ParisLongchamp Racecourse is the most prestigious racing venue in continental Europe, a 50,000-capacity course in the Bois de Boulogne on the western edge of Paris that hosts the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the most important middle-distance race in European flat racing. The combination of Parisian elegance, historic importance, and world-class racing makes Longchamp unique in the sport.
History in the Bois de Boulogne
Longchamp opened in 1857 under the direction of Baron Haussmann, the architect who redesigned Paris for Napoleon III. The course was part of Haussmann’s transformation of the Bois de Boulogne into a grand public park, and from the start it was intended to be a venue of beauty as well as sport. The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe was first run in 1920, in the aftermath of World War I, as a symbol of French resilience and a celebration of the Thoroughbred. Over the following century, the Arc became the race that defines European racing, with winners including Ribot, Sea-Bird, Mill Reef, Dancing Brave, Treve, and Enable.
The racecourse underwent a major renovation completed in 2018, with architect Dominique Perrault designing a striking new grandstand that blends modern architecture with the natural beauty of the surrounding parkland. The renovation was controversial but has produced a venue that matches the stature of the racing it hosts.
Arc Weekend
Arc weekend in early October is the climax of the European turf season. Saturday features the Arc trials, including the Prix de l’Opera and other Group races. Sunday brings the Arc itself, with a build-up of anticipation through the afternoon card that culminates in the biggest race of the year at approximately 4:05 PM CEST. The crowd on Arc Sunday is a cosmopolitan mix of French racing enthusiasts, Irish and British visitors, and increasingly Japanese fans following their country’s raiders.
The Atmosphere
Longchamp on Arc Sunday is Paris at its sporting best. The autumn colours in the Bois de Boulogne, the Eiffel Tower visible in the distance, the champagne flowing, and the fashion that is distinctly French: elegant, understated, and impossibly chic. The betting culture is different from Britain and Ireland, more relaxed and less feverish, but the intensity of the racing itself is unmistakable. When the field sweeps around the final turn and the leaders hit the straight, the noise from 50,000 Parisians is something that stays with you.
The Course
Longchamp is a right-handed, roughly triangular course with a straight of approximately 500 meters. The ground rises and falls, and the false straight (a straight section before the final turn) has been the scene of many tactical errors over the years. The turf surface in early October can range from good to heavy depending on autumn rainfall, and the ground conditions significantly affect the outcome of the Arc.
Location and Timezone
ParisLongchamp is located in the Bois de Boulogne in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, in the CET/CEST timezone (UTC+1, UTC+2 during summer). The Porte d’Auteuil Metro station provides direct access, and the racecourse is approximately 20 minutes from central Paris.
For the current time in Paris, check Paris time. For more on French time, see France time.