Every autumn, the French Riviera closes out summer in style with an event that equestrian enthusiasts eagerly anticipate like the grand finale of a fireworks display: the CSIO 5* of Saint-Tropez Gassin. Held in the elegant setting of the Saint-Tropez Polo Club, at the Haras de Gassin, this prestigious show jumping competition will bring together the best nations in the sport from September 17th to 20th, 2026, for a major leg of the Longines League of Nations.
The CSIO 5*: the pinnacle of international show jumping competition
It's crucial to understand that behind the letters CSIO 5* lies the elite of world show jumping. This national team competition, sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation, features courses that leave no room for hesitation. The jumps are high, the pressure is intense, and the riders launch themselves onto the course with horses that have graced the arenas of the Olympic Games and World Championships. It's an event where technical excellence meets strategic precision, offering a spectacle as thrilling for spectators as it is nerve-wracking for the participants.
Saint-Tropez, its charm and its key role in the League of Nations
With its breathtaking panorama and the characteristic Mediterranean light, the Haras de Gassin at the Saint-Tropez Polo Club is much more than just a playing field. It's a jewel box where top-level sport and the art of living on the French Riviera intertwine. The event held here is the last of the qualifying rounds before the grand final in Barcelona, increasing the pressure on the ten participating nations, including Germany, Ireland, the United States, and France. It's a competition as close as it is captivating, where every mistake can jeopardize qualification.
The League of Nations: a championship that sets the equestrian world ablaze
Since its launch in 2024, the Longines League of Nations has revitalized the Nations Cup, injecting dynamism and clarity into the global calendar. This championship of nations brings together the ten best teams across four stages around the globe, culminating in an electrifying finale at the CSIO Barcelona. The 2026 edition begins in Abu Dhabi, moves to Ocala, then Rotterdam, before the unmissable stop in Gassin. Each stage, and especially the Grand Final, promises such suspense that a single misstep can be costly!
The format is simple and remarkably effective: four riders per nation, the three best scores count towards the total, and then in the second round only the very best return to face the final challenges. A feat in this competition is a bit like landing a triple somersault with your eyes closed… or almost.
Why not miss this horse show in Saint-Tropez?
Beyond its exceptional sporting quality, the CSIO 5* Saint-Tropez Gassin 2026 captivates with its unique setting: a private estate spanning several hectares, top-notch facilities, and a village listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France right next door. It's the perfect blend of sporting excellence and Mediterranean elegance. Thousands of spectators are expected for this unmissable event that combines high-performance riding, excitement, and glamour under the Var sun.
For anyone wanting to experience or relive the magic of the biggest international competitions, a visit to this venue is a must. And if competition keeps you on the edge of your seat, other 5-star CSIO events to follow are taking place around the world, such as the Calgary CSI 5*.