Shaped by diverse natural landscapes , Royan Atlantique is a land ideal for horseback riding and trekking. Its equestrian centers organize guided outings as well as large-scale events throughout the year.
Horse riding is the second most popular sport in the region , just behind surfing . And for good reason! Equestrian trails take you galloping along the beach , for rides through the forest , or close to the marshes. It's the perfect setting to let yourself be carried away by the horse's pace and recharge in nature. Equestrian centers offer trail rides adapted to all levels. Lessons are also available to improve your skills or prepare for equestrian competitions.
Routes and horseback riding
Royan Atlantique offers 5 marked equestrian trails for experienced riders and riding enthusiasts in Charente-Maritime . Inland, they wind between agricultural plains and vineyard hillsides for multi-day riding trips.
Horseback riding in the forest
The forests of the Royan region are perfect for horseback riding. You'll ride through a remarkable environment, in the shade of oak and maritime pine trees. With 30 km of forest trails and 11 km along the beach, you can fully enjoy the wide-open spaces of the Coubre forest and the Côte Sauvage for a moment of escape and freedom. For example, from La Palmyre, the 20 km route leads into the heart of the Combots forest . And you can finish with a trot or canter along the Grande Côte beach in Saint-Palais-sur-Mer. Exhilarating!
Accessible year-round, the trails dedicated to horseback riding feature specific signage and adapted equipment, allowing for safe and enjoyable riding . No fewer than six access points to the equestrian network have been developed, each equipped with parking, hitching rails, picnic tables, and a map.
The Cardinals' Route from Floirac to Sablonceaux
The Route des Cardinals is one of the equestrian routes of the European Route d'Artagnan, following in the footsteps of the famous musketeer (from Lupiac in Gascony, his birthplace, to Maastricht in Limburg where he met his death). The European Route d'Artagnan thus offers a unique way to discover France, during a 4,000 km horseback journey.
Stretching 270 km, the Route des Cardinals comprises 11 stages for a horseback riding tour in Charente-Maritime. It covers 84 km of marked trails from Floirac to Sablonceaux in the Royan region, following country lanes through fields and valleys. In Saint-Romain-de-Benet, one can stop to admire the Pirelonge Tower, a Gallo-Roman funerary monument nestled among the vineyards.
Horse riding routes
Boucle équestre N°2 – Forêt de la Coubre
Level reserved for experts/experienced
Boucle équestre N°1 – Forêt de la Coubre
Level reserved for experts/experienced
Boucle équestre N°3 – Forêt de la Coubre
Level reserved for experts/experienced
Boucle équestre N°4 – Forêt des Combots
Level reserved for experts/experienced
Horse riding and equestrian centers
Located throughout the country, riding clubs allow you to practice your favorite activity year-round. They offer riding lessons (including show jumping, dressage, and riding level assessments), as well as introductory and advanced training courses . Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, you'll benefit from personalized guidance.
Many equestrian centers also organize horseback rides , tailored to our preferences and skill level, to explore the diverse landscapes of the region. In fact, some have created their own trails, complementing the marked paths, such as those in Épargnes, La Palmyre, Mortagne-sur-Gironde, and Ronce-les-Bains. Qualified instructors share their passion and offer advice on how to handle your horse. And since a love of horses can begin at a very young age, even toddlers can enjoy a pony ride at one of our pony clubs.
Equestrian centers
Horse boarding
Equestrian competitions and horse races
Some centers also specialize in preparing for sporting, equestrian or horse racing competitions : Show Jumping (CSO), Eventing (CCE), horse races…
The Royan Horse Club
To this end, the Royan Horse Club (RHC), the Maine Gaudin equestrian center, has equipped itself with a track and facilities capable of hosting high-level equestrian competitions. Throughout the year, it hosts national and international competitions. The three Olympic disciplines are represented: dressage, show jumping, and eventing. The Royan Jumping competition, with its CSI 1* and 2* International Show Jumping competitions , attracts the best French riders. The Maine Gaudin also has a riding school and a livery stable.
The Royan Atlantique racecourse
The Royan Atlantique racecourse is highly regarded by both professionals in the racing industry and the general public. National horse races are held there, such as the Trophée Vert , a harness racing event run exclusively on grass tracks. Its extensive training center already boasts renowned trainers. The racecourse is multidisciplinary, hosting three types of races: trotting, flat racing, and steeplechasing . The Royan Atlantique Racing Society schedules around ten race meetings per year, from April to the end of August. In addition, days are dedicated to young people, with free activities for children. A perfect opportunity to discover this activity as a family!
Horse Shows
Whether you're a horse enthusiast or simply a fan of live entertainment, you won't want to miss the spectacular equestrian show at the Zagal Cabaret . Located in La Palmyre, this equestrian cabaret invites you to a show blending horsemanship, song, and dance. On stage, 20 horses and 30 artists perform a series of impressive feats, including dressage, vaulting, and stunts. Truly impressive.
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