Horsemen showed their skill galloping through a wall of flames during the finale of the Knights of the Round Table spectacle at the medieval pageant in Gavray, the biggest event of its kind in Basse-Normandie.

The riders from the Troupe de Cheval Spectacle had to take a longer break than usual during the show because of the heat to make sure the horses were able to cool down. Extra water was also brought in for spectators, who braved one of the hottest days of the year to watch.

“It was very hot and the horses had to drink more than usual: they sweat a lot when they are galloping,” explained troop director Marc Devallois.

The two-day event is held every two years and is organised by the Association de Sauvegarde du Château de Gavray.