Created in November 2014, the European Association of the Route d'Artagnan has set itself the goal of creating the very first "European Equestrian Itinerary" based on the model of the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela, in the footsteps of the famous Musketeer. It offers riders and leaders of all levels an equestrian experience but also an opportunity to discover the European cultural diversity, heritage, gastronomy and variety of landscapes in 6 member countries of the European Union. The Route is also open to mountain bikers and pedestrians. The European Association of the Route d'Artagnan has also developed the label "Etape de la Route Européenne d'Artagnan". This label is awarded to accommodation providers who offer riders and horses board and lodging, based on compliance with the criteria of the "REA Accommodation Providers' Charter". This gives them better visibility and greater attractiveness due to the quality of the services offered. In addition, the European Route d'Artagnan enables the territories to be anchored in a European dimension to contribute to their tourist and cultural development, particularly through the process undertaken with a view to obtaining the label "European Cultural Route" from the Council of Europe. Finally, equestrian activity is sustainable tourism, since hiking contributes to the respect and preservation of landscapes through the maintenance of hiking trails.