Going to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

[wb]

Every year I watch the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and think "I should have gone".

Well, this year I'm not going to let it pass and I've decided to go with the wife for the weekend. I know it's not on until October, but I want to get it booked in the next few weeks.

If anyone has been to it before and can recommend any hotels, where to eat, drink, getting tickets or indeed any advice about betting with the Pari-Mutuel let me know. Can you get the RP there? Is it easy to get to Longchamp? Any input appreciated.

[TheOldhamWhisper]

It has been on my list for a few years too - just waiting for that 'round tuit that I'm supposed to be getting!

One thing I can tell you is that the Hotel prices go up by 300% to 1000% depending on how near to Paris you want to stay! If you can get a 'package' holiday at around the same time, you might end up paying less than going 'a la carte'.

[alexpro7]

I have been on a couple of occassions. Saturday is a good day and Sunday really busy (mostly british).
Its a abit frustrating using the Paris mutual as they always seem overwhelmed with the amount of people on Sunday . No probs on a saturday.
I only bet for fun so if queues are too big i tend not to bother or get them on on phone.

We stayed at an Ibis in Paris and used the excellent underground to get around. Longchamp is a fair way out so we have gotten taxis from railway stations. They also run buses from nearest station up to course although this can involve a lengthy wait coming back.

It is a great weekend and Paris is a fantastic place but is also very expensive for food and especially drink!

[Win2Win]

I went in '96 I think. Paris is crap, and full of arrogant French folk.....you know, the ones who left it to the South to fight the Nazis?

The racecourse it very nice, although they say it is outdated.......it looks posh to us Northerners :D

The racing is very good, plenty of Brits....can't miss them....just follow the vomit trail from the paddock....

They ran out of wine the year I went Ended up on pints of Vodka

[wb]

Thanks Guys. Got a hotel on the same street as La defence metro station, which is fairly central to everything and not far from Longchamp. Ended up paying €130 (around 95 quid) for the two nights which ain't too bad considering it's beside everything and the Arc will be on. Just the flight and racing tickets to sort out now. Hope Ireland and Britain manage to send a good team this year. Would have love to witness Dylan Thomas in 2007, but I'm sure O'Brien will have something decent in there.

[wb]

I've been told not to waste money buying tickets online and paying commission, postage and credit card costs. It's only €8.00 in and I've heard you can get tickets easy on the day.

Anyone know if it ever sells out, or should I be safe enough? Don't want to go all the way to France only to be turned away!

[Win2Win]

Never sells out.....You may want to smuggle in a few bottles/cans though :)

[wb]

Never sells out.....You may want to smuggle in a few bottles/cans though :)

Why? Are there no bars there?

[Win2Win]

Depends what you drink, but don't expect much choice on the beer front...it is France.....and the two years I went they ran out of white wine.....I hate red