FOCUS ON - THE EQUESTRIAN SECTOR
France's equestrian tradition was acknowledged in 2011,
when it was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural
Heritage List. It has traditionally been a major driver of
demand for property in the area.
France is, perhaps, the world's greatest equestrian nation,
with high levels of participation, a great tradition, a
renowned breeding sector and some of competitive
sport's best hippodromes and racing heritage. Nowhere
is more important than the Grand Ouest and, more
specifically, Normandy.
Horses played a key role in the development of the region's
agricultural background and military prowess. As in many
other countries, the military helped to establish high
standards of riding, and the link remains today through
Cadre Noir, the French military riding academy which is
Grand Ouest - the
equestrian heart of
France.
based in Saumur. This military troop was founded in 1828,
and gets its name from the black uniforms its members
wear.
France is considered a leader in breeding in the equestrian
world, and the top exporter of horses to other parts of the
world. Le Pin National Stud in Normandy is the rearing
ground for 40% of all French racehorses and 30% of all
French sport horses.
Our local agent Lesley Okey is used to having clients
visit because they are "horse mad" and want a property
that is in the heart of the action. She says:
"Normandy is the centre of all things equine in France and
we cater for all levels here, from the basic happy hackers,
"With equestrian events
getting prime coverage in
the 2024 Olympics, there will
undoubtedly be a spike for
equestrian property within
the Grand Ouest.
With equestrian events
getting prime coverage in
the 2024 Olympics, there will
undoubtedly be a spike for
equestrian property within
the Grand Ouest.