After several wonderful equestrian holidays in the south of France, Chris and Lynda bought their first holiday home which enabled them to spend increasing amounts of time experiencing the hospitality of the people, the relaxing life style and enjoying good French food and wine.

In 2002, they decided that a complete lifestyle change was needed and the decision was made to move to France permanently. At first, Lynda’s daughter Tanya was not immediately convinced that she needed a lifestyle change, but she decided to accompany Chris & Lynda on their exploratory visit and - as we hope you will - she fell in love with Laumière on first sight (or to be honest, the stable set-up, complete with mucking out machine!). The fact that the Château came with them was a bonus!!

Falling in love with the Château was the easy part – then followed the rather painful experience of completing the purchase, but this was decidedly easier than transporting horses, family, belongings and five dogs to the South of France in November 2002!

Once settled, the fun was able to begin – setting up equestrian riding holidays in the south of France at Laumière! Your hosts, Lynda and Chris, with their passion for the Château, the regional cuisine and lovely local wines, ensure you’ll enjoy a warm welcome and a wonderful holiday. And Tanya takes care of your horse riding.

Tanya has been passionate about horses since before she could walk. She started competing in the Pony Club with her 2nd pony at 6 years old and continued to do so until her move to France – show jumping, dressage, eventing and showing to National level.After A Levels, Tanya took a year out, gained her BHSAI and decided her career must be with horses. After success competing, she joined the Royal Engineers as an equestrian instructor and went on to become manager and chief instructor for four years. Keen to return to competition and develop her horsemanship techniques, Tanya left the army to set up her own livery yard. She took a Monty Roberts course and expanded her business to include importing young horses, re-schooling problem horses, teaching and working with disabled children – all of which she found extremely rewarding and enjoyable. 

Moving to France to establish equestrian holidays was therefore a big decision for Tanya, and inevitably a number of her favourite horses have made the move with her! Since her move to France Tanya has also gained the necessary French qualifications to become a 'Monitrice d'Equitation' (BPJEPS) within the French system.

Tanya offers a reassuring combination of professional equestrian and teaching expertise with a keen appreciation of natural horsemanship techniques. The result is well cared for, happy relaxed horses who are well trained, interested and alert and confident to be their own characters. You will enjoy the feeling of riding horses and ponies that are truly part of the family and not trail riding plods.

Add to all this the wonderful ambience of Château de Laumière and you have the ingredients for a truly memorable equestrian riding holiday in the south of France!