The Great Stable of Versailles

The Grand Écurie or Great Stable is about 8 minutes on foot from the main palace. It has priced horses, a riding school, a royal carriage collection, and a museum dedicated to horsemanship. You can also attend the equestrian shows and horse-riding exhibitions while learning about the stable’s role in French horsemanship. Thousands flock to it yearly to learn about its history, architecture, and relevance. However, taking in all the details can be overwhelming with so much to see and do. This article will explore everything about the Great Stable, helping you plan a smooth and comfortable visit.

A Historical Overview of the Grand Ecurie

In 1679, King Louis XIV commissioned the construction of the Great Stable to accommodate his royal horses and showcase French power. The construction was completed in 1682, and the stable soon became the center of the palace’s operations. During Louis XIV’s time, it had over 1,000 horses, including royal mounts, hunting steeds, and those used for carriages. Its grandeur mirrored that of Versailles Palace and was used for various ceremonial purposes, such as gifting horses to foreign dignitaries.

The Grand Stable kept transforming to accommodate the royal family’s needs until the French Revolution, when it was abandoned. Finally, it was restored in the 19th century and is now an important part of the Versailles Palace.

Prized Horses at the Great Stable

The Great Stable had an impressive collection of royal horses that aptly represented the monarch’s power during the Ancient Régime. The horses were known for their speed, grace, and temperament and were the finest in Europe. There were three main types of horses: destriers, palfreys, and courtal horses. Knights wearing full armor rode powerful horses known as destriers.

Palfreys were hunting horses known for their lightness and agility, while courtal horses were famous for their elegance and high-stepping gaits. Their majesty made them ideal for pulling royal carriages. Despite the royal family’s departure in 1789, stable boys cared for the horses. Napoleon, Louis XVIII, and Charles X took care of this academy of equestrian excellence.

The Royal Carriage Collection of Versailles

The royal collection features carriages that were meticulously crafted to showcase French power. The best architects, cabinetmakers, sculptors, bronze workers, gilders, upholsterers, and embroiderers came together to create this dazzling blend of decorative arts. There are Berlin carriages named after the city where the style originated.

Other highlights include the seven carriages commissioned by Napoleon for his wedding. Every detail, from the lacquered paint to the plush velvet seats, was designed to impress with their ostentatious luxury and a profusion of gold decoration and carvings.

From Stable to the Gallery of Coaches

King Louis-Philippe transformed it into a museum and named it “To all the glories of France” in 1831. Parts of the complex were restructured to accommodate administrative offices. Military use ceased and opened to the public, where you can explore its past and learn about its history. Today, it is famously known as the Gallery of Coaches and can be found on the ground floor of the Great Stable.

Academy of Equestrian Arts

Visionary Horseman Bartabas established the National Equestrian Academy at the Royal Stables of the Château de Versailles in 2003. Located on the ground floor, this academy teaches horsemen dressage, dancing, fencing, and Japanese archery. They also put on a weekly show called “La Voie de l’écuyer,” choreographed by Bartabas and other equestrians. The Academy ensures the transmission of equestrian expertise through workshops and tours in an entertaining manner.

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