Since the 19th century, France has been among the most prestigious nations in the world of horse racing, with racetracks that constitute a unique architectural and cultural heritage, combining exceptional natural settings and world-class events.
Hippodrome de Longchamp (Paris): architectural excellence and world prestige
Source: Jaillet-rouby
Hippodrome Longchamp is the best racetrack in France thanks to its recent architectural metamorphosis and its status as a world gallop temple. This excellence also makes it one of the most beautiful racetracks in Hexagon. Fully renovated in 2018 by Dominique PerraultThis Bois de Boulogne site now offers a world-renowned revolutionary architecture.
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Characteristics |
Longchamp |
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Date of inauguration |
1857 |
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Area |
57 hectares |
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Capacity |
50,000 spectators |
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Length of track |
2,750 metres |
The new forum, a real technical feat, is inspired by the movement of a pure blood at gallop with its characteristic inclined shape. This transparent 180-metre shelf offers 360° views without any pillar, allowing 10,000 spectators to enjoy an optimal view of the tracks and the presentation round. Its gilded bronze metallic coat perfectly harmonizes with the autumnal colours of Bois de Boulogne during the Price of the Arc de Triomphe. This major architectural innovation resulted in the project receiving Eiffel Awards 2020 in the category "Architecture & Engineering".
The site also benefits from double environmental certification HQE Tertiary Buildings and Development, perfectly within the objectives of the climate plan of the City of Paris. Longchamp's prestige rests on the organisation of the Price of the Arc de Triomphe, considered the world championship of purebreds, bringing together every first weekend of October up to 60,000 spectators and the best horses on the planet.
Hippodrome de Chantilly: a unique heritage setting at the foot of the castle
Source: LJC
Chantilly It ranks second in the best French racetracks thanks to its absolutely exceptional heritage setting, which also makes it one of the most beautiful racetracks in the world. Nestled between the castle of the princes of Condé, Les Grandes Écuries and the forest, this hippodrome offers a unique scenery to the world that international visitors envy us.
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Characteristics |
Chantilly |
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Date of inauguration |
15 May 1834 |
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Area |
65 hectares |
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Capacity |
30,000 spectators |
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Length of track |
2,400 metres |
The architecture of the stands, built in 1881 by Honoré Daumet (architect of the castle), bears witness to the golden age of French horse sport. These Anglo-Norman style buildings, listed in Historical Monuments Since 1995, have been beautifully restored in the 2000s with an investment of 24 million euros and the addition of a panoramic restaurant offering stunning views of the princely estate.
Chantilly's tracks enjoy a world reputation Thanks to their exceptional soil, built on ancient 18th century stone quarries that offer a soft and perfectly drained terrain. The long straight line of 600 meters with its 10 meters of rise is one of the most selective arrivals of the horse calendar. The Jockey Club Award (since 1836) and Diane Longines Award (since 1843) rank Chantilly as European reference.
Hippodrome de Deauville-La Touques: seaside elegance coupled with legendary meeting
Source: Scoopdyga
Deauville-La Touques completes the podium of the best French racetracks thanks to its unique alliance between horse races of excellence and the art of living seaside.
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Characteristics |
Deauville-La Touques |
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Date of inauguration |
28 August 1864 |
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Area |
75 hectares |
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Capacity |
10,000 spectators |
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Length of track |
2,200 meters (round) / 1,600 meters (right) |
Placed at the heart of the station on the initiative of Duke of Morny, it embodies Norman elegance in its purest expression. With its 75 hectares, Deauville-La Touques the largest racetrack in France in terms of area. The authentic Anglo-Norman architecture of the pavilion of scales (1880) and restored stands gives the site an undeniable charm. The Meeting de Deauville Barrière every summer transforms the resort into the world capital of gallop with five races of Group 1 Focused on August.
Deauville also marked history by becoming the first French racetrack to install a fibrous sand track in 2003, allowing the organisation of races all year round. This technical innovation perfectly complements the two grass tracks, offering a rare versatility in the horse world.
Hippodrome of Paris-Vincennes: the temple of trot and spectacular nightlife
Source: America races
Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes stands out as the world's trot temple, ranked fourth in our rankings.
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Characteristics |
Vincennes |
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Date of inauguration |
1863 |
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Area |
42 hectares |
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Capacity |
40,000 spectators |
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Length of track |
1,975 metres |
Located in the Bois de Vincennes, this site is absolute reference for coupled races, a discipline in which France excels internationally. The modern architecture of the installations reflects the dynamism of this discipline, with a new generation lighting allowing the organisation of spectacular night races that create a unique atmosphere in the Parisian horse-riding landscape.
The Price of America, played every last Sunday in January, is the flagship event and one of the most prestigious races in the world. Programming of more than 150 annual meetings made of Vincennes the most active racetrack in France.
This intense programming makes Vincennes a favorite playground for betting. Today, the digital evolution allows online bet and follow the races remotely, completely transforming the betting experience.
Sport parions, through ZEturf, perfectly illustrates this transformation by allowing bettors to bet on all races organized in French racetracks from their home. The trot, the discipline queen of Vincennes, benefits from this digital revolution with its frequent races and nighttimes which adapt perfectly to the habits of connected betters
This digitalisation is also accompanied by modernisation of the means of payment. Betters can now abandon cash and bet through innovative solutions such as Cashlib payments.
Hippodrome of Auteuil: a spectacle of obstacles in the heart of Paris
Source: France Galop
HippodromeAuteuil completes our top 5 thanks to its unique specialization in obstacle racing.
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Characteristics |
Auteuil |
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Date of inauguration |
1873 |
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Area |
33 hectares |
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Capacity |
45,000 spectators |
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Length of track |
5,500 metres |
Located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, this site offers the show the most technical the French horse calendar. With its 5,500 meters of course, Auteuil has the longest track and is the largest racetrack in France in terms of circuit length. The historic fora have been modernised to offer privileged views on the mythical obstacles: rail-ditch-rail, the river of the stands, and the many hedges that mark the various routes.
The Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris constitutes the Queen of Auteuil event with its 6000 meters and 23 obstacles who test the athletic qualities and courage of the best horses specialists in discipline.
Hippodrome de Saint-Cloud: nature at the gates of Paris
Source: France Galop
Saint-Cloud closes this list of the best racetracks in France by its major asset: a preserved natural setting at the gates of the capital
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Characteristics |
Saint-Cloud |
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Date of inauguration |
1901 |
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Area |
57 hectares |
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Capacity |
15,000 spectators |
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Length of track |
2,400 metres |
Located at the gates of Paris, this site offers a exceptional green parenthesis with its vast wooded lawns and panoramic views of the Seine valley. Programming focuses on diversity with flat races, obstacles and trots, attracting a faithful family audience. Accessibility via the RER station in Boulogne-Pont-de-Saint-Cloud democratizes access to races for a large Parisian public.
