The region of the horse, par excellence

The exquisite town of Chantilly is France’s “horse capital”. Why? There’s the magnificent race course, of course, which attracts some of the world’s top trainers - and ladies’ hats to vie with the best of Ascot. There are the prestigious stud farms and stables, too. And Europe’s largest polo ground. But also because of the palatial stables of the Chateau de Chantilly which were in fact built by the King's cousin, le Grand Condé (just in case he reincarnated as a horse!) Today the stables house Chantilly’s singular Museum of the Living Horse where there are daily live displays of horsemanship, on varying themes (the programme changes each year). 

The Picardy landscapes of ancient forests and woodlands, of vast sand dunes and wide open spaces provide some of France’s best terrain for horse riding. The many riding schools and equestrian farms make it easy for the visitor to practice - or even learn - their favourite sport.

Horse riding in Oise - the area around Chantilly

Centre Equestre du Marais

Route de St Sauveur
60410 Verberie

Tel (mobile): 00 33 (0)6 10 23 50 76

Horse riding in Somme

Picardy’s own breed of horse - the Henson

The Henson breed has its origins in the wetlands of Somme on the Picardy coast. The breed is a cross between the Norwegian Fjord pony and a saddle horse. It is a sturdy, calm horse with bags of stamina - so ideally suited to outdoor leisure riding. The Henson is now a recognised breed in its own right.  For more information, click here.

For a full list of riding stables in Somme, click here.

Horse riding in Aisne

Centre Équestre de Laon Leuilly

Riding stables and school, with both horses and ponies.

Click for details

Tel: 00 33 (0)3 23 20 34 32

Les Ecuries d'Enguerrand
Riding school, with both horses and ponies.

10 Rue des Fonds d'Envaux
02380 Verneuil-sous-Coucy

Click for details
Tel: 00 33 (0)3 23 52 70 72

Other useful links:

Chantilly Racecourse - which hosts the Prix du Jockey Club, the Prix Diane Hermès and Prix Jean Prat. For information on the race course and meetings, click here.

Chantilly Polo Club: http://www.poloclubchantilly.com/news.php

Musée Vivant du Cheval: http://www.museevivantducheval.fr/english/homepage.html