The prestigious Garde Républicaine
The Garde Républicaine – Republican Guard is a prestigious division of the Gendarmerie Nationale.
It comprises two infantry regiments, a cavalry squadron, the renowned French Army Symphony Orchestra and Choir, both celebrated for their exceptional talent, as well as a brass band and stables housing approximately 140 horses.
Renowned for its superb displays, the Garde Républicaine inspires public admiration, particularly during its parades on the Champs-Élysées on Bastille Day
It is an emblematic symbol of the City of Paris, a legacy that endures in the guards’ uniforms, adorned with the coat of arms of Paris.
The Caserne de la Garde Républicaine is also known as Caserne des Célestins, as they were built on the site of a Celestine convent.
The barracks have retained their original layout, and still frame a vast rectangular courtyard.
The transformation of the Couvent des Célestins into barracks
The Couvent des Célestins was founded in the 14th century and was the second most important royal necropolis after the Basilica of Saint-Denis. Over the centuries, many members of royalty, both men and women, were indeed buried there.
The convent was rebuilt in 1730 and remained in use until the dissolution of the Celestine order in 1778. The monastic buildings then remained unoccupied until the French Revolution. They housed a cavalry barracks in 1795, then an institution for the deaf and blind, before becoming the headquarters of the gendarmerie in 1802.
The Caserne du Petit Musc (barracks) were built in 1840 to house 1,400 guards responsible for the security of Paris.
This expansion, along with the opening of Boulevard Henri IV, linking the Place de la Bastille to the River Seine, necessitated the demolition of part of the convent between 1866 and 1871.
At the end of the 19th century, the last vestiges of the convent were demolished to give way to the current Caserne de la Garde Républicaine. Since then, the barracks have functioned as an independent unit, housing not only the guards but also their families within the Quartier des Ménages – Staff Quarter.
Guardians of Paris, the prestige and purpose of the Garde Républicaine
The Republican Guard is a prestigious military institution whose admission criteria reflect the demanding nature and diversity of its missions. Candidates must meet two main requirements.
Firstly, they must pass the competitive examination for non-commissioned officers in the Gendarmerie, a step now open to both men and women.
Secondly, candidates must be experienced riders, holding at least a Gallop 5 level of riding proficiency.
While the Guard’s ceremonial functions are better known, particularly its presence alongside the President of the Republic or foreign dignitaries, its overall mission is much broader.
Honorary missions, though infrequent, are of particular importance, often involving parades and adherence to protocol. Notably, the colour of their trousers varies depending on the occasion, symbolising the President’s presence or absence: blue when present and white when absent.
At the heart of their responsibilities, of course, lies the guarantee of public safety and the security of the city, covering streets, public gatherings, festivals, and official buildings. However, beyond these conventional duties, the Republican guards undertake unconventional missions, such as protecting precious grape harvests in Champagne from potential theft, or monitoring oyster beds before the start of the season.
Garde Républicaine magnificent horses and their stables
Parisians are immensely proud of their Republican Guards, but also of their approximately 140 horses, all descendants of the prestigious Selle Français breed.
Each rider is assigned their own horse, and distinct coat colours distinguish each squadron: the band and the 1st squadron ride chestnut horses, the 2nd squadron bay horses, and the 3rd squadron dark bay horses.
These horses are carefully selected for their temperament, gait, and stamina.
At the age of three, they begin their training at the Saint-Germain-en-Laye stud farm, where they are prepared for their future roles.
A year later, after joining the Republican Guard, they gradually become accustomed to their duties.
Their well-being is paramount: each horse has its own individual stall, is shod every 45 days, and benefits from exceptional veterinary care, including access to an on-site operating room. They work until the age of 16, at which point they retire.
Riders then have the opportunity to acquire their retired companion for the symbolic sum of one euro, thus perpetuating a bond that extends beyond their years of service.
Horses that cannot be reclaimed by their riders are sold to private individuals, provided they are assured a happy and dignified retirement.
Finally, riders are responsible for cleaning up their horses’ manure and must ensure its collection and recycling.
This manure is used as fertilizer and is collected twice a week by Parisian mushroom growers. Perfect recycling, everyone’s happy!
The horses train in the central riding arena, or in the Manège Battesti, depending on the weather.
This covered riding arena boasts a remarkable timber frame, a masterpiece by the renowned Gustave Eiffel.
Originally designed for the 1889 Universal Exposition and displayed on the Champ de Mars, it was later transferred to the Garde Républicaine in 1892, where it became an integral part of their training facilities.
The arena was later named after General Battesti, an emblematic and respected figure who died during the First World War.
Garde Républicaine Museum, preserving Heritage in the Salle des Traditions
The Republican Guard has established its museum in one of its historic stables.
It traces the history of this prestigious institution, as well as the evolution of its iconic uniforms.
Entry to the Caserne de la Garde Républicain is free during the European Heritage Days in September.
However, guided tours, both individual and group, are offered year-round for a fee.
That said, if you visit the barracks in the summer, be aware that you won’t be able to admire their magnificent horses, as many of them are on vacation. They are indeed enjoying a well-deserved rest at stud farms, grazing peacefully in the pastures!
Finally, also note that the forge is closed on Saturdays.
Directions: 4th district – 18 Boulevard Henri IV
Metro stations: Sully-Morland on Line 7 or Bastille on lines 1/5/8
Coordinates: Lat 48.851488 – Long 2.363921
