The wrought-iron gate surmounted by a gilded metal horse's head of the Haras National du Pin closes the courtyard of honor, named Cour Colbert as a tribute to the creator of the royal stud farms. The courtyard opens out onto Avenue Louis XIV which slopes gently to the north while two other alleys radiate from the gate. The gray limestone castle with a slate roof appears in the extension of the gate and the central aisle. It is bordered in front of its north facade by red brick stables forming a horseshoe altogether.