Tour Horses and Art in France! - Summer 2007 Issue of Horses in Art Magazine

Tour Horses and Art in France!

by Sarah H. Crampton, Editor

Chateau de Chantilly, Chantilly, France.
Like-minded people gravitate together naturally. People who enjoy the world of fine art and also admire the beauty of the horse are the reason for this publication. We present images from artists from all over the world often including glimpses of different countries. There are people worldwide who share in this enjoyment of combining two of their passions.

Bayard Fox, founder and owner of Equitours, began his travel company to offer people with a passion for horses the opportunity to travel together and ride horses while experiencing different cultures. A common bond makes it very easy to form instant friendships. Equitours offers vacations to all corners of the globe to ride horses in small groups and adventure off the beaten path to experience what can only be viewed by horseback.

Horses in Art and Equitours are joining together to offer a unique experience to combine the love of fine art and horses. The May 2008 excursion will begin just a short distance from Paris at Chantilly, France. Chantilly is the location of the world-famous Chantilly horseracing course and the Chateau de Chantilly, which houses the Musée Condé that contains works by Italian, Flemish, French and British masters from the Renaissance to the 19th century. It is the largest collection of art in France outside of the Louvre. The surrounding park is also home to a 17th century hunting lodge and the Grandes-Ecuries (Great Stables.) The palatial stables, built in 1821 by Louis-Henri Condé, at one time housed over 200 horses. The stables are now occupied by the Musée Vivant du Cheval (Living Museum of the Horse) where there is a large collection of historical exhibits as well as 40 horses. There are also daily riding exhibitions.

After Chantilly, the tour continues south to the area known as the Garden of France, the Vallée de la Loire. The Loire Valley is a treasure of beautiful landscapes, historic villages and many chateaux. The Loire Valley tour will visit the Chateau Saumer, which houses works of art and Le Musée du Cheval that exhibits antique equestrian apparel, tack and equipment. Saumer is also home to L’ École Nationale d’Équitation, the special training ground of the Cadre Noir since 1972. A tour of the school and stables and an artistic performance by the famous Cadre Noir is possible if booked months in advance.

Every opportunity to savor French food and wine will be taken and the trip will include staying in smaller private chateaux to contribute to the spirit of this grand adventure.

There are many other opportunities to visit other chateaux and art galleries. Depending on the group, a ride on horseback through the Loire Valley countryside is also possible. The exact itinerary and details are being formulated. If you are interested in joining me in May of 2008 on this art and horse lover’s vacation, send an email to info@horsesinart.com to be included on the list to receive specific information and pricing.

To learn more about Equitours and their world-wide vacations on horseback visit www.ridingtours.com.

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