Academy of Equestrian Arts Tours

Following the age-old traditions of French classical dressage, the Academy of Equestrian Arts hosts performances in the former Royal Stables of the Palace of Versailles. The horseback spectacle is a modern-day equestrian ballet, featuring a mix of haute école, fencing, kyudo (Japanese archery), and performance art.
 
The Basics
Visitors to Versailles can attend the La Voie de L'Écuyer equestrian show at the Academy of Equestrian Arts. A performance ticket also grants entrance to the Grand Stables, which can be explored on a self-guided visit after the show. A popular choice is to combine the show with entrance to the Palace of Versailles, and 2-day passes are also available —a convenient option for those who want to explore the palace, the Gardens of Versailles, and additional attractions such as the Trianon, the Coach Gallery, the Musical Fountain Show, and the Equestrian Academy.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Shows takes place on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon only; plan to arrive 30 minutes before showtime.
• The show lasts for one hour and 10 minutes.
• Performances are given exclusively in French, and while some staff speak English, the show is equally entertaining even without the commentary.
• The performance is wheelchair-accessible, but it’s best to contact the venue in advance.

How to Get There
The Academy of Equestrian Arts is located in the Grand Stables, just outside the main entrance to the Palace of Versailles on the Place d’Armes. It’s a 5-minute walk from the Versailles Rive Gauche station, which is linked to Paris via the RER C train. There is also a large parking lot right outside.

When to Get There
Performances are held year-round on Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons, with additional matinee performances held on select dates throughout the year. There are no performances from mid-August until the end of September.

Visiting Versailles
Visitors to the magnificent Palace of Versailles, the most visited château in France, can explore the lavish palace interiors, as well as almost 2,000 acres (800 hectares) of gardens and parklands. Interior highlights include the Hall of Mirrors, the King's Grand Chambers, and the Royal Chapel, while the gardens are famed for their Musical Fountains and Marie Antoinette's Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon.