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Apart from when all of the racecourses around Paris were closed again for
World War II, this particular horserace has always been run at the same time of year since
it first started, which is on the first Sunday in October.
The thoroughbred horses that take part in this mile and a half distance flat race are
regarded as the very best through their performances at other events during the season,
which makes for a very prestigious finale.
There are only 20 starting positions available to both male and female horses that are at
least three years old or more for this grand finale race and yet in 2008 there were over
140 thoroughbred racehorses registered for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe weekend,
and incredibly over fifty of these horses being from France.
As you can no doubt imagine, this is an exceptional and very special weekend of
horseracing that attracts around 70,000 people to be a part of this historic event.
And yet, even for those that are not lucky enough to be at the Hippodrome de Longchamp in person, there is
live coverage in numerous different countries with a viewing audience of hundreds of
millions.
The entrance fee into the Longchamp racecourse was 4€ on the Saturday and 8€ for
the Sunday, but reservations for specific areas etc are always booked well in advance,
sometimes year to year and for a far higher cost.
However, for the ladies that dress up and wear a hat, they can gain free entry, as do
children, although anyone over the age of 60 or a student can gain half price entry
providing they can prove this.
There are binoculars available to hire or purchase plus shops selling branded merchandise
and other goods relating to horseracing and obviously the betting counters, of which there
are over 300 on the Sunday!
Also, for a fee you can park at the grounds, but it is always recommended to use the
shuttle service that goes back and forth from selected points in Paris on both days and is completely free.
Other services at the Longchamp racecourse include lockers, baby changing facilities,
plenty of room for pushchairs and prams, cash machines, places to eat and a pony area,
which the children love.
So for a great day out at the races in the Bois de Boulogne area of Paris, even if you
have never been to a meet before, the Longchamp racecourse and this weekend in particular
is an exceptional experience, which you will talk about for years to come.
Yet if you cannot manage to get to this special event or have never been to the horse
races, you may wish to take advantage of the Dimanches
au Galop that are free Sundays held in April and May at both the Lonchamp racecourse
and the Auteuil horserace course.
But here you will be able to soak up the atmosphere and excitement, plus if you are old
enough perhaps have a flutter and maybe even win some money, plus these events are ideal
for both the novice and the horseracing enthusiast in a stunning setting.
Address & Contact Details:
Hippodrome de Longchamp
Route des Tribunes
Bois de Boulogne
75116
Paris
France
Telephone: 1 44 30 75 00
Fax: 1 44 30 75 99
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