Perhaps the name Allée des Écuyères sparks an image of knights and medieval quests. It might conjure up something else entirely. The reality is rooted in horsemanship in France. It speaks to a tradition of equestrian skill. We are standing at the Allée des Écuyères. It is a place where riders once honed their skills.
The history of equestrianism in Paris is rich. Jacob Bates was an accomplished rider. He presented equestrian shows in 1767. His arena was called a “Cirque”. It was located at the end of the Champs-Élysées. Bates stood on multiple horses. He performed tricks for the Parisian audience. This was a novelty at the time.
Philip Astley brought his equestrian show to Paris in 1774. He performed at the Manège de Razade. This was located on the Rive Gauche. Astley is considered the founder of the modern circus. In August 1774, Hyam and Mademoiselle Masson wowed Parisians with their horsemanship at the Colisée. The Colisée was a venue for various events. It foreshadowed future circuses.
Astley opened the Manège Anglais in 1782. It was located on Rue du Faubourg du Temple. He presented a circus show there. It included equestrian acts and comedy. The following year, he built a covered arena. He named it the Nouvel Amphithéâtre. It had boxes around the ring.
The Nouvel Amphithéâtre is considered the first circus building in France. Its first show was on October 12, 1783. John Astley hired Antonio Franconi’s troupe. The Franconi family became famous in the circus world. In 1786, the Parisians were amused by a monkey called Général Jacko. To get around theatre rules, Astley had acrobats perform on a platform. This platform was carried by horses.
The Cirque du Palais Royal opened in 1788. It hosted exhibitions, balls, and concerts. During the Revolution, it became a political meeting place. Later, it burned down in 1798.
Antonio Franconi took over the Amphithéâtre Anglais d’Astley in 1791. He renamed it Amphithéâtre National. Franconi presented equestrian pantomimes at the Théâtre de la Cité.
In 1801, Franconi opened a new arena inspired by Verona. It was named Amphithéâtre d’Exercices d’Equitation. In 1805, he passed the management to his sons.
The Franconi family was evicted in 1806. François Delpont built a circus on the Jardins des Capucines site. The Cirque Olympique opened in 1807. The term “cirque” now meant a building for circus acts.
Coco the deer and Baba the elephant entertained Parisians. In 1811, it was renamed Théâtre du Cirque Olympique. The Franconi family continued to run the circus. They staged shows until 1816.
The Franconi brothers acquired the ex-Amphithéâtre d’Astley. It became the second Cirque Olympique. This venue was destroyed by fire in 1826. King Charles X helped fund the rebuilding.
Another Cirque Olympique was built in 1827. It was inspired by Italian theaters. Adolphe Franconi became the director. Henri Martin presented his animal show.
In 1833, the Franconis set up a circus in the Tivoli gardens. Antonio Franconi died in 1836. Adolphe Franconi continued managing the circus. The Théâtre du Cirque Olympique closed in 1847. The building was later demolished. The circus company moved to the Théâtre du Châtelet.
The Allée des Écuyères is a reminder of this long equestrian tradition. It echoes with the sounds of hooves and the shouts of performers. The art of horsemanship continues to evolve. The Académie Équestre de Versailles keeps this spirit alive. Their shows blend classical riding with other art forms. These include Japanese archery and singing.