The history of the racecourses

France Galop operates six racecourses, Longchamp, Auteuil, Chantilly, Deauville, Maisons-Laffitte and Saint-Cloud, each of which is placed under the authority of a racecourse manager. Three of them are also training centres, and French racing’s governing body also organises jumps races at Enghien Racecourse.

Longchamp

At the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, France Galop’s “flagship” racecourse celebrates the horse in all its glory. The quality of the Longchamp track and Racecard (16 Group 1 events) contribute to the international prestige of French racing. Every first Sunday in October, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is run here over the Classic mile and a half distance. Courtesy of this prestigious race, which constitutes a veritable cornerstone in the country’s thoroughbred breeding, France figures among the world’s top horseracing nations. Spanning 55.5 hectares, Longchamp is also a favourite spot when it comes to leisure and relaxation. Parisians also flock there on Sunday’s for the "Dimanches au Galop" initiative launched in 2004.
 
Auteuil

On the edge of Paris, Auteuil Racecourse is another vital “green lung” of the capital. Renowned for the diversity of its courses and jumps, the racecourse plays host to the Gras Savoye Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris (Group 1), the most spectacular event of the season, on the last Sunday in May. After completing a 5,800-metre course, one of the longest of any French horse race and studded with 23 obstacles including the infamous Rail-Ditch and Fence, known as the “ juge de paix”, and the Rivière des Tribunes, the best steeplechaser is duly crowned. The International Jumps Weekend in November is establishing itself as Auteuil’s second biggest meeting courtesy of its four Group 1 races. The “Dimanches au Galop” (Racing Sundays) are also a key part of the spring programme at Auteuil, which is steadily carving out a niche for itself as one of Paris’ leading leisure destinations.
 
Chantilly

In the month of June, Chantilly stages two internationally renowned races in a setting now commensurate with its prestigious programme: the Prix du Jockey Club, contested on the first Sunday in June, is among the biggest Group 1 races in Europe. It constitutes the prime objective for the very best colts (or sometimes fillies) over a mile and a quarter and is firmly established as French flat racing’s second most richly rewarded event, just behind the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. On the second Sunday in June, meanwhile, the Prix de Diane selects the best European filly, also over an extended mile and a quarter, amid a unique atmosphere allying sporting fervour with a trendy picnic.
 
 
Deauville

With a calendar comprising almost 50 meetings spread over 7 months of the year, Deauville-La Touques is one of France’s leading flat racing venues. In summer, Deauville becomes the international showcase for the horse and a centre of attraction that draws holiday-makers, informed members of the public and every branch of the racing world: the prestigious international group races (four Group 1 races during the August meeting), the training centre accommodating 300 horses during the year, rising to almost 600 in August, the globally renowned mid-August yearling sales and the 75 neighbouring stud farms, cradles of the very greatest champions, all contribute to the resort’s prestige. Deauville-la Touques Racecourse occupies a site that is exceptional in terms of its charm and traditional architecture, amid a delightful 75-hectare expanse of greenery, in immediate proximity to the town centre and sea shore. A place for friendly relaxation, discovery and non-stop entertainment, Deauville-La Touques racecourse offers its public a myriad of festive get-togethers and varied events that never fail to delight the many holiday-makers.
 
 
Maisons-Laffitte

Maisons-Laffitte is the largest racecourse in the Parisian region. Situated in a leafy park by the Seine, it boasts a 2,000-metre home straight that is the longest in Europe (together with that of Newmarket in Great Britain). On a Sunday in July of each year, a special day is held there on the theme of “A Country Picnic”, traditionally attracting a family-based public and around 250 amateur artists taking part in a competition in homage to the impressionists. The Maison-Lafitte calendar also includes three Group 2 races.
 
 
Saint-Cloud

Located on a hillside, Saint-Cloud racecourse overlooks the western side of Paris. A special venue in which to share some pleasant moments of open-air relaxation with family or friends, it offers panoramic views and a spacious grassed area ideal for picnics or just taking a break from the excitement of the racing. Saint-Cloud’s flat racing programme includes three Group 1 events: the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud in June, which is one of the trials for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Lucien Barrière, the Critérium International, and the Critérium de Saint-Cloud in November. With the aim of bringing together the worlds of equestrian leisure and racing, Hauts-de-Seine regional council and France Galop traditionally organise a day entitled “Hauts de Seine at the Races”, on 1 May each year, attended by enthusiasts for all things equestrian and a family-based public. The wide variety of horse-based entertainment and a very lively country fair guarantee a day to remember.
 
 
Enghien

The activity at this racecourse is split between trotting races organised by le Cheval Français and the jumps races overseen by France Galop. The two biggest jumps races on Enghien’s calendar are the Grand Steeple-Chase d’Enghien in October, and the Grande Course de Haies d’Enghien (Prix Léopold d’Orsetti) in late October or November.