the academy
Where the horse becomes a partner in creation
Since 2003, located in the heart of the Great Stables at the Palace of Versailles, the Versailles Equestrian Academy has embodied an exceptional vision: combining traditional French horsemanship with contemporary artistic expression and excellence. Founded by Bartabas, this school-company—unique in the world—is dedicated to welcoming riders and equestrian artists to train them in the art of horsemanship, with absolute respect for oneself and others. Transmission of knowledge and excellence define their daily lives.
“I wanted to create a school —a school of a new kind, a sort of training center where a philosophy of ‘living together’ would be developed, a school where horses would teach us to work in harmony, with respect for one another, a school in constant motion that evolves at the pace of a human and a horse learning from each other.
I envisioned this Academy as a high-level school, able to train artistic riders, but one that would also be a place of personal growth, a place where beautiful people are shaped. I did not envision the act of passing on knowledge as merely communicating one’s technique or expertise to others.” Bartabas – quote from Manifeste pour la vie d’artiste
Visitors are invited to explore a world of its own, a world of light, discipline, and poetry, where everyone can discover all aspects of equestrian art. Every weekend, the Academy opens its doors for a unique experience: a performance of its signature show, La Voie de l’écuyère, followed by a self-guided tour of the stables.
shows
Every ballet company exist through its repertoire
A signature production of the Academy, La Voie de l’écuyère showcases Haute École Dressage as an artistic for sensitivity and emotion. The narrative remains faithful to the spirit of the original creation: the scenes evolve over time, reflecting the growing expertise of both the riders and the horses.
Every weekend, this repertoire performance imagined by Bartabas shows off the Academy’s work. Rooted in the transmission of knowledge, it revisits its iconic acts, such as the horseback fencing choregraphed sequence or the ballet of the Sorraia horses in academic long-reining. Solos, pas de deux, and Carousel are punctuated by texts from the great masters of horsemanship, which attest to the excellence of traditional French dressage. All aim to celebrate the harmony of the bond between human and animal.
AN EXCEPTIONAL place
A Living Heritage of Equestrian Art
An iconic feature of the Palace of Versailles, the Great Stable was designed in the 17th century by Jules Hardouin-Mansart at the request of Louis XIV. At the time, it housed the king’s horses as well as the École des Pages du Roi (King’s Pages School), where young nobles were trained in etiquette, dance, the use of weapons, and horsemanship.
Hotspot of equestrian art, the Great Stable is the birthplace of French traditional horsemanship, championed by the master riders of the Versailles School and built on the principles of lightness and balance, advocated by François Robichon de La Guérinière.
Today, it is reclaiming its artistic purpose. The Equestrian Academy of Versailles carries on this legacy by reinventing it: a living tradition, nourished by contemporary creativity and focused on transmission.
The Academy’s presence in the Great Stable thus continues the history of horses at Versailles and brings to life, in a contemporary setting, the spirit of the great riding schools that shaped this place.
practical information
Book online at acadequestre.fr or by phone at 01 39 02 62 70
1-hour show, followed by a self-guided tour of the stables
• Schedule:
February 28–June 30: Saturdays at 6 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m., and Wednesdays at 3 p.m. during Île-de-France school holidays
July 1–August 2: Saturdays at 6 p.m., Sundays at 5 p.m., and Wednesdays at 5 p.m.
August 3 to September 18: Annual closure
September 19 to December 31: Saturdays at 6 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m., and Wednesdays at 3 p.m. during the Île-de-France school holidays
• Prices: €17 to €36
Recommended for ages 5 and up; children 3 and under are not permitted
For inquiries: info@acadequestre.fr | 01 39 02 62 70
• Location: Royal Riding Hall of the Grande Écurie at the Palace of Versailles
Unreserved seating.
We recommend arriving 30 minutes before the performance begins.
Parking available on the Place d’Armes.
Entrance ticket + horse show
This ticket gives access to the whole of the Estate and also to the Equestrian Show presented at the Equestrian Academy of Versailles.
Entrance ticket + horse show
This ticket gives access to the whole of the Estate and also to the Equestrian Show presented at the Equestrian Academy of Versailles.
Entrance ticket + horse show
This ticket gives access to the whole estate of Versailles and to the show of the Equestrian Academy of Versailles.
It gives access to the palace at 9:30 am and to the show, depending on the day you choose: Saturday at 6 pm or Wednesday and Sunday at 3 pm.
It includes :
- the Palacewith timed entry;
- the estate of Trianon;
- the temporary exhibitions;
- the Gallery of Coaches (every weekend);
- the Sculptures and Mouldings Gallery (every weekend until 31 October only);
- the Royal Tennis Court;
- the Gardens (until 31 October, single admission during the Musical Gardens or Musical Fountains Show, ticket valid for one entry);
- the Park.
To make the most of the Estate of Versailles, the Gardens are open from 8am, the Estate of Trianon from 12pm, the Gallery of Coaches from 12.30pm.
The gardens close exceptionally at 5.30pm on Saturdays during The Night Fountains Show from June 7th to September 20th, as well as on Saturday May 24th, Monday July 14th, Friday August 15th and October 26th, 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st.
Rates
