| Guards of Honour | |
|---|---|
| Gardes d'Honneur | |
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Knoe13_38.jpg) Gallery of uniforms of the Guards of Honour, from left to right: Trumpeter of the 4th Regiment, Brigadier (Corporal) of the 2nd Regiment, and Chevalier (Private) of the 1st Regiment. | |
| Active | April 1813 – May 1814 |
| Country |  France |
| Branch | French Imperial Army |
| Type | Light Cavalry |
| Role | Reconnaissance |
| Size | Four regiments |
| Part of | |
| Garrison/HQ | 1st: Versailles 2nd: Metz 3rd: Tours 4th: Lyon |
| Nickname(s) | "The Hostages" "Garde Douleur", 'The Woeful Guard' |
| Engagements | |
The Guards of Honour (French: Gardes d'Honneur) were light cavalry regiments raised in the French Imperial Army during the Napoleonic Wars in 1813. Napoleon was short of cavalry following his failed invasion of Russia and the Guards were raised to remedy this. Drawn from members of the nobility most were already experienced riders, which meant that lengthy horsemanship training was not required. They were also expected to provide their own uniforms, horses and equipment which lessened the burden on the French treasury.