Musée de la Cavalerie de Saumur

Located in the former stables of the Cadre Noir, this museum traces the history of the French Cavalry from 1445, when the Compagnies d'ordonnance were created by Charles VII, right up to the present day.

Over 1,400 m², six centuries of French military history are evoked by numerous mannequins, objects, uniforms, weapons, standards, pennants, etc. representative of the Cavalry and then the French Armoured Army.

Throughout the season, discover the secrets of the history of the horse in France through a temporary exhibition on display until 12 November. The Musée de la Cavalerie is home to the Institut français du cheval et de l'équitation (French Horse and Riding Institute), which today brings together the Cadre Noir and the National Studs, and presents more than 300 years of French equestrian expertise through objects and documents, with a particular focus on French riding and traditional carriage driving, horse-drawn carriages, saddlery, genetics and breeds.

The museum also has a documentation centre with 18,000 books that can be consulted by appointment.