Grimaud: Horseback Riding & Wine Tasting in Maures Forest

Horse hooves, pine-scented air, vineyards, and a glass of local rosé make this a fine way to see a quieter side of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. The ride leaves the beach clubs and bright lights behind for the Maures Forest, one of Provence’s most typical wild areas.

I like the easy pace and the fact that no riding experience is required. I also like the small group, limited to eight people, which gives the certified instructor room to help beginners and explain the wine-growing region. Guides such as Sonia have been praised for their friendly, energetic manner.

The main catch is the short running time. The horseback portion lasts about one hour, so this is an introduction to the countryside rather than a long trail ride. The tour may also be cancelled for bad weather or if fewer than six people book.

Key points to know before you book

• One hour on horseback: Ride through forest and vineyard scenery near Grimaud, with no previous riding experience required.
• Wine tasting afterward: Spend about 30 minutes tasting regional wines at Domaine des Clos Servien when the winery is available.
• Small group of eight: The limited group size makes this more manageable for first-time riders.
• A guide-led view of Provence: Learn about the Maures Forest, local wine production, and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez’s farming and fishing past.
• A chance to spot wildlife: Keep an eye out for Hermann’s tortoises, a protected land tortoise native to parts of the region.
• Practical clothing matters: Wear long trousers and closed shoes. Helmets are provided and required.

A quieter side of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez

The Gulf of Saint-Tropez is famous for yachts, villas, beaches, and summer crowds. This ride shows you a different Provence, one shaped by farmers, wine growers, and fishermen rather than seaside glamour.

From Ranch la Mène, you head into the countryside around Grimaud. The scenery includes the Maures Forest and vineyards, with the guide explaining how the region’s natural setting connects to local wine production and rural life.

That change of pace is the real point of the outing. You are not trying to cover a large area or fit in a dozen sights. Instead, you spend 90 minutes outside, moving at horse speed and paying attention to the countryside around you.

I find that horseback riding can reveal details you miss from a car. You hear the horses’ hooves, notice the changing ground beneath you, and have time to look around. It is a simple activity, but it gives the Gulf a more grounded feel.

Starting at Ranch la Mène

The meeting point is Ranch la Mène, beside a restaurant. You should park in the main marked area, then follow the signs to the ranch.

Transport from the ranch is not included, so you need to arrange your own way there. This matters if you are staying in Saint-Tropez, Port Grimaud, or elsewhere along the gulf. The available information does not include hotel pickup, so plan on reaching the ranch independently.

Give yourself enough time to find the correct entrance. The directions are straightforward, but the ranch and restaurant sit next to each other, and the signs are meant to guide you from the parking area to the riding meeting point.

Before setting off, the instructor provides a helmet. You must wear it during the ride. You should arrive in long trousers and closed-toe shoes. Comfortable shoes are best, while high heels are not allowed.

One hour through the Maures Forest and vineyards

The riding portion lasts about one hour. It is designed for beginners as well as people who already know how to ride, and children over seven may take part.

That broad access is useful, but you should still be honest about your own comfort level. The activity is not suitable for people with a low level of fitness, back problems, recent surgery, reduced mobility, animal allergies, or pregnancy. You also need enough balance and confidence to spend an hour on horseback.

The pace and exact route are not specified, so you should not expect a demanding gallop or an advanced riding lesson. The value comes from being outdoors and seeing the area from horseback. If you want a long, technical trail ride, this may feel too short. If you want a gentle introduction, the format makes sense.

The guide talks about the Massif des Maures, the wine-growing region, and the history and culture of the Gulf. This gives the ride more purpose than simply circling through a paddock. You learn how the forest and vineyards fit into the character of Provence as you move through them.

Keep your camera ready, but secure it carefully. The route offers photo opportunities, and the mix of horses, forest, and vineyard rows makes for memorable pictures. At the same time, you need to pay attention to your horse and the path rather than spend the whole hour looking at your phone.

Looking for Hermann’s tortoises

One of the more unusual details of the ride is the chance to see a Hermann’s tortoise. This protected land tortoise is one of the few tortoise species still found in the region.

There is no promise that you will spot one. These animals are small and easy to miss, so the best approach is to let the guide point out suitable places while you keep your eyes open. The possibility adds a gentle wildlife element to the ride without turning it into a dedicated animal-watching tour.

It also highlights the value of visiting the Maures Forest with someone familiar with the area. A guide can explain what you are seeing and help you notice more than you would on your own.

Learning about local wine without a full winery tour

At the end of the ride, you walk about five minutes to Domaine des Clos Servien for a 30-minute wine tasting, when the winery is available.

This is a small, authentic winery rather than a large production site. That suits the tone of the activity. The focus is not on a long technical presentation or a formal meal. You finish an outdoor ride with a taste of the local wine culture, then return to Ranch la Mène.

The winery is subject to availability. If it cannot host the tasting, the wine is served in the vineyards instead. That alternative keeps the final part connected to the countryside, though it means the setting may vary from one departure to another.

The information provided does not list the exact wines or number of pours, so you should think of this as a short regional tasting, not a full wine course. The experience is especially appealing if you want to sample Provençal wine but do not want to spend half a day at several estates.

A glass of rosé fits the setting well, and one participant specifically enjoyed rosé after riding through the vineyards. You should remember that the tasting comes after the horseback portion. If you are sensitive to alcohol after physical activity, pace yourself and drink water when available.

What the small group changes

The tour accepts up to eight participants. That is a useful size for an activity involving horses, beginners, and a moving route.

A small group can make instructions easier to hear and gives the instructor more time to help riders individually. It also keeps the outing from feeling like a large procession through the countryside.

There is one important condition: the tour may be cancelled if fewer than six people book. If that happens, you receive a refund. The activity can also be cancelled because of bad weather, with the guide making the safety decision.

That minimum group size is worth noting when planning around a tight schedule. If this ride is one of the main reasons for your visit to Grimaud, avoid placing it on the last possible day of your trip.

The live guide service is available in English and French. The guide is both a certified riding instructor and a wine guide, so you receive help with the horses as well as background on the local region.

How much value do you get for $93?

The price is $93 per person. For a 90-minute outing, that is not a bargain-basement activity, but it covers two linked experiences: a guided horseback ride and a wine tasting.

The price makes more sense if you would otherwise book separate activities for countryside sightseeing and wine tasting. You also receive a helmet and guidance from a certified instructor. The small group adds value, especially if you are new to riding and want more attention than a large stable operation can provide.

On the other hand, the horseback ride is only one hour. You are paying for a compact experience, not a half-day excursion. Personal expenses and transport to the ranch are extra, so include those costs in your planning.

I would consider it good value for someone who wants a relaxed outdoor activity with a clear local connection. I would hesitate if your priority is a long ride, an in-depth winery visit, or the lowest possible price.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

This tour suits couples, families with children over seven, and adults who want something different from beaches and shopping. It also works well for first-time riders because no level of experience is required.

You do not need to be an expert equestrian. You do need to be comfortable around horses and physically able to spend an hour riding. Long trousers and proper shoes are not optional extras here. They make the ride more comfortable and protect your legs.

The activity is a poor fit for anyone with a back condition, recent surgery, limited mobility, animal allergy, or low fitness level. Pregnant women should not book it. Pets cannot join, and people who want to walk alongside the horses are not permitted for safety reasons. Assistance dogs are allowed.

Families should pay close attention to the age rule. Children under seven cannot participate. Older children may join, but the experience still requires them to follow the instructor’s directions and behave safely around horses.

Tips for making the ride more comfortable

Apply sunscreen before you arrive. You will be outdoors in the forest and vineyard areas, and the ride is not described as a shaded activity from start to finish.

Wear trousers, not shorts or a skirt, and choose sturdy closed shoes. High heels are prohibited, and open shoes are a poor choice around horses even if they were permitted.

Bring only what you can safely carry. A camera or phone may be useful for pictures, but keep it secure while riding. Do not feed the horses or other animals.

The riding route may be cancelled for bad weather. If the forecast looks uncertain, keep some flexibility in your plans. The provider also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity, and you can reserve while paying later, which helps if you are still arranging your time around Saint-Tropez.

Should you book the Grimaud horseback ride?

Book this if you want a short, scenic countryside activity with a local wine tasting attached. It is a particularly good pick for beginners, families with children over seven, and anyone who wants to see the Gulf of Saint-Tropez away from the coast.

The strongest parts are the forest and vineyard setting, the small group, the chance to learn about the Massif des Maures, and the easy transition from riding to wine tasting. Guides such as Sonia have been praised for their warm, helpful style, which matters when some members of the group are new to horses.

Skip it if you want a long trail ride, serious riding instruction, or a detailed winery visit. At $93, the tour earns its price through the combination of horse riding, regional context, and wine. Just remember that it is compact, weather-dependent, and best suited to people who are physically comfortable on horseback.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts 90 minutes. About one hour is spent horseback riding, followed by a 30-minute wine tasting.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Ranch la Mène in Grimaud. The ranch and a restaurant are next to each other, and you should park in the main marked area before following the signs to the ranch.

Is previous horseback riding experience required?

No. The ride is open to beginners and experienced riders, and no riding level is required.

Can children join the horseback ride?

Children over seven may participate. Children under seven are not allowed to join.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable shoes, long trousers, and closed-toe shoes. High heels are not allowed. A helmet is provided and must be worn.

Where does the wine tasting take place?

The tasting is normally held at Domaine des Clos Servien, about a five-minute walk from the ranch. If the winery is unavailable, the tasting takes place in the vineyards.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The live guide service is available in English and French.

Can the tour be cancelled?

Yes. The tour may be cancelled because of bad weather or if fewer than six people book. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.