Grimaud: Horseback Riding & Wine Tasting in Maures Forest

Fresh air beats another crowded resort stop. This 90-minute experience takes you by horseback through the Maures Forest and nearby vineyards, then finishes with a tasting of local wine. I like the peaceful setting and the way the ride connects you with the older, working side of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. I also like that beginners and children over seven can join without riding experience.

The main drawback is that this is a short outing, so you get a taste of the area rather than a long trail ride. The ride may also be cancelled if the guide decides the weather is unsafe, or if fewer than six people are booked.

• One hour on horseback: Ride through forest and vineyards near Grimaud with a certified instructor.
• Wine after the ride: Taste regional wines at Domaine des Clos Servien when available, or in the vineyards.
• Small group size: The outing is limited to eight people, which helps keep instructions and conversation personal.
• A glimpse of old Provence: Hear about farmers, wine growers, fishermen, the Maures Forest, and the Gulf before its resort fame.
• Wildlife possibility: Keep an eye out for Hermann’s tortoises, a protected land tortoise found in the region.
• Easy for beginners: No riding level is required, and helmets are supplied.

A quieter side of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez

Grimaud is best known for its hilltop village, medieval character, and place within the famous Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Yet the countryside around it tells a different story. Before the coast became a major holiday destination, local life here revolved around vineyards, farms, fishing, and the rough hills of the Maures.

This ride gives you a short, pleasant look at that older side of the region. You leave the resort mood behind and spend time among trees, vines, and open country. The setting is the real reason to book it. You are not simply sitting in a tasting room or following a guide through town. You are moving through the land that produces the wine you taste afterward.

I especially like the connection between the ride and the tasting. The two parts belong together. The guide explains the wine-growing area while you are on horseback, then you taste local wine at the end. That makes the final glass feel linked to the place rather than added as a separate tourist stop.

The experience is run by Beyond The Wine from Ranch la Mène. The group is capped at eight people, a useful limit for a riding activity. Smaller groups make it easier for the instructor to check on beginners and answer questions without shouting across a long line of riders.

Starting at Ranch la Mène

The meeting point is Ranch la Mène, next to a restaurant. You should park in the main marked parking area, then follow the sign to the ranch. Transport to the ranch is not included, so you need to arrange your own way there.

That detail matters because this is not a central Saint-Tropez walking activity. The reward for reaching the ranch is the countryside setting, but you should plan the approach before booking. The meeting instructions are simple, though you will want to allow enough time to park and find the riding area.

At the ranch, the instructor provides a helmet, which must be worn. You should arrive in long trousers and closed shoes. Comfortable, closed-toe footwear is important around horses, while high heels are not allowed. Sunscreen is also a sensible choice, especially during the warmer months.

Do not plan to wait at the ranch while a friend or family member follows the ride on foot. People may not accompany the horseback outing on foot or with an animal. Pets are not allowed, apart from assistance dogs under the stated rules, and you may not feed the horses or other animals.

One hour through forest and vineyards

The horseback portion lasts about one hour. You do not need prior riding experience, and the activity is designed for children over seven as well as adults. That makes it a useful choice for families or couples who want a countryside activity but do not have a full day to spend in the saddle.

The ride passes through the Maures Forest and vineyard country around Grimaud. The pace and exact route can depend on the group, the horses, and the guide, so you should not expect a demanding trail excursion. Think of it as a relaxed introduction to the area on horseback.

The natural setting gives the ride its appeal. You can watch the scenery change from woodland to vines and listen to the sound of the horses’ hooves. It is a simple pleasure, but one that feels very different from the packed waterfront and busy roads associated with Saint-Tropez.

Your guide also explains the Massif des Maures, one of Provence’s most characteristic wild areas. This adds useful context to what you see. Instead of passing through trees and vineyards without much explanation, you learn how the area connects to local agriculture and regional culture.

Keep your eyes open for Hermann’s tortoises. They are among Europe’s protected land tortoises, and the guide may point one out if conditions allow. There is no guarantee of a sighting, so treat it as a possible bonus rather than a promised part of the outing. If you do see one, give it space and follow the guide’s instructions.

The guide makes the difference

A horseback ride for beginners depends heavily on the instructor. You need clear directions, calm handling, and enough attention to help people who may feel unsure at first. The activity includes a certified riding instructor and a wine guide, with English and French available.

Sonia receives especially warm praise for her friendly, energetic, and accommodating approach. That is useful information if you are choosing between a generic riding outing and a small local operation. Her manner appears to be a major part of the experience, particularly for first-time riders.

The guide also adds personal color through stories about the wine-growing region and the Massif des Maures. You hear about the cultural and historical background during the ride rather than stopping for a formal lecture. That keeps the information connected to what you are seeing.

Because the group is limited to eight, you have a better chance of getting help with basic riding questions. Still, this is not a private lesson. If you want intensive riding instruction or a long, technical trail route, this short outing may feel too gentle.

A 30-minute tasting at Domaine des Clos Servien

After approximately one hour on horseback, you walk about five minutes to Domaine des Clos Servien for the wine tasting. The winery is described as small and authentic, which suits the overall character of the outing. You are not being sent to a grand commercial venue. The focus is on regional wine in a modest local setting.

The tasting lasts about 30 minutes. It gives you time to sample local wines and ask questions after hearing about the region from the guide. The tasting is included in the price, so you do not need to budget separately for the basic wine portion, although personal purchases are not included.

The winery visit depends on availability. If the winery cannot host the tasting, it takes place in the vineyards instead. That is worth noting, but it need not be a deal breaker. The vineyard setting may actually fit the experience better, since you remain close to the vines and countryside you have just seen.

The wine portion is not a full meal or an extended cellar tour. If you want a serious tasting with many pours, food pairings, or a long lesson in winemaking, look for a dedicated wine tour. Here, the tasting works as a pleasant finish to a ride and a way to connect the region’s scenery with its produce.

Why the $93 price can make sense

At $93 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend 90 minutes in the Saint-Tropez area. The price includes the one-hour ride, helmet, certified instructor, wine guide, and tasting. It also covers a small-group format with no more than eight participants.

I see the value in the combination rather than in any single feature. A basic horse ride may cost less, and a simple tasting may also cost less, but this activity joins them with regional interpretation and a countryside setting. You also avoid spending the day on a large organized excursion.

The price makes the most sense if you want something calm, local, and easy to fit into a wider holiday plan. You get a short ride, a small tasting, and a look at the rural Gulf of Saint-Tropez. It makes less sense if your main goal is a long horseback adventure, a high-end wine visit, or a full-day excursion.

The small group helps justify the cost. With eight people or fewer, the guide can keep the ride manageable and offer more direct help. That matters for beginners, families, and anyone who feels nervous around horses.

Who should book this ride?

This activity is a good match for:

• First-time riders who want an easy introduction
• Families with children over seven
• Couples looking for a quiet countryside activity
• Visitors who want to see more than the resort side of Saint-Tropez
• Wine lovers who prefer a short local tasting rather than a full wine day
• People who enjoy nature, horses, and simple outdoor activities

It is not suitable for children under seven, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, or people with animal allergies. The activity is also not recommended for anyone with recent surgery or a low level of fitness.

The ride does require some physical comfort around horses and in the saddle. No riding experience is required, but that does not mean the activity is effortless. If you are uncertain about your physical condition, you should check before booking.

This is also not the right outing if you want to bring a non-riding companion. Friends and family cannot accompany the group on foot, and animals are not allowed to join the ride.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

Wear long trousers. They are more comfortable against the saddle and fit the activity better than shorts or a dress. Use closed-toe shoes with a secure fit, and leave high heels behind.

Bring sunscreen, even if the day begins cool. You will spend time outdoors, and parts of the route may be exposed. A small camera or phone can be useful for souvenir photos, but keep it secure around the horses and follow the instructor’s directions.

Arrive at Ranch la Mène with enough time to park and find the meeting point. The ranch and restaurant are next to one another, and the marked parking area leads you toward the correct entrance.

The best attitude is relaxed. You are there to enjoy the pace, the views, and the horses, not to race along a trail. Listen closely to the instructor, do not feed the animals, and give any tortoise you see plenty of room.

The tour operates in English and French. If you need one of those languages, confirm your preferred option when checking availability. The outing may be cancelled in bad weather, and it may also be cancelled if fewer than six people are booked. In the latter case, you receive a refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are helpful if your Provence schedule is still changing.

How it compares with a standard Saint-Tropez day

A day in Saint-Tropez can easily become a parade of expensive restaurants, crowded streets, and waterfront people-watching. Those experiences have their place, but they do not show much of the region’s rural side.

This ride gives you a different view. You see vineyards, forest, and the terrain of the Maures rather than only the famous coastal image. The guide’s stories about farmers, fishermen, and wine growers add a sense of place that a quick stop in town may miss.

The tradeoff is length. Ninety minutes passes quickly, especially once you include the move from the ranch to the tasting. You will not see every corner of the Massif des Maures or become an expert on Provençal wine. You will, however, get a well-shaped sample of both.

I would pair this with time in Grimaud or Saint-Tropez rather than treating it as a complete day’s activity. The ride works best as a peaceful break between larger sightseeing plans.

Should you book the Grimaud horseback ride?

Book it if you want a gentle outdoor experience with local character, especially if you are new to horseback riding. The forest and vineyard views, small group, and wine tasting make this more interesting than a simple ride around a ranch.

Sonia’s warm guiding style is another reason to consider it, particularly if you value friendly personal attention. The activity also offers good flexibility for families with children over seven and for visitors who want an authentic pause from the coastal crowds.

Skip it if you need a long trail ride, have mobility or back concerns, cannot tolerate contact with animals, or want a serious wine course. Also think twice if you are unwilling to arrange transport to Ranch la Mène or if your schedule cannot handle a possible weather cancellation.

For the right person, $93 is a fair price for a short ride, a local tasting, and a fresh look at the countryside around Saint-Tropez. It is a small experience, but it gives you a side of the Gulf that many visitors miss.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

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

Where does the horseback ride begin?

The ride begins at Ranch la Mène near Grimaud. The ranch is next to a restaurant, and you should park in the main marked area before following the sign to the ranch.

Is horseback riding experience required?

No. The ride is open to beginners, and no riding level is required. A certified riding instructor is provided, and helmets are included.

Can children join the activity?

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

What should I wear?

Wear long trousers and comfortable, closed-toe shoes. High heels are not allowed. Sunscreen is also recommended, and the ranch provides a helmet.

Where does the wine tasting take place?

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

Is the activity available in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English and French. It is a small-group activity limited to eight participants.