Jumping International de La Baule
France's CSIO 5* - the equestrian highlight of the Côte d'Amour
France's CSIO 5* - the equestrian highlight of the Côte d'Amour
Every June, La Baule becomes the world capital of show jumping for the duration of the Jumping International. This CSIO 5*, the highest tier of international show jumping and the only one in France, brings the world's best riders to the Stade François André, a few metres from the beach.
We watch the Jumping every year from the main stand. The atmosphere during Saturday's Nations Cup is genuinely electric — the crowd holds its breath at every fence.
Founded in 1965, the Jumping International de La Baule has become one of the most prestigious rounds on the world circuit. The setting is unique: the Stade François André, laid out in the heart of the resort, offers a grass competition arena framed by stands that hold more than 45,000 spectators.
It is one of only a handful of CSIO 5* events worldwide, alongside Aachen's CHIO and the Dublin Horse Show. It hosts the Nations Cup, where the leading national teams meet in a charged atmosphere.
La Baule is France's only CSIO 5*. It has seen the greatest names in world show jumping pass through: Kevin Staut, Pénélope Leprévost, Marcus Ehning, Steve Guerdat and many other Olympic champions.
The Jumping International runs over four days, usually the second weekend of June. The programme includes:
Beyond the jumping itself, the Jumping village offers plenty for families: pony rides, an equestrian trade village, food stalls and VIP areas. The full programme is on the official Jumping International de La Baule website.
The Stade François André is a remarkable setting for equestrian sport. Right in the middle of La Baule, between the beach and the town centre, it offers an exceptional natural stage with its 120 x 80 metre grass arena.
The temporary stands, built for the event, put spectators unusually close to the riders and their horses. The mood is both sporting and festive, and open to everyone, from lifelong followers to the merely curious.
Entry to the Jumping International de La Baule is free for the general public (reserved stands and VIP areas excepted). It is one of very few sporting events at this level that anyone can walk into, which is much of what gives it its popular, open atmosphere.
Every June (second weekend). Four days of competition.
Stade François André, central La Baule
Free entry. VIP stands and boxes by reservation.
More than 45,000 spectators over the four days.
Park-and-ride car parks and free shuttles. The station is a 10-minute walk away.
Book early. Hotels fill up completely during the Jumping.
La Baule's equestrian history goes back to the early twentieth century, when the resort already held horse shows on the beach. The Stade François André, named after the founder of the Lucien Barrière group, opened in the 1920s to host the first organised competitions.
In 1965 the show gained CSIO status (Concours de Saut International Officiel), making La Baule a fixture on the world circuit. It has grown in standing and renown ever since, drawing the best riders on the planet.
The Jumping International is now inseparable from La Baule's identity. It carries the resort's name abroad and brings significant economic benefit to the whole area.