Horse riding in Carnac – Menhirs Equestrian Center, Trail Rides & Courses
The Centre Équestre des Menhirs is a regional benchmark for horseback riding on the iconic beaches of Carnac, pony lessons for children aged 3 and up, and introductory and advanced courses for all levels, in an exceptional setting surrounded by the megaliths and alignments of Carnac. Located just 3 to 4 km from Les Druides Campground (10 minutes by car), this family-friendly equestrian paradise in Brittany offers a memorable riding experience: introductory lessons for children on ponies with supervision, rides in the forest and along coastal paths, gallops on the fine sandy beaches of Carnac, progressive technical lessons for all levels, and activities to share with the family while respecting animal welfare.
The center hascomprehensive facilities (indoor and outdoor arenas, paddocks and pastures, comfortable stalls), qualified and enthusiastic instructors, small groups of 4 to 8 riders for personalized instruction, and a flexible schedule in spring, summer, and fall. An intergenerational and inclusive activity that creates unforgettable memories during your vacation in Brittany.
📌 About this activity
Camping Les Druides recommends equestrian activities via its blog to enrich vacationers' stays.
Important: Horseback rides, lessons, and courses are entirely organized and managed by the Centre Équestre des Menhirs, an independent establishment specializing inrecreational and competitive horseback riding. Les Druides Campground:
does not organize lessons or horseback rides
does not make reservations
does not manage registrations
The campground simply recommends this excellent activity to enrich your stay.
For all booking requests, availability, schedules, and to find out the updated 2026 rates, please contact the Centre Équestre des Menhirs directly using the contact details provided at the end of this article.
🏇 Centre Équestre des Menhirs – An essential equestrian institution
Presentation & location
The Centre Équestre des Menhirs is a must-visit family-run equestrian center in Carnac, located in the heart of the megalithic zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Location:
Address: Le Manio, Kerlescan, 56340 Carnac
Distance from Les Druides Campground: 3 to 4 km (about 10 minutes by car)
Exceptional setting: in the heart of the stone alignments
Environment: green fields, forests, and preserved coastal trails
Complete professional installations
✅ Covered arena: riding arena protected from the elements
✅ Outdoor arena: space dedicated to dressage and technical work
✅ Paddocks and meadows: pastures for the well-being of horses and ponies
✅ Stalls and stables: comfortable accommodation, optimal conditions
✅ Changing rooms and tack room: equipment for riders and suitable gear
Equestrian philosophy
Strict respect for animals and prioritizing their well-being
A team passionate aboutrecreational riding and improvement
Accessible to all ages, for beginners and experienced riders alike
A magical setting surrounded by megaliths, a unique and timeless environment
👶 Activities by age – Personalized equestrian progression
Very young children (3–5 years old) – First steps on a pony
First fun experiences with ponies:
✅ Baby Pony (ages 3–4): gradual introduction to riding
✅ Handheld walks: the child is accompanied by a parent or instructor.
✅ Pony rides: 30- to 45-minute introductory sessions to familiarize yourself with the animal
✅ Family walks: short walks at a pace suitable for toddlers
Educational objectives: become familiar with the animal, develop respect and trust, work on balance and posture, gradually discover the joys of nature.
Children (6–9 years old) – Fundamental learning
Learning basic equestrian techniques:
✅ Group lessons: groups of 4 to 6 children of similar ability
✅ Private lessons: 1-hour sessions for accelerated progress
✅ Guided walks: 1.5 to 2-hour outings in the forest, along coastal paths, and around megaliths
✅ Weekly courses: 5 days of intensive learning (2 to 3 hours per day)
✅ Beach walks: 1 to 2 hours on the wet sand with its salty scent
Progressive levels (for reference purposes only):
Bronze Gallop: complete beginner
Silver Gallop: controlled trot
Gold Gallop: safe galloping with small obstacles
Teens & Adults – Advanced & Specialization
Technical improvement and specific disciplines:
✅ Advanced technical lessons: 1.5- to 2-hour sessions in dressage, jumping, or cross-country
✅ Walks and hikes: 2- to 4-hour outings on varied terrain with gallops
✅ Advanced training courses: 5 days of technical work for advanced riders
✅ Galloping on the beach: trotting and extended galloping on wet sand
✅ Lessons by discipline: dressage, jumping, vaulting, driving, possibly western riding
Levels:
Gallops 1 to 3: technical basics
Levels 4 to 5: more advanced jumping and dressage
Levels 6 to 7: experienced riders and specialized disciplines
🎯 Main types of activities – Immersion in the Breton countryside
Guided walks – Discovering the Breton environment
Walks in the forest and along coastal paths:
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours standard (longer hikes of 3 hours or more are possible)
Terrain: forest trails around Kerlescan, green coastal paths
Setting: edges of ancient forests, views of megaliths and panoramic views of the countryside
Supervision: a qualified instructor who ensures the safety and management of the group
Pace: walk, trot, and canter depending on the overall level of the riders
Walks on the beach – An unforgettable seaside experience:
Locations: Carnac Main Beach, possibly other suitable beaches (depending on tides and regulations)
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours for a complete walk
Specific features: footprints on fine, damp sand, sound of waves, salty air
Sensations: feeling of freedom, wide open spaces between sky and sea, true communion with the horse
Levels: suitable for supervised beginner riders as well as more experienced riders for galloping
Courses & workshops – Progressive learning
Group classes:
Groups of similar ability (4 to 8 riders)
Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours depending on age and level
Career work: dressage exercises, obstacle training, arena figures
Private lessons:
Individualized sessions with a dedicated instructor
Personalized and faster progress
Real-time technical corrections
Holiday courses:
Packages for 3 to 5 consecutive days
2 to 3 hours of horseback riding per day
Combination of technical courses and discovery walks
Ideal during school vacations (February, Easter, summer, October)
🐴 Animal welfare – A top priority
The Menhirs Equestrian Center places respect and the well-being of horses and ponies at the heart of its practices:
✅ Veterinary follow-up:
Regular health check by a veterinarian
Up-to-date vaccinations and deworming
Foot care provided by a farrier
✅ Comfortable accommodation:
Spacious stalls with clean bedding
Paddocks and meadows for free grazing
Shelters to protect against inclement weather
✅ Work organization:
Moderate work pace to prevent fatigue
Regular rest days for recovery
Harnesses and saddles that are comfortable and suitable for horses
Instructors attentive to signs of fatigue or discomfort
✅ Power supply:
High-quality hay and fresh grass in the pasture
Concentrates tailored to each horse, balanced rations
Clean water available at all times
📋 Practical tips for riders on vacation
Before your riding session
For beginner children:
✅ Recommended attire: flexible pants (such as jogging pants or sturdy leggings), boots or ankle boots with a small heel
✅ Helmet required: usually provided by the center (check when booking)
✅ Gloves: recommended for a better grip on the reins
✅ Closed-toe shoes with heels: essential for safety in stirrups
For experienced riders:
✅ Personal equipment: approved helmet, riding crop, gloves, boots or boot chaps
✅ Riding breeches: for greater comfort and safety in the saddle
✅ FFE license and riding level: to be reported to the center when booking
Advance booking:
High season (July–August): places are in high demand, reservations are strongly recommended.
School holidays: February, Easter, June, All Saints' Day = high visitor numbers
Specific internships: often fully booked well in advance, so it's best to plan early.
Prior contact: allows you to confirm availability and the required level
During the activity – Safety & respect
✅ Wear a helmet at all times
✅ Listen carefully to the instructor's instructions.
✅ Do not touch the animals without the team's permission.
✅ Adjust your pace to your actual level (never overestimate yourself)
✅ Maintain safe distances between horses
✅ Always reward the horse with calm strokes and gentle gestures.
🏕️ From Les Druides Campground
Horse riding activities near the campsite
Camping Les Druides makes horse riding in Carnac easily accessible:
✅ Only 3 to 4 km to the Menhirs Equestrian Center (about 10 minutes by car)
✅ Right in the heart of the megalithic zone, in an exceptional setting
✅ Brochures and information available at the campground reception desk
✅ Heated pool ideal for relaxing after a horseback riding session
Example of a typical day:
Morning: horse riding lesson or trail ride (1.5 to 2 hours)
Lunch at the campground
Afternoon: relaxation at the heated pool
Evening: drinks at the campsite bar and sharing photos from the walk
Night: well-deserved rest in a mobile home or on your campsite 🐴
✨ In summary
Horseback riding in Carnac offers an unforgettable adventure at the Centre Équestre des Menhirs, a regional benchmark for:
horseback riding on iconic beaches with the scent of the sea,
pony lessons for children who are beginners or already comfortable riding,
intensive multi-day courses to improve your skills,
an exceptional environment surrounded by megaliths and alignments,
horses and ponies that are well treated and respected,
qualified and enthusiastic instructors,
a total immersion in the Breton coastal nature.
Just 3 to 4 km from Camping Les Druides, you can enjoy a real horse riding adventure on the Brittany coast, where horses, ponies, nature, and megaliths combine to create unforgettable family memories. An intergenerational and inclusive activity, perfect for a complete Brittany vacation.
📞 Contacts & information 2026
Menhirs Equestrian Center
Address: Le Manio, Kerlescan, 56340 Carnac
Telephone: +33 (0)2 97 55 73 45
Mobile: +33 (0)6 11 07 69 81
Website: via the Carnac Tourist Office (www.ot-carnac.fr)
Approximate times:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (full day)
Sunday: closed (check for special openings)
Open: all year round.
Services offered:
Group and private lessons for all ages
Guided walks in the forest and on the beach
Internships during school vacations
Helmet rental (to be confirmed when booking)
⚠️ For updated 2026 rates, please contact the Menhirs Equestrian Center directly.
Carnac Tourist Office
Phone: 02 97 52 13 52
Website: www.ot-carnac.fr
Services: additional information on equestrian activities and other leisure activities in Carnac.
Les Druides Campground
Phone: 02 97 52 08 18
Website: www.camping-les-druides.com
Distance: approximately 3 to 4 km from the Menhirs Equestrian Center
On-site services: heated swimming pool, bar, comfortable accommodations, information at reception.