Camping in Savoie for Horseback Riding: Horseback Rides Through the Vineyards and the Bauges Region
Pony rides for little ones, horseback rides through forests and open fields, and trail rides through the Bauges mountain pastures: three riding centres near the campground.
First Steps on a Pony, in Cruet
Hiking in the Bauges region, by reservation only
Horseback riding in the Bauges Park
Classes, workshops, and walks in Cruet
Camping du Lac de Carouge is a 3-star campsite in Saint-Pierre-d’Albigny, at the foot of the Bauges massif. Three riding centres are within easy reach: in Cruet, between Montmélian and Saint-Pierre-d’Albigny; in Frontenex, in the vineyards; and in Lescheraines, in the heart of the Bauges Regional Nature Park.
Three riding centres near the campground
Écurie DLM
Cruet · Ages 2½ and up
Between Montmélian and Saint-Pierre-d’Albigny, a family-friendly riding centre: lessons for all skill levels, camps during school breaks, and pony rides or horseback rides on request, through the forest and across the plains.
Savoie Riding Centre
Frontenex
An outdoor horseback riding tour through the heart of the Savoyard vineyards, led by a certified equestrian tour guide.
Les Bauges Riding Centre
Lescheraines · EquiBauges
Hikes lasting 1 to 3 hours daily by reservation, day trips to the alpine pastures with a meal (minimum of 4 people), and hikes lasting 2 to 7 days in the heart of the Regional Nature Park.
Formulas and Tips
All tours require a reservation: please contact the center a few days in advance, especially in July and August. The hourly tours are suitable for beginners, and the full-day tours in the Bauges are open to all skill levels for participants ages 12 and up.
| Pony Ride (Cruet) | ages 2½ and up |
|---|---|
| 1- to 3-hour walk (Lescheraines) | daily |
| Day Trip with Lunch (Lescheraines) | Ages 12 and up |
| Hike (Lescheraines) | 2 to 7 days |
Prices are available upon request from each riding centre.
Things to Know Before You Start
Tours are always by reservation, especially in the summer.
Long pants and closed-toe shoes: no open-toed sandals.
The day-long hike to Lescheraines takes you past the smallest lake in France, in the heart of the Bauges.
Things to do during your stay
Lake Carouge
At the campground
Supervised swimming in July and August, pedal boats, stand-up paddleboards, and a playground.
Belle Via
Along the Isère River
A 39-kilometer flat stretch between Albertville and Montmélian, winding through the vineyards of the Combe de Savoie.
Fishing
At the campground
Pike and perch in the big lake; rudd and tench in the small one.
Staying at the campground
Pitches for tents, trailers, or RVs; mobile homes; lodge tents; and cabins: choose your accommodations. After a horseback ride, the kids head straight to the campground’s heated swimming pool, which is 27 °C.
A 6 × 15 m pool heated to 27°C, with a beach entry for children and a sun deck with lounge chairs. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; free for campground guests.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can you start riding a horse?
Pony rides are available for children as young as 2½ years old at the Écurie DLM in Cruet. Horseback riding excursions in the Bauges region are available for children 12 years and older.
Do you need to know how to ride a bike?
No: The hourly hikes are suitable for beginners, and the day-long hikes in Les Bauges are open to hikers of all skill levels.
Do I need to make a reservation?
Yes, all rides require a reservation, which must be made directly with the riding centre.