Cadre Noir Saumur

World-renowned for its equestrian school and exceptional shows, the Cadre Noir de Saumur is just 45 km from your accommodation at Slow Village en Val de Loire. Did you know that the famous École Nationale d'Équitation, where French-style riding is taught, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? In fact, the famous riding school was included on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2011.

The first riding academy was founded in the 16th century. Over the course of the 17th century, teaching methods were refined to become the Saumur method we know today. Originally a military school, the Cadre Noir de Saumur only became a civilian institution in 1968. The school is now part of the Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Équitation, also headquartered in Saumur.

Would you like to visit the Cadre Noir de Saumur during your stay at Slow Village? That's perfect, because your camping accommodation is only 45 km from the riding school. So, during your nature vacation at Slow Village, you can easily extend the experience by visiting incredible places in the heart of unspoilt nature, such as the Cadre Noir de Saumur.
During your visit, you'll learn how the riders train their horses and see them at work in the riding arenas. You'll also discover the stables, the saddlery and the school where equestrian executives are trained.

If you're lucky enough to stay at Slow Village between April and October, don't miss one of the superb equestrian shows presented by the Cadre Noir de Saumur. During the same period, you can admire the dressage work carried out in the large riding arena during public performances with commentary.

Dressage with long reins, jumps, obstacles, curtsies, capers and croupades, you'll learn all about horse training and the preparation of equestrian shows. Don't hesitate to book your tickets for the "Matinales", these one-hour public performances spread over some 30 dates from March to November.
If you'd rather see a horse show, you'll love the galas! These take place in Saumur and all over the world. If you stay at our campsite near Saumur in July, you may be lucky enough to attend the Carrousel, the most eagerly awaited annual event of the Cadre Noir de Saumur. During this event, you'll see the military school's latest show, as well as a parade of military vehicles.

Rest assured, if you've booked your camping spot, lodge or bivouac at another time of year, you'll certainly have the opportunity to attend a gala event. For example, you can admire the Republican Guard at the "Printemps des Écuyers" event in April. You can also attend various performances at the Grand Manège in June and September, or discover " Les Musicales du Cadre Noir " in October.

During your stay at the Slow Village campsite, you'll have the opportunity to admire the horses of the Cadre Noir de Saumur, just a 45-minute drive from your accommodation. The school opens its doors to the public for guided tours from Monday afternoon to Saturday morning from February to November.
During your visit to the school, you'll discover the stables, where you'll have the chance to get up close to the horses. You'll stroll through the incredible saddlery and enter the large arena where performances and galas are held.

Three visit formulas are available: the classic visit is a guided tour of the school lasting one hour. The "rendez-vous des initiés" tour lasts two hours and offers a more in-depth look at the school and equestrianism. Finally, "Enquête au Cadre Noir" is a tour specially designed for children aged 6 to 10. During this visit, children retrace the day of a gala horse through a fun and entertaining treasure hunt.

Don't hesitate to book your visit or show at the Cadre Noir de Saumur at the same time as your accommodation at the Slow Village campsite.