Longchamp Racecourse

Longchamp Racecourse
DPA DPA · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Longchamp Racecourse
Location	Bois de Boulogne, Paris, France
Opened	1857
Race type	Flat racing
Notable races	Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Poule d'Essai des Poulains, Prix du Jockey Club

Longchamp Racecourse. Located in the Bois de Boulogne on the western edge of Paris, it is one of the most prestigious and historic flat racing venues in the world. Inaugurated under the auspices of Napoleon III in 1857, the course is globally renowned for hosting the legendary Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Europe's richest and most coveted middle-distance horse race. Its storied turf has witnessed the triumphs of equine legends, international rivalries, and remains a central pillar of the French racing calendar and the global sport of kings.

History

The racecourse was established by the Société d'Encouragement pour l'Amélioration des Races de Chevaux en France on land ceded by the City of Paris. Its inaugural meeting on April 27, 1857, was attended by Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie, signaling its importance from the outset. The venue was significantly redeveloped for the 1900 Summer Olympics, which featured equestrian events, and again underwent major renovations in the 1960s under architect Guy Lagneau. Throughout the 20th century, it survived the upheavals of both World War I and World War II, maintaining its status. A comprehensive, multi-year redevelopment concluded in 2018, modernizing facilities while preserving its historic character ahead of hosting the Breeders' Cup for the first time.

Major races

The autumn meeting is dominated by the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, first run in 1920 and now a pinnacle of the international racing season alongside the Melbourne Cup and the Breeders' Cup Classic. The spring calendar features classic tests for three-year-olds, including the Poule d'Essai des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas), the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (French 1000 Guineas), and the Prix de Diane (French Oaks). Other celebrated Group 1 events include the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby), which was moved to Chantilly Racecourse in the 19th century before returning in 2005, the Prix de la Forêt, and the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp. The meeting also hosts the preparatory Prix Niel and Prix Vermeille.

Course layout and facilities

The track is a right-handed, triangular circuit of approximately 2,750 meters with a long, testing straight of over 1,000 meters, famously known as the "false straight." It features a pronounced hill in the final section, placing a premium on stamina. The infield contains the Grand Lac and offers panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower and the Défense district. The redevelopment completed in 2018 introduced new grandstands, the Tribune du Pesage and Tribune d'Honneur, alongside improved hospitality pavilions, betting halls, and public spaces. The iconic Moulin de Longchamp, a historic windmill, stands as a landmark within the grounds.

Notable events and records

The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe has seen legendary winners such as Ribot (1955-56), Sea-Bird (1965), and the undefeated Enable (2017-18). Treve secured back-to-back victories in 2013 and 2014 for trainer Criquette Head-Maarek. Jockey Freddy Head won the Arc as both a rider on Bon Mot (1966) and as a trainer with Treve. In 1972, the great Brigadier Gerard suffered his only career defeat in the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp. The 2018 meeting marked the first European hosting of the Breeders' Cup, won by Enable in the Breeders' Cup Turf.

Cultural significance

Longchamp is deeply embedded in French cultural life, immortalized in paintings by Édouard Manet and Edgar Degas, and in literature by Marcel Proust. Race days, particularly for the Arc, are major social events, attracting international celebrities, fashion icons, and high society, often covered by publications like Paris Match. The racecourse's atmosphere and the drama of the Arc have been featured in numerous films and global television broadcasts, cementing its image as a symbol of Parisian elegance and sporting excellence. Its continued allure lies in its unique blend of world-class sport, historical setting, and quintessential Parisian glamour.

Category:Horse racing venues in France Category:Sports venues in Paris Category:Buildings and structures in the 16th arrondissement of Paris