A horse-drawn carriage ride with Percheron horses

Nestled between lush meadows and forests in the rolling countryside of the Orne, Julien’s farm invites you to step back in time. Here, in the heart of the Perche region, a passion for Percheron horses has been passed down from father to son. Julien, a breeder and carriage driver, shares his expertise with those who wish to discover this iconic breed.

With Julien Fouasnon-Boblet, from To Biguine

After several years working in the digital sector, Julien returned to his native region in 2023 to take over the family Percheron horse breeding business. Since then, in addition to his farming activities, he has been offering horse-drawn carriage rides and raising awareness among participants about the welfare of this famous horse breed, which is typical of the Perche region.

Preparing the Percheron horse

Julien welcomes visitors to his stable with a broad smile. By his side is Joker, an impressive Percheron horse with a speckled grey coat, who stands calmly. He will accompany us on today’s ride. But before we settle into the carriage, it’s time to prepare! Mathilde offers to brush Joker, which is a great way to get to know him. “Joker loves human contact,” says Julien. He then moves on to harness Joker from head to hoof. Julien points out that all this equipment is ‘important for the horse’s ergonomics and comfort’. While working, he shares anecdotes about the history of the Percheron breed, the tradition of carriage driving, and the purpose of the equipment. The family listens attentively as he gives them a real introduction to the world of draft horses.

Discovering the thousand-year-old village of La Perrière

Once Joker is ready and the carriage is harnessed, the ride can begin. At a gentle pace and to the soothing sound of hooves, Julien guides his carriage to La Perrière, a village designated a ‘Petite Cité de Caractère’ (Small Town of Character). Upon arriving in the medieval village, the driver recounts the history of the old buildings: ‘Here is the old post office, and over there is the former prison.’ As the colourful façades pass before their eyes, everyone on board listens attentively. From the heights of the village, the view of the Normandy countryside is breathtaking.

Immersion in the Bellême Forest

The horse-drawn carriage ride continues, with more information about Percheron horses along the way. Next, we head to the majestic Bellême Forest, which covers 2,500 hectares and is classified as a Natura 2000 site. As we travel along the shaded paths, Julien shares the history of the forest and how its wood was used in shipbuilding. He also reveals that the oak trees were used in the reconstruction of Notre-Dame cathedral!

The highlight of the show is undoubtedly the School Oak (Chêne de l’Ecole): a remarkable 350-year-old tree standing 42 metres tall. Julien slows the carriage down so that everyone can admire it, adding that it ‘sprouted under Louis XIV’. To give everyone a closer look, Julien drives his carriage around the tree, revealing its full majesty, before ending the ride on the forest trails.

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