Facing the palace across the Place d'Armes, the Grande Écurie was built to house the king's horses and today it is the home of the Academy of Equestrian Arts, directed by the horseman and showman Bartabas. The academy performs La Voie de l'écuyère, a show of horsemanship and music in the old riding hall, and it follows classical riding traditions with a theatrical touch. The performance runs about an hour, with riders on well-trained horses working in a historic setting, and after the show visitors are usually allowed to walk through the stables. The show is usually programmed on weekends, with an evening slot on Saturdays and an afternoon slot on Sundays, and the academy takes a break in late summer. The setting adds to the experience, because you are sitting in a space designed for the king's horses and a few steps from the palace. It is a good alternative to the standard sightseeing round, particularly on a weekend or a cold evening.
What to expect
The arena is an elegant stone hall, and the show mixes dressage, music and choreography. It is not a rodeo or a circus, but a polished display of classical riding, and the animals are the stars. The performance is largely non-verbal, though the booking page notes the language of the presentation, so check it if that matters to you. Many visitors find the stable walk afterwards a highlight, because you see the horses at close range in a historic building.
How to plan
Tickets are best bought ahead, because seating is limited and booking is required. Prices are moderate to high compared with palace admission, and children's and reduced rates exist. Show days are weekends, so pair it with a Saturday morning at the palace or a Sunday garden walk. Wear warm clothes in winter, because the hall is not heated like a theatre. The site is partly accessible, but cobblestones can be uneven, and staff can help with access arrangements if you contact them in advance.
Good to know
The academy's season has a summer break and weekday closures, and individual dates change, so check availability for your trip. The nearby Gallery of Coaches in the Petite Écurie is free on weekends and makes a nice companion visit. If you cannot get a ticket, the stables exterior and the Place d'Armes are worth a look on their own, with the palace gates behind you.
What to expect
The experience
A seated show of classical horsemanship and music in the Grande Écurie arena, followed by a walk through the stables.
Best time
Weekend performances in the autumn season: Saturday at 18:00 and Sunday at 15:00.
How long
About one hour ten minutes for the show, plus time for the stables.
Tips
Book ahead, dress warmly, allow for uneven cobblestones and check the booking page for language and availability.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Horse lovers and visitors who want a different, indoor experience on a weekend or a cold day.
- Families
- Children who like animals enjoy it, and reduced rates exist; the hour-long format works well for school-age kids.
- Couples
- The Saturday evening show is atmospheric and pairs well with dinner in town.
- Pair with
- The Gallery of Coaches next door and a walk to the palace gates.
- Time needed
- About two hours with the stable walk.
Good questions
Where is the show held?+
It takes place at the Academy of Equestrian Arts in the Grande Écurie, the royal stables on Avenue Rockefeller opposite the palace. Parking is on the Place d'Armes.
When does the show run?+
Performances are usually on weekends, with an evening slot on Saturdays and an afternoon slot on Sundays, and there is a late-summer break. Dates can change, so check availability.
Can I see the stables after the show?+
Yes, visitors are usually allowed to walk through the stables after each performance. The academy also runs guided behind-the-scenes visits on some Sunday mornings.
Is the show accessible?+
The site is partly accessible, with an elevator to the upper stands and ramp access to the lower stands, but cobblestones can be uneven. Contact the venue ahead for arrangements.
Is the show suitable for children?+
Yes, reduced rates exist for younger visitors. The performance lasts a little over an hour, which is manageable for most school-age children.
