Saumur Cheval Festival
Family equestrian festival at the Château de Saumur
About Saumur Cheval Festival
Created in 2023 by the City of Saumur, the Saumur Cheval Festival is a free biennial event celebrating the horse and Saumur's equestrian tradition. Held at the Château de Saumur, this family festival offers equestrian shows, presentations by the Cadre Noir, carriage parades, an artisan village, children's activities, and open-air cinema. This event is distinct from the Carrousel de Saumur, an annual military spectacle created in 1828.
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Saumur Cheval Festival: The Horse Celebration in the Heart of Saumur's Heritage
Since its creation in 2023, the Saumur Cheval Festival has become a new highlight of Saumur's cultural and festive life, the French capital of equestrianism. Organized by the City of Saumur and the Saumur Val de Loire agglomeration, this biennial festival celebrates the horse in all its forms in an exceptional heritage setting: the courtyard of the Feuquières barracks, at the foot of the Château de Saumur.
A Family-Friendly and Eclectic Program
The Saumur Cheval Festival offers a rich and varied program, designed for the whole family:
- Family equestrian shows, including creations by Guillaume Assire Becar
- Presentations by the Cadre Noir de Saumur, a bicentennial institution of French equestrian excellence
- Parade of carriages and teams through the streets of Saumur
- Village of equestrian artisans and local producers
- Pony rides (paid) and carriage rides (free)
- Games and activities for children
- Concerts and open-air cinema on Saturday evening
- On-site catering
The Bicentenary of the Cadre Noir in 2025
The 2025 edition of the Saumur Cheval Festival was exceptional, coinciding with the bicentenary of the Cadre Noir de Saumur. Founded in 1825, the Cadre Noir is one of the most prestigious equestrian corps in the world, guardian of French equestrian tradition inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The festival hosted two presentations by the Cadre Noir and an open-air film screening (The Three Musketeers: Milady) in this festive setting.
Saumur, City of the Horse
For centuries, Saumur has maintained a close link with the horse. Home to the National Riding School and the Cadre Noir, the city also hosts the Carrousel de Saumur (a historical military and equestrian show created in 1828, an event distinct from the Saumur Cheval Festival), international equestrian competitions, and a unique network of horse professionals in France. The Saumur Cheval Festival is part of this tradition by offering an event that is open to all, free, and festive, highlighting the richness of Saumur's equestrian culture.
Saumur Cheval Festival — edition 2027
The 3rd edition of the Saumur Cheval Festival will be held in the spring of 2027 at the Château de Saumur. The biennial festival will feature equestrian shows, family activities, an artisan village, and open-air cinema.
3rd Edition - Spring 2027
The Saumur Cheval Festival will return for its 3rd edition in the spring of 2027 at the Château de Saumur. The detailed program will be announced in early 2027.
The biennial festival will continue to celebrate the horse and Saumur's equestrian tradition with shows, family activities, an artisan and producer village, and open-air cinema.
Highlights Saumur Cheval Festival 2027
To Note for 2027
- 3rd edition of the biennial festival
- Château de Saumur
- Free admission
- Program to be announced in early 2027
Prices Saumur Cheval Festival 2027
Practical information — Saumur Cheval Festival
Practical Information
Location
Courtyard of the Feuquières barracks, Château de Saumur, 49400 Saumur.
Dates and Times
The festival takes place every two years, on a weekend at the end of May or beginning of June. Saturday: 2:00 PM to 12:30 AM | Sunday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Prices
Free admission. Free activities (except for paid pony rides).
Access
By car: Saumur is accessible via the A85 (Saumur exit). Free parking near the castle.
By train: Saumur station, served from Angers (30 min), Tours (45 min), and Paris (2h30 via TGV + connection).
Carriage Parade
On Saturday afternoon, a parade of carriages and teams crosses the city center of Saumur.
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Where does it take place — Saumur Cheval Festival
Château de Saumur - Cour de la caserne Feuquières
Cour de la caserne Feuquières, Château de Saumur, 49400 Saumur