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Historical site · Versalhes, Ilha de França
Grande Écurie
The former royal stables, opposite the palace. They house the Académie équestre de Versailles, with horse performances in the riding arena, and the Galerie des Carrosses, with the court’s carriages.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Grande Écurie
Opposite the palace, on the far side of the place d'Armes, are two twin buildings erected by Jules Hardouin-Mansart in the late 17th century: the Grande Écurie and the Petite Écurie, the royal stables. The Grande Écurie housed the king’s riding horses and the school for pages.
Today the Grande Écurie houses the Académie équestre de Versailles, the company created by rider and director Bartabas. In the wooden riding arena the riders perform shows that blend horsemanship, fencing, dance and singing, followed by a visit to the stables. On Sunday mornings there are the Matinales des Écuyers, when the public can watch the riders’ training.
In the same building is the Galerie des Carrosses, with carriages, litters and sledges used by the court, including wedding and coronation carriages from the 19th century.
Shows take place mainly at weekends, in two seasons each year, and seating is limited. Check the schedule and book in advance.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour 30 minutes for the show and the visit to the stables; 30 to 45 minutes for the Galerie des Carrosses.
Best time
On weekends, when shows are on: in 2026 they run from February to August and from mid-September to December, on Saturday late afternoons and Sunday afternoons. The Matinales des Écuyers take place on Sunday mornings. Confirm dates before you go.
How to get there
It is on avenue Rockefeller, facing the place d'Armes and the palace gate, about a 5-minute walk from Versailles Château Rive Gauche station.
Tip
A good Sunday plan is to see the Matinale des Écuyers in the morning and visit the palace after lunch. The show is spoken and sung in French, but the focus is on the horses and the music, and it can be enjoyed without understanding the language.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Grande Écurie
When is there a horse show?
The Académie équestre presents its shows on weekends, in two seasons: in 2026, from February to August and from mid-September to December. Check the schedule and book in advance.
What are the Matinales des Écuyers?
They are Sunday mornings when the public watches the riders' training sessions with the company's horses. It's a shorter option than the full show.
Is the Galerie des Carrosses open every day?
No. It opens on specific days of the week. Check days and times on the palace website before you go.