Michel Apchin, Mayor of the City of Saumur, President of the « Saumur Loire Développement » District Community
The city of Saumur is particularly proud to welcome the 7th Defence Summer Conference this year.

For 2 centuries, Saumur has been a famous garrison town where the connection between the Army and the Nation is part of everyday life. Not only do soldiers and civilians live together in perfect harmony, but what is exceptional is that the military grounds are not fenced in, giving the people of Saumur access to a large part of the EAABC (Armoured Branch and Cavalry School of Applications), an exceptional part of the Army’s and the City of Saumur’s heritage. EAABC’s total integration into the City’s identity is supported by the School’s two renowned military museums: The Cavalry Museum, which presents the history of the French cavalry since the 15th century, and the Armoured Vehicle Museum, both a museum and a pedagogical tool with one of the largest collections of armoured cars, vehicles and artillery pieces in the world. We should also mention the different events indicative of the Army’s place in the City. For the last 160 years, the Carrousel event marks the end of young armoured cavalry officers’ training in cooperation with the National School of Equitation (“Cadre Noir de Saumur”). We should also mention the City Open, which reinforces the ties between the garrison and the City of Saumur with more than 1,000 civilians and soldiers running together through the city. Lastly, Saumur would not be Saumur without its traditional international military music festival, which is held every other year.

While these Defence Summer Conferences have become a major meeting place for defence in Europe, they are taking on a special dimension this year since 2009 is the first phase of the Army’s reorganisation, which should be completed for the Saumur-Fontevraud defence base at the end of 2012. Starting this summer, we will welcome the Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence Centre, previously located in Draguignan, to Saumur. And in 2012, the Military High Command School, currently located in Compiègne, will join us.

Historically linked to Defence, Saumur is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, perfectly illustrating the beauty of the Loire Valley and the good life here. This wealth makes all the residents of Saumur and myself proud to welcome the Minister of Defence, Committee Chairmen, Members of Parliament and representatives of industry and the military from all nations taking part in the 7th Conference. I am sure they will find the ideal conditions for fruitful discussions here in Saumur.


Saumur hosts the 2009 edition of the Conference


After Arcachon, the Ile des Embiez, Colmar, Aix-en-Provence, Toulouse and Saint-Malo, the Conference is this year to be held in Saumur. With its prestigious architectural heritage (Château de Saumur, Abbey of Fontevraud, etc.) and unique natural surroundings, Saumur also enjoys a considerable reputation in the Defence field. In addition to its museums, including the famous Armoured Vehicle Museum, Saumur has had the privilege of being the home town of the Ecole d’Application de l’Arme Blindée Cavalerie (Armed Cavalry Application School) since 1814 and also the Ecole nationale d'Equitation (National Horse-Riding School).

The Army in the spotlight


The Army has been given pride of place in this 7th edition of the Conference, and will host the participants at its Fontevraud Camp where it will give a dynamic and static demonstration of its equipment. It will then give us the privilege of visiting the simulation facilities of the Ecole d’Application de l’Arme Blindée Cavalerie during the cocktail buffet.

2009, NATO's 60th anniversary


On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the founding of NATO and of France rejoining its integrated command, part of the discussions this year will focus on the relations between NATO and the EU. The breakfast debate, which proved to be a real success last year, is this year to be led by the Chairman of the European Security and Defence Assembly, Robert Walter, and will provide a further opportunity to discuss Europe's worldwide defence role with MEPs.

An exceptional setting: the Abbey of Fontevraud


The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is included in Unesco's world heritage list and is considered to be one of the largest monastic complexes in Europe. Its history reveals its uniqueness. It not only houses the royal necropolis of the Plantagenets - Henry II, Richard the Lionheart, Eleanor of Aquitaine - the funerary effigies of which lie in the great abbey church - but it was also the first abbey to be run by an Abbess. Now a Cultural Centre managed by the Centre culturel de l'Ouest, the Abbey will be the main venue of this 7thedition of the Summer Defence Conference.

Spotlight on the Cadre Noir (the Black Squad)


The Cadre Noir, which has been the cornerstone of France's equestrian heritage for over a century, plans to give participants a demonstration of its unique know-how.
Founded in 1825 to make up for the lack of horsemanship teaching in France, the Cadre Noir consisted of civil "grands écuyers" (grand squires) whose task was to standardise the use of the war horse. Up to the beginning of the twentieth century, the Cadre Noir imparted its noble art and know-how to the country's elite. As a result of the gradual mechanisation of cavalry, however, the question as to the need for the Cadre Noir was raised towards the end of this period. To prevent the disappearance of this exceptional heritage, it was decided to move the focus of the Cadre Noir to teaching horsemanship within a specialised academy which became the Ecole Nationale d'Equitation. The once military Cadre Noir has thus, in switching to a civil role, continued to be the keeper of the equestrian tradition that is an integral part of France’s cultural heritage.