Cadre Noir de Saumur
École nationale d'équitation
France's national equestrian academy and home of the Cadre Noir, whose classical riding displays are part of the French horsemanship tradition inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
The Cadre Noir is the instructor corps of France's National Equestrian Academy, named for its black uniforms. The 'Saumur riding' tradition it carries was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2011. The academy is located at Terfs on the outskirts of Saumur. Visitors can join a guided tour of about one hour to see the stables, tack room, and training grounds, or watch the riders during morning training. Grand equestrian performances are held regularly in spring and summer. Tours and performances must be booked in advance on the official website. Tickets cost about €10 to €30, depending on the event.
Opening hours
Tours mostly Tuesday to Saturday (check the official website)
Nearby sights
- Pierre et Lumière
- Musée du Champignon
- Maison Ackerman Cellars
- Dolmen de Bagneux
- Distillerie Combier
- Musée de la Cavalerie
- Notre-Dame de Nantilly
- Saumur Old Town & Place Saint-Pierre