CARRIAGE RIDE

ALL-LEVEL

Andréa and her Norman cob, Caporal, take you for a walk on the country roads and on the beach. With 5 seats, the carriage of la Cavalerie d'Andréa is comfortable and accessible to all.

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Photo, © Cavalerie d'Andrea

 Book

 

See also : 

Photo
Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud

The Haras de Saint-Lô

The birthplace of the Selle Français breed, the Haras National de Saint-Lô (National stud) is home to stallions of different breeds, but predominantly Selle Français, the sport horse par excellence.

The Haras

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