Ball-Trap Falaise, widely known as Stand André Rabet, is a premier clay target shooting complex nestled in the scenic commune of La Hoguette in Normandy. What makes this facility uniquely legendary is its foundation: the entire complex was designed and constructed by dedicated club volunteers who invested over 20,000 hours to build its modern shooting lines. Operating as a non-profit association, the club accommodates shooters of all backgrounds, from absolute novices experiencing the sport for the first time to professional sports teams and international competitors.
The complex boasts state-of-the-art automatic clay launchers manufactured by Laporte, guaranteeing exceptional reliability and performance under all training conditions. Spanning three high-capacity outdoor shooting lines during major events, the facility is equipped to support a diverse array of shooting disciplines.
Key Disciplines Offered: Parcours de Chasse (Hunting Sporting), Compak Sporting, Fosse Universelle (Universal Trench), DTL (Down-the-Line), English Sporting, Sanglier Courant (Running Boar), Trap One, and Hélices (Propeller/Helice shooting).
Renowned for its meticulously planned, "cordon-bleu" organization, Ball-Trap Falaise is a regular host of major regional and national tournaments sanctioned by the French Ball-Trap Federation (FFBT). The venue made historical waves in the French shooting community when it became the first fully volunteer-run associative club in 40 years to successfully host the French National Championship (Parcours de Chasse).
Major Hosted Competitions: French National Championship (Parcours de Chasse), Normandy Regional League stages (Compak and Parcours), Calvados Departmental Championships, the Hervé Gilles Trophy (Challenge/Trophée Hervé Gilles), and popular Interclub tournaments with neighboring clubs like Evreux.
Training and instruction at the club prioritize safety, proper gun handling, and progressive skill development. While advanced sports teams utilize the layouts for competitive preparation, beginners can ease in comfortably with tailored training packages. Under the expert leadership of President Daniel Bisegna and technical coordinator Guy Allais, training aligns with the official federal standards of the French Schools of Ball-Trap (EFBT).
Core Offerings: Custom coaching sessions, group training, and "Discovery Packs" ("Packs Découverte") that include a designated club guide and insurance with options for 100 cartridges (€62) or without cartridges (€40).
The physical charm of Ball-Trap Falaise lies in its utilization of the rolling hills of Normandy. The natural topography enables the setup of highly creative and challenging target trajectories (known as "tracés superbes") that closely mimic genuine hunting scenarios. While the facility itself does not offer on-site lodging, it provides high-standard seasonal catering, shuttle transfers during big events, and coordinates closely with a wide network of partner hotels nearby.
Key Advantages: Dynamic trajectories enhanced by unpredictable regional winds, professional-grade Laporte launchers, an illustrious track record of hosting national competitions, and incredibly affordable services paired with a warm, welcoming volunteer-led atmosphere.
In conclusion, Stand André Rabet represents the absolute pinnacle of grassroots sports development in France, combining a world-class training ground with the supportive feel of a tight-knit community club. It stands as an absolute must-visit destination for any sport shooter visiting Normandy, whether to test their skills against challenging wind-affected clays or to enjoy a premium, friendly corporate or family event in the French countryside.
