The Britannique Polo Club — History, Heritage and Passion
Located in the heart of the Guérande salt marshes, the Britannique Polo Club has, for over twenty years, embodied a vision of polo built on heritage, passion, and accessibility.
The club in its current form was developed by its president, Jean-François Decaux, who took over the property around twenty-five years ago. While the site had previously been used for equestrian activities, his ambition was to create a dedicated polo destination. Having long-standing personal ties to the region, he transformed the estate into a project rooted in both place and passion.
A Family Tradition
From the beginning, the club has maintained a strong family dimension. Generations of players have been involved, reinforcing the idea that polo is deeply connected to transmission and continuity.
For more than two decades, the Britannique has hosted major tournaments, including the Tentes d’Or and Tentes d’Argent, which have become key events of the summer season. More recently, the Argentine Polo Cup was introduced, played at a 16-goal level — one of the highest standards in France, comparable to the Polo Club de Chantilly.
The competitive season unfolds mainly in summer, starting mid-July, within a region internationally known for its heritage and gastronomy.
Growing the Sport in France
The development of polo in France is closely linked to the French Polo Federation, established around twenty years ago. Its mission is to structure the sport, promote accessibility, and support the emergence of new players.
Various initiatives contribute to this effort, including talent identification days for young players and programs within riding schools to introduce children to polo. The objective is to broaden access and nurture a new generation.
A Sport for All
Contrary to common perception, polo is not limited to an elite. It is a sport that can be practiced at any age, although starting young remains an advantage, as seen in countries like Argentina or the UK.
Beyond sport, polo represents a true way of life. It is built around a daily relationship with horses, which shapes the rhythm of players’ lives. This constant engagement creates a deep connection to both the animal and the discipline.
In countries such as Argentina, this lifestyle dimension is particularly strong, where polo is intertwined with culture, land, and tradition. Today, this spirit can also be found in France, notably at the Britannique, where the sport extends into a broader experience.
Polo thus becomes more than a discipline — it is a heritage, a passion, and a way of life passed from generation to generation.
