Visit the École Militaire d'Équitation in Fontainebleau

We're off to Fontainebleau in the Seine-et-Marne region to make a delightful discovery. Located in the Carrousel district, theÉcole Militaire d'Équitation (EME) has its origins in the hunting stables created by François I in 1515. The site expanded over the centuries, welcoming an artillery school in 1871, then becoming the first National Riding School in 1943. In 1807, Napoleon I commissioned the construction of the famous Sénarmont riding arena, a wooden masterpiece with an inverted ship's hull frame, now a listed historic monument.

Today run by Lieutenant-Colonel Chevalier, the EME trains military and civilian personnel in horse-related professions: grooms, farriers, groomers, riding instructors, etc. It is also the initial training center for army horses, with breaking-in and specialization sessions prior to assignment to units. This mission is carried out by a specific platoon, within a system organized into several poles (training, young horses, competition, farriery, etc.).

The guided tour, offered by thePays de Fontainebleau Tourist Office, gives you access to these areas usually closed to the public: stables, main tack room, riding arenas, farriery, veterinary infirmary with operating room. The EME also boasts three riding arenas, a racecourse and an Avrincourt ring dedicated to training. These facilities serve both the military and the Société Équestre de Fontainebleau (SEF).

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The SEF, which has been part of the EME since 1964, today welcomes 350 civilian riders, from galop 1 to galop 7, mainly from military families. Riding lessons, pony club, competition preparation... the SEF represents the link between the Bellifontaine population and the military institution, while contributing to the dissemination of French equestrian culture.

How does the site work? How do I get into the military school? How do they care for the horses? Who looks after the horses? How many are in charge? What is the history of the site? These are just some of the questions you can ask during this exceptional 2-hour tour. It's fascinating, and we recommend it.

The school stands out for its commitment to helping the war-wounded through adapted riding, and for its international reputation. In particular, it helped organize the modern pentathlon events at the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. If you're coming to Fontainebleau and horses are your thing, this is the place to visit.

As a reminder, these tours take place one Saturday a month, with compulsory registration on the Fontainebleau Tourisme website. A guided tour costs €16. It can also be visited free of charge during the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days).