Saumur Cheval Festival

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.