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Les Chevaliers du Larzac Camp

Camps Location

CENTRE EQUESTRE LE RIAL
Our camp is located near the village of Saint-Afrique in the “Parc Naturel des Grands Causses”; a region designated as a National Parc for its natural beauty.

Situated on 172 acres of land, offering miles of trails, the property provides 2600 square feet of covered training facilities, 12 stables, 20 ponies and all necessary equipment.

Separate buildings offer rooms of 2 to 4 beds with shower facilities , 3 dining rooms and plenty of space for activities. Campers age 6 -8 will stay in the building as campers age 8 – 12 will be camping under bungalow tents fully equipped with beds, closets and lights. Meals will be taken each day on the terrace overlooking the valley or in the dining room depending on the weather!

Theme

During the Middle Ages, an Ecuyer (squire) was a knight’s apprentice. He would act as the Knight’s assistant, while learning the skills necessary to become a knight himself one day.

Activities

1ST Stage: Initiation Period:

Time during which campers will learn the techniques of horseback riding and also how to take good care of their pony. Progressively, a bond between the children and the animals will take place… as they learn to know each other during activities. (Horseback riding: 20 days / 8 x 2 hours, 10 days / 4 x 2 hours)
2nd Stage: Horseback Riding Itinerary:

Time during which the children will perfect their horseback riding skills as they take small trips through the Causse de Larzac, riding their ponies to play games or to participate in tournaments (in costumes). As they explore the area surrounding the village, they will uncover clues that will lead them to the treasure of the Knights Templar.
3rd Stage: Medieval workshop:

Campers, during that time, experience the medieval lifestyle making costumes, tools and weapons, preparing themselves to simulate a crusade: following the footsteps of the Knights Templar in order to find their treasure!

At the end of the session, after campers have been dubed KNIGHTS, they will receive a special Certificate to take home !

Field Trips

Treasure hunt in the fortified Templar city of St. Eulalie de Cernon, with its network of medieval streets, its towers and walls built in the 15th Century by the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem AND/OR in the fortified medieval village of La Couvertoirade and its authentic Templar castle and church built in the 12th Century.

Visit of the Medieval castle of Montaigut.

Camping trip (1 day): night in St. Eulalie de Cernon, the most well-preserved commandery in France!

Extra Activities

Hiking, swimming, arts & crafts, medieval games and banquets.