Christmas equestrian show – The Golden Arc

From November 29, 2025, to January 4, 2026, don’t miss the new Christmas production by the Chantilly Castle Equestrian Company!

The central character, Éloi, a young, penniless, dreamy blacksmith, leaves his village in search of a fabulous treasure. On his journey, he will face a tyrannical queen, overly talkative princesses, deceitful mirrors, and bewitching reflection women. Fortunately, Grillon, a mischievous and playful spirit, watches over him and protects him. At the end of his journey of discovery, Éloi will discover that the most precious thing was hidden where he least expected it.

Through a multitude of equestrian scenes set in very different worlds, L’Arche d’Or will transform the dome of the Grandes Écuries into a dreamlike world where humor and Christmas spirit come together to delight the whole family.

Created and directed by Virginie Bienaimé, this new Christmas equestrian show, L’Arche d’Or, is inspired by the worlds of The Little Prince and Pinocchio. It evokes nostalgia for “home,” the quest for initiation, and self-discovery through a poetic and luminous journey. High school and jockey vaulting acts are combined with costumes designed by Monika Mucha, inspired by the aesthetics of Tim Burton, and music that sets the pace for the audience’s emotions.

Under the direction of Sophie Bienaimé, equestrian and artistic director of the Grandes Écuries, the riders of the Compagnie équestre du Château de Chantilly, accompanied by an actor, two acrobats, and their horses, will bring this Christmas tale to life.

Created and directed by: Virginie Bienaimé
Equestrian and artistic director: Sophie Bienaimé
Costume design: Monika Mucha
Costume design assistant: Maëlle Boireau
Lighting design: Thomas Jacquemart
Sound and lighting technicians: Corentin Flèche and Sophie Justin
Assistant designer: Mathilde Pouteau

Vaulters: Benjamin Grain and Tristan Gossart
Actor: Clément Nique
Riders: Sophie Bienaimé, Jade Chaudin, Lisa Courtaud, Clémentine Marguerat, Mathilde Pouteau, Amélie Schoeller, Laurie Trouvain, Clémentine Viret.

Alternating:
Spanish horses: Bellero, Enganoso, Espartaco, Fédoro, Galan, Julio, Koala, Lully, Maximus, Sultan, and Toriano
Arabian horse: Esfahan
Portuguese horses: Danubio, Encantado, and Lotus
Cruzado (Spanish and Portuguese crossbreed): Balzac, Gatsby
The Boulonnais draft horse: Udo
The Percheron draft horses: Otchao and Cobain
The Welsh horse: Massaï
The Shetland ponies: Izalco, Lenwee, Pedro, Zig-Zag
The mini Shetland ponies: Bambino, Caporal, Colonel, and Rigolo
The donkeys: Pepito, Pirate, and Séraphin