The Royal stables of the Palace of Versailles play host this unforgettable experience. You’ll see a magnificent display of horsemanship and choreography at the stables’ performance arena, and get a private, behind-the-scenes visit to the blue-eyed Lusitanian horses who star in the show and meet one of the performers.
Considered the pinnacle of French horsemanship, the Royal stables of the Palace of Versailles welcome you to an unforgettable, private visit. Just in front of the palace, an expert guide will open the doors to the majestic compound, designed by Louis XIV’s top architect, Jules Hardouin-Mansart, and completed in 1682. Now home to the Equestrian Academy of Versailles, founded by the celebrated Maestro Bartabas in 2003, the Royal stables have become the venue for a unique troupe of horses with riders who are also dancers, fencers, singers, and practitioners of Kyudo, the Japanese art of archery. With your guide, you’ll visit the superb purebreds of the Academy, including the magnificent Lusitanians that so fascinated the Sun King. You’ll then have privileged seating for the show, “La Voie de l’Ecuyer,” or “The Way of the Squire,” showcasing world-class horsemanship and choreography. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a glass of Champagne with one of the troupe members.
YOUR EXPERIENCE
A privileged welcome by an expert storyteller from the Equestrian Academy of Versailles
A presentation of the different types of horses with the storyteller
A private visit to the Grand Stable of the King and the Academy founded by Bartabas.
Learn how Bartabas transformed the Royal riding arena into a stage for his choreography
See show “The Way of the Squire” with reserved seats in the third and fourth rows
Meet a rider from the troupe while enjoying a cocktail or flute of champagne in the foyer overlooking the palace
A discussion about the dressage techniques that you saw during the show
The gift of a special English edition of the “Connaissance des Arts” magazine, produced by the academy.