Académie Equestre de Versailles

Equestrian experiences in Paris region

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just passionate about horses, here’s a selection of equestrian experiences to enjoy now.
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Horse lovers are invited to the Paris Region in 2024 for the Olympic Games!

Based on 3 disciplines, the Paris 2024 equestrian events will take place in the splendid Estate of Versailles, equipped to an exceptional standard for the occasion. For show jumping, dressage and eventing, the equestrian world has found the most beautiful setting to compete in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris!

While waiting for this international event, you can enjoy famous horse races, walks, horse shows and unique tours. Paris Region invites you to saddle up!

The not-to-be-missed horse show

From 17 to 19 March 2023, the long-awaited Saut Hermès will take place at the Grand Palais Éphémère. The best riders in the world will meet to offer you a unique experience in the heart of Paris. A unique equestrian show!

Saut Hermès
Saut Hermès

A walk, a trot... and a jump!

Women dressed to the nines, tourists and families alike come together at the Paris region’s racecourses to place a bet or simply enjoy the unique atmosphere.

All year round, you can attend exceptional equestrian events such as the Prix de l’Etoile Harness Trot Race in September at the Hippodrome de Vincennes racecourse and the famous Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe%252C Paris Longchamp
Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

The Hippodrome de la Solle racecourse in Fontainebleau is among the oldest in France. In July, it’s the venue for the Grand Prix Classic and in November it’s used for the Grand Steeple-Chase. So get out your binoculars, you’re in for a wild time!

Horse rides through magnificent natural surroundings

Whether you walk, trot or gallop, you can enjoy the vast open spaces of the Gâtinais Français Nature Park to the west of Paris and its signposted bridle paths.

Randonnée équestre%252C Parc naturel régional du Gâtinais français
Regional Natural Park of the Gâtinais français

Cross rivers, discover historic sites such as Courances and its magnificent castle, Milly-la-Forêt, etc. And in order to enjoy the landscape stress-free, don’t forget to:

Download your free map of circular equestrian routes

Maisons-Laffitte: no need to rein it in

Discover “Horse City” on horseback! Horse Holidays France and their team of professional riders will accompany you on discovery rides, explorations, riding sessions or carriage rides.

Let your steed and chaperone be your guides as you enjoy the enchanting setting of this historic French city.

Horse Holidays%252C centre de randonnées équestres%252C Maisons-Laffitte.
Horse Holidays France

Behind the scenes at Versailles’ Royal Stables

Versailles, with its Hall of Mirrors, gardens and more, provides the chance for a majestic deep dive into the history of France. Top off your visit by exploring the royal stables which now house the Equestrian Academy of Versailles.

A unique “ballet company” created by the famous equerry Bartabas, every Saturday and Sunday the Academy presents La Voie de l’écuyère - opus 2023 in the magnificent Grande Écurie wooden riding arena which combines different artistic disciplines in a baroque equestrian ballet like no other. The performance is followed by a tour of the stables.

Equestrian theatre

Attending an equestrian show under the wooden roof of the Zingaro Theatre, where man and horse commune in ways orchestrated by the famous Bartabas (yes, him again) is an absolute must.

The curtain rises and the majestic stallions come on stage. You hear the muffled sound of hooves on the sand, a gentle neigh and then the music starts: the prelude to a show that is full of poetry with a sense of freedom.

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  • Copyright image: Agathe Pupeney