France 2027

Equestrian Training & Cultural Discovery

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Join the Global Amateur Tour's France 2027 showjumping tour, a 10-day training experience set in the heart of the French countryside. Designed for riders of any age and ability, this immersive tour combines daily coaching with the chance to experience the culture and charm of France.

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Refine your technique with daily clinics, grow your knowledge through seminars on mental skills, course design, and rider development, and enjoy exclusive stable visits and behind-the-scenes insights into the sport at the highest level. You'll also have the chance to spectate at a top-tier showjumping competition, soaking in the atmosphere of elite sport.

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And beyond the arena, France's cultural treasures await, from the grandeur of Versailles, the elegance of Monet's Gardens, and the timeless charm of Paris itself.

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This is more than a training tour, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience blending sport, culture, and unforgettable memories.

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Key Info

 

Tour type:

Training (With a relaxed training show)

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Discipline:

Show Jumping

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Location:

Bonnieres-sur-Seine, France (55km from Paris)

Date:

June/July 2027

Duration:

10 days

Age Criteria:

Open to all ages

Experience Level:

Open to any age (Under 18's need a guardian). Suited to riders from confident beginners through to strong intermediates, this tour welcomes a genuinely wide range of ability and caters for riders jumping from cross poles up to 1.10m. 

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What’s Included

• 6 days of top training

• Participation in a relaxed training show

• Rider fitness sessions

• Informative seminars

• Spectating at a top-tier national or international jumping competition

• Accommodation in a shared château room (private upgrade available)

• Sightseeing at iconic destinations including Paris, the Château de Versailles, Monet’s Gardens, and historic Rouen

• Chef d’equipe support throughout

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Train with the Best

 

Michel Ismalun

Michel is an international trainer, rider, and course designer with decades of experience at the top of the sport. Fluent in both French and English, Michel has conducted clinics around the globe and is known for his extensive knowledge, direct teaching style, and sharp wit. Whether you're building confidence over your first small courses or refining technique as a more established amateur rider, Michel's coaching adapts to where you are, giving every GAT rider the chance to train with elite-level insight while soaking up the culture and countryside of France

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Jaime Campbell-Ward

Jaime brings genuine international high-performance experience to the Global Amateur Tour, currently serving as Equestrian Sports New Zealand's High Performance Jumping Manager and a former Chef d'Equipe for New Zealand's international showjumping teams. Having guided riders through national selection pathways and championship campaigns, Jaime understands exactly what it takes to progress at every level, whether you're just starting your jumping journey or you're an established amateur looking to polish your technique. Her coaching is clear, practical, and rider-focused, giving GAT riders from anywhere in the world the chance to train with a genuine high-performance mind, all while soaking up the culture and countryside of France

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Tour Details 

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The Facilities 

Nestled in the peaceful French countryside, Centre de Houssaye is a premier equestrian training centre run by international rider and course designer Michel Ismalun. The facility features a spacious outdoor arena, a covered indoor arena ideal for all-weather training, and well-appointed stabling for both horses and ponies. With a focus on technical development and rider progression, the centre provides an ideal environment for immersive, high-quality training in a relaxed and professional setting.

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The Horses

Riders will be matched with a carefully selected mix of up-and-coming talents and experienced sport horses, including both warmbloods and Thoroughbreds, as well as well-schooled ponies for younger or smaller riders. This diverse string ensures every participant is paired with a mount suited to their level and goals, offering a valuable opportunity to learn from a variety of equine athletes in a supportive training environment.
 

The Location

Set in a peaceful rural village just under an hour from Paris, Bonnieres-sur-Seine blends traditional architecture, scenic landscapes, and French charm. It’s the perfect setting for immersive training, yet close enough to explore France’s most iconic cultural landmarks.

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The Accommodation

You'll stay at La Fabrik du Bon'Eure, a beautifully restored riverside retreat in the small village of Autheuil-Authouillet, just a short drive from the stables. Exclusively reserved for your GAT group, this unique property features soaring ceilings, light-filled living spaces, and around 550 square metres of room to relax, unwind, and enjoy time together after a day in the saddle.

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With a large shared lounge and dining area, plus a 150 square metre patio and gardens overlooking the Eure River, it's the perfect place to enjoy long dinners, morning coffee outdoors, or simply relax between training sessions and sightseeing. Rather than staying in separate hotel rooms, your group will have the entire property to yourselves, creating a welcoming and social atmosphere throughout the tour.

Surrounded by beautiful countryside and set beside the peaceful Eure River, it's an ideal base for both riding and exploring the region.

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With Paris less than an hour away, Claude Monet's famous home and gardens at Giverny just a short drive away, and the historic city of Rouen nearby, La Fabrik du Bon'Eure is perfectly positioned to experience some of the very best of Normandy.*

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Upgrade Options

All accommodation is based on twin share; however, an upgrade option to your own room is available for an additional single supplement fee. There may also be other upgrade options based on availability.

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The Logistics

 

Throughout the tour, a dedicated Chef d’equipe will be on hand to support riders both in and out of the saddle, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish.

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In the lead-up to your departure, the GAT team will provide comprehensive administrative support, including assistance with travel information to help you book your flights and insurance, and logistics, so you can focus on what matters most — your riding and the experience of a lifetime.

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Rider cost

€7199 (Early Bird Rate €6699, SAVE €500**)

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• The price in Euros is an estimate that excludes flights and travel insurance and includes accommodation, some meals (daily breakfast, welcome and farewell dinners, and some group catered meals at the accommodation), coaching, horse lease, horse transport, horse insurance, venue transfers, any included sightseeing activities,  plus accompanying Chef d'equipe  

• This cost is based on current approximate charges and exchange rates

Supporter cost

€4199 (Early Bird Rate €3699 SAVE €500**)

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• The price in Euros is an estimate that excludes flights and travel insurance and includes accommodation, some meals (daily breakfast, welcome and farewell dinners, and some group catered meals at the accommodation), venue transfers, any included sightseeing activities, plus accompanying Chef d'equipe  

• This cost is based on current charges and exchange rates and is an estimate only

Terms and conditions: 

• Riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult

• A full list of tour terms and conditions can be provided on request. This will form part of your pre-travel documentation to be signed before departure

• Dates are approximate and subject to change based on flight and accommodation availability

• All selections for the tour are at the discretion of the Global Amateur Tour

• * GAT reserves the right to substitute the advertised accommodation for a local hotel close to the stables should circumstances require

• ** Early bird pricing is available to those who apply before October 31st, 2026. 

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Applications Now Open!!

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Places are limited, and demand is expected to be high. Priority for selection will be given to those who have already completed an expression of interest or have ridden on a prior GAT Tour. 

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You can apply below, or if you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact the GAT Team, check our tour FAQ PAGE ​ or click find out more  below to request more information on this tour. ​

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We also offer a range of other training and competition tours. Check out the full tour program HERE.

 

Your ultimate show jumping experience in France is waiting for you!