Every year, the Rolex Series brings together the elite of show jumping across seven spectacular competitions. Shoelifer got a behind the scenes look at La Baule stage, among exceptional horses, flawlessly designed courses, a chic atmosphere, and 100% public access. Here’s what we saw—and why you should go.
On the Atlantic coast, between postcard-perfect beaches and packed stands, one of the most anticipated show jumping events in the world takes place: the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule – Official French Championship. It’s major leg of the highly selective Rolex Series circuit. It’s beautiful, demanding, technical—and definitely something to experience at least once.
Because yes, even though the world is ultra-elite—star riders, million-dollar horses, chic ambiance—the event is free and open to all. A rarity. And a wonderful getaway. We’ll proove it to you.
La Baule to the rhythm of hooves
For four days, the seaside resort pulses to the rhythm of hooves. At dawn, horses warm up by the water’s edge: hooves in the ocean, manes in the breeze. It’s a moment suspended in time captured only by early birds and “miracle morning” enthusiasts. Later, the François‑André stadium takes over. Spectators, judges, riders, grooms—all converge to experience one of the Rolex Series’ most spectacular moments.
On display: Olympic champions, world-ranking stars, rising talents, and exceptional mounts who are all eager to shine here, at one of the most respected events on the calendar. The most astonishing part? The buzz. The stands host over 48,000 people: families enjoying a weekend, show jumping fans, curious passersby, stylish holidaymakers. We lunch in the sun, observe the warm-ups, and soak in the atmosphere. La Baule doesn’t just host a competition—it pulses to the rhythm of show jumping, and it brings you along into the Rolex Series world.
A breathtaking course
Every year, a new course designer maps out the track. This edition features Grégory Bodo’s design for the main event: 17 feats, including a double and a triple obstacle, to be completed in under 79 seconds — a razor thin margin! . Riders inspect the course 30 minutes before the start. They walk it, count strides (three steps = one horse stride), and visualize it. There’s no room for improvisation. It’s intense, precise, mesmerizing.
At the end, only eight riders make it to the jump-off: Daniel Deusser, Rene Lopez Lizarazo, McLain Ward… all key figures in the Rolex Series. But it was German rider Daniel Deusser who emerged victorious, delivering a flawless, exhilarating round.
An exclusive world
Top-level show jumping isn’t just a sport—it’s an ecosystem. Each horse is an athlete: trained, cared for, and valued. Its worth rises with its record, but what truly matters is the bond with its rider. A connection built through patience and trust. As Philippe Le Jeune told Shoelifer, the French rider ranked in the world top 100 and former coach and selector of Morocco’s national show jumping team:
“Everyone dreams of jumping at La Baule. It’s a povotal opportunity.”
Rolex, sporting heritage
Behind this level of excellence stands a brand: Rolex. For over 70 years, it has supported elite sports—tennis, golf, sailing, motorsport, equestrianism, and more all disciplines sharing a vision of time: precision, mastery, surpassing oneself, elegance.
This commitment was cemented in 2024 with the creation of the Rolex Series: seven stages across Europe and America, representing the highest level of equestrian competition. But that’s not all: Rolex also created the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, a quasi-mythical challenge to win three consecutive Grand Prix among the four Majors (Den Bosch, Aachen, Calgary, and Geneva),he equestrian equivalent of a Grand Slam.
The Rolex Series spans continents and seasons: Wellington in Florida, Rome, Dinard, Dublin, Falsterbo in Sweden, Brussels, and La Baule. Each venue has its own décor, atmosphere, and signature. Some take place in historic settings like Rome’s Villa Borghèse. Others, like Falsterbo or Dinard, evoke a summery, beachside vibe. All attract the circuit’s elite and offer a blend of sport and style.
How about a different type of travel?
A weekend in Rome capped by a Grand Prix in the heart of an Italian garden? A Breton getaway in June, between savory galettes and exceptional horses? An equestrian immersion under the Florida sun? Rolex Series events combine high-level sport, lifestyle atmosphere, and ultra desirable destinations. Whether you’re a rider, thrill-seeker, or aesthete, the experience is definitely worth it. And Shoelifer officially recommends it.
Picture (c) : Rolex Series
