Guide · Avignon · January 2027
Founded in 1985, Cheval Passion draws around 70,000 horse lovers a year to Avignon's exhibition centre, with the Crinières d'Or gala as its highlight. In 2027, it all happens over a single weekend. Here is where to stay, and five hotels to book direct.
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In short: Cheval Passion is announced for 22–24 January 2027 (to be confirmed on the official website). Stay inside Avignon's walls for charm or near the station for convenience: the exhibition centre is south of the city, reached by car, taxi or bus. Book your gala seats and your hotel now.
Created in 1985 on the place de l'Horloge to liven up Avignon in January, Cheval Passion has become the major horse event in the south of France, drawing around 70,000 visitors a year on average. The 2027 edition, the 41st, has been "reinvented" and condensed into three days. Its highlight is the Crinières d'Or gala, an equestrian arts show.
Sheltered within the city walls, it has welcomed travellers for more than 200 years in an elegant setting steeped in history. It has a Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant.
Décor inspired by the colours of wine, with a reception tucked inside a wine bar and rooms named Premiers Crus, Grands Crus or Millésimes. Bespoke furniture and lighting by Italian designers.
An 18th-century town house on a quiet pedestrian street, near the Palais des Papes and the Pont d'Avignon. Rooms decorated in a Provençal style.
A small family-run hotel in an 18th-century building, on a quiet street near the ramparts. It is just a few steps from the station, handy for buses and taxis.
A charming hotel set around an idyllic garden, where breakfast is served on a shady terrace. It is about a 15-minute walk from the Palais des Papes.
Friday 22 to Sunday 24 January 2027, according to the Avignon tourist office, which organises the event. Check on cheval-passion.com before booking.
Inside Avignon's city walls for charm, or near the station or in Saint-Roch for convenience. The Parc des expositions is in the south of the city: you will need a car, taxi or bus to get there.
By car via the A7, exit 27 Avignon-Sud, with a large free car park; or by bus from the centre (lines 3, 4 and 17 in 2024).
Around €10 for entry to the fair (€8 concessions) and from €31.50 to €54 for the Crinières d'Or gala, according to the Vaucluse Provence Attractivité website. Tickets on sale since 3 November 2026.
Now: the event, condensed into a single weekend in 2027, usually draws around 70,000 visitors.
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