Horses have always played an important role in the history, traditions and folklore of Normandy. The region’s temperate climate, lush plains and exceptional stud farms combined with great equestrian events means it’s a top-notch destination for horse-lovers. Time to saddle up and add a bit of horsepower to your next Normandy holiday!

Horses on Cabourg beach
Horses on Cabourg beach Horses on Cabourg beach, © M-A Thierry

Normandy, passionate about horses

Few French regions revere the horse as much as Normandy and horse-riding is deeply woven into our culture. Horse lovers will find equestrian centres, riding schools and stables throughout the region with friendly English-speaking staff on hand to improve their skills, learn a new discipline or simply enjoy riding. Normandy boasts some of the best riding experiences you could wish for, from a gentle ride in the forest in the Eure département, crossing the Bay of the Mont-Saint-Michel on horseback, or a few days’ riding along the coastal paths of the Cotentin peninsula, to exploring the rolling hills of the Suisse Normande. An exciting horse-riding adventure awaits!

Plan your horse-riding trip to Normandy

By the sea or inland, hundreds of riding schools offer an introduction to traditional or outdoor riding. Outings in the forest, in the countryside or on the beaches at low tide, there are plenty of options, whatever your level. A different way to discover Normandy, at the pace of a horse.

An equestrian aventure

Top horse-riding trails

If you’re a keen horseman or horsewoman, put your foot down and choose one of Normandy’s six major equestrian routes. All of them take you through the region’s most emblematic landscapes: the stud farms of the Orne and the Pays d’Auge, the castles and abbeys, the Seine Valley or the coast and its wild beaches.

Download the map

A different way to discover Normandy

Normandy Experiences on horseback

Normandy Experiences are local gems that add meaning to your trip. You’ll meet Normandy people who are truly passionate about what they do.

Normandy Experience

Balade romantique à cheval à Cabourg - Expérience

A Romantic Horse Ride in Cabourg

Cabourg – Varaville

Normandy Experience

expérience balade à dos d'âne au coeur du Marais Vernier

Donkey Ride through the Marais Vernier

Marais-Vernier

Normandy Experience

Sulky Expérience sur la plage de Deauville

Learn harness racing on Deauville Beach

Deauville Beach

Normandy Experiences for Horse Lovers!

Equestrian event in Normandy

Thursdays at the Haras du Pin National Stud

04 June 10 September 2026

Le Pin-au-Haras

During the summer season, the Haras du Pin offers a unique equestrian experience. During an open-air show, you will meet the artists and their skills and discover these fascinating disciplines. A beautiful show at the ‘Versailles of Horses’ Discover the world of horses throughout the summer at Normandy’s Haras du Pin National Stud. Every Thursday…

Spectacle au Haras du Pin
All the equestrian events

Plan your horse-riding trip

‘Horses welcome’ accommodation
Horse-riding map and guide
Find equestrian centres
Horse-drawn carriage rides

Download

Normandy horse-riding map and guide

There are a lot of excellent routes for horse riders to follow around Normandy. Whether you want a leisurely, relaxing ride, challenging terrain or spectacular scenery, our Horse-riding map and guide enables you to figure out your horse-riding routes and calculate distances. Download our horse-riding map to discover endless options for horse-lovers to discover Normandy.

Horse-riding map of Normandy

To begin your Normandy holiday on horseback

A short video

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