(or how to lose money and feel like a winner!)
Sundays in Paris can be a little quiet. Most locals spend the day relaxing with the family, browsing flea markets or doing the groceries. But there’s one weekend activity which will get the adrenaline pumping and the kids shouting in a good way (for once…)
The Horse-Races!
Are you planning a trip to Paris? Then don’t miss all that the city and its regional racecourses have to offer, including both flat and jump racing. Don’t worry if you’re coming in Winter or Summer, there are races on almost every day of the year – check the calendar for details.
There are three racecourses that are not far from the city center: Auteuil (Metro Porte d’Auteuil) Longchamp (a short distance by bus from Porte Maillot) and Vincennes (east Paris). Others that are accessible by train include Chantilly, Deauville, Saint Cloud and Enghein.
While you might prefer to stay in Paris, I can’t recommend Chantilly enough for the beauty of the surroundings. It’s a must if you’re looking for weekend away ideas. Or, if you’re just heading away for the day, you should take a tour to the Chateau de Versailles. There’s no racecourse, but I’m *betting* you’ll love it anyway…!
A popular annual racing event is the “Dimanches au Galop” (Sunday Races) which take place -yes, every Sunday – between March and May at the Longchamp racecourse. A real family event, you can bring picnics, and there are guides available in English and French. Entry and parking are free, as is the shuttle service, and there are also guided tours that take you behind the scenes! The world’s most famous flat race, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, is also held at the Longchamp course. If you’re around in October, you should definitely grab a hat and take the family for a fun day out.
For more information about horse-racing in Paris and its surrounding areas, check out the website: http://www.france-galop.com
