Horse GP Paris: A New Era for Show Jumping at Accor Arena
Paris, July 16, 2026 – The Accor Arena in Paris is set to host the global premiere of Horse GP Paris on December 1st and 2nd, 2026. This innovative equestrian event promises to transform show jumping into a grand spectacle, drawing inspiration from major sports-entertainment competitions. The program will feature high-level Olympic show jumping, immersive staging, and an after-show performance by a renowned international artist.
Accor Arena: A Historic Venue for an Ambitious Premiere
The Horse GP Paris will make its debut in the Bercy district, within the iconic Accor Arena. This venue, a historical hub for sports and entertainment in the capital, previously hosted international jumping events in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Its return to equestrian sports marks a new chapter for the discipline, establishing Horse GP Paris as a significant end-of-season event.
The Horse GP concept is designed to make show jumping more immersive and spectacular, mirroring the successful models of Formula 1 or MotoGP, without compromising the sport’s inherent athletic rigor. This format is tailored for both live spectators and a global broadcast audience, promising unprecedented staging around the world’s top riders and horses.
Paris was a natural choice for this premiere. Building on the legacy of the 2024 Olympic Games, which significantly boosted interest in equestrian sports, the French capital stands as a global reference. The Île-de-France region boasts a dense equestrian sports scene, with France being the leading nation for FEI competitions, the country’s third-largest sport, and the largest women’s sports federation. This environment provides an ideal backdrop for such a prestigious event.
Two Sessions for a Grand Sporting Evening
The Horse GP Paris schedule on Wednesday, December 2nd, 2026, is structured into two distinct sessions, each offering a complementary atmosphere. The afternoon session will feature a 1.50-meter speed event, dubbed the ‘Sprint,’ which will determine the starting order for the evening’s Grand Prix. This dynamic format is designed to keep spectators on the edge of their seats from the outset.
The evening will culminate with the 1.60-meter Grand Prix, an Olympic-level competition that forms the centerpiece of the program. This elite event will be followed by an after-show featuring an internationally acclaimed artist, transforming the competition into a true night of sport and entertainment. Among the sporting events in Paris, Horse GP Paris distinguishes itself by this deliberate fusion of competition and live spectacle.
Christophe Ameeuw, a prominent entrepreneur in the international equestrian industry for over two decades, is the visionary behind this project. He is known for organizing the Longines Masters in Paris, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, and New York, as well as the Audi Masters and Gucci Masters. With Horse GP, he marks a new milestone in the history of show jumping: “Horse GP is not just a new competition; it’s a new way of experiencing our sport.” A five-year partnership with the Accor Arena solidifies this project with a long-term vision, aiming to establish Paris as the annual capital of indoor show jumping.
For those looking to extend their equestrian and musical experience, the Boy George & Culture Club concert with Shaggy in Paris offers another fantastic opportunity for a grand spectacle in the capital. Tickets for Horse GP Paris will be available from Wednesday, August 26th, on horsegp.com.
Getting to the Accor Arena in Paris
The Accor Arena is located in the Bercy district, in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. To reach it by public transport, the Bercy metro station (lines 6 and 14) is directly adjacent. Gare de Lyon, approximately a ten-minute walk away, offers connections via RER A and D, as well as metro lines 1 and 14. Several bus lines, including 24, 71, and 77, also serve the area.
For those arriving by car, the Accor Arena is accessible from the Boulevard Périphérique, close to expressways. Several car parks are available nearby, including the Accor Arena car park at 85 rue de Bercy (online reservation recommended), the Q-Park Daumesnil Gare de Lyon with evening packages, and other car parks around Gare de Lyon. Reduced mobility access is available at 8 Boulevard de Bercy, with Bercy and Gare de Lyon metro stations equipped with PMR facilities.
Our recommendation: prioritize the metro by taking line 14 to Bercy station, just a few steps from the Accor Arena. Fast, frequent, and accessible, it is the most convenient option to reach the venue without stress, especially during evening events with high attendance.
Source: jds.fr
