Longchamp is the most prestigious venue in French racing and all eyes fall upon the Paris course each October for the running of Europe's richest horse race.
It is hugely popular with tourists, with more than 40% of its visitors coming from outside France and has seen some of the greatest flat performers in history demonstrate their abilities since ‘the Arc' was first run in 1920.
Longchamp Racecourse Location
Where is Longchamp?
Longchamp Racecourse is located on the Route des Tribunes at the Bois de Boulogne in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, near the suburb of Boulogne-Billancourt and Neuilly-sur-Seine.
How to get to Longchamp Racecourse
By Train
For those arriving from the north of the track, you can take the train from Porte de Maillot station, which connects to metro line 1 and the RER (overland) lines A and C.
Those arriving from the south of the city need to travel from Porte d'Auteuil station, which is on metro line 10. There is a free shuttle service from Porte Maillot and Porte d’Auteuil to take you to and from the racecourse.
For UK racegoers, the Eurostar train calls at Paris Gare Du Nord from London St Pancras.
By Bus
To get to Longchamp Racecourse from Paris, you can take either the Line 244, Line 43 or Line 70 bus.
By Car
From the north of Paris, exit at Porte Maillot then drive to Longchamp.
From the south of Paris, exit at Porte Molitor, Boulevard d'Auteuil then head on Boulevard Anatole France.
From the center of Paris, exit at Porte d'Auteuil, Avenue de la Porte d'Auteuil then head on Boulevard Anatole, France.
Using the Waze app, enter the address "Parking hippodrome Paris Longchamp" to go directly to the racecourse's public parking lot.
Parking at the racecourse is subject to availability but can be pre-booked in advance.
Longchamp Racecourse Layout
Track Layout
The Grande Piste
The Grand Piste hosts the Arc and requires a climb before a long sweeping bend and then a false home straight before the charge for final home. A circuit measures around 1m 6f.
The Moyenne
Slightly shorter than The Grande Piste, The Moyenne is undulating in nature with 100ft between the lowest and highest points of each track.
The course follows a similar pattern to The Grande Piste, going right handed and there is a detectable draw bias with those in the seven stalls nearest the inside rail tending to be favoured.
The Petite Pistes
Another undulating track, The Petite Pistes is oval in shape and has many similarities to courses found in the US.
The Ligne Droit (Straight Line)
This course lives up to its name as a straight where sprint races are run. The finish line for these is in the middle of the course and far from the stands.
The Nouveau Piste
This is the fifth and final course at Longchamp Racecourse. It starts beyond the false straight of the Grande Piste and is the furthest point from the stands.
Enclosures and Viewing Areas
The list of enclosures and viewing areas at Longchamp Racecourse are as follows:
Arc Garden's
Winning Post Enclosure
Winning Post Gold Enclosure
Bistro Triomphe
Winning Post Gold Stand
Key Races at Longchamp
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
The race is the richest all-age race in the world, where star three-year-olds pit their wits against older horses, so unlike contests such as The Derby and The Oaks, repeat winners are possible.
The race was designed as a showcase for the French Thoroughbred breeding industry and, therefore, geldings are banned from competing in the race, but entry is available to colts, fillies and mares who are aged three or over. The race takes place over one-mile-and-four-furlongs.
Eight horses have won consecutive Arcs with Treve (2013, 2014) and Enable (2017, 2018) the latest two to achieve the feat.
Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp
Set over around 5f, was given Group 1 status in 1976 and became part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge series in 2009 before being removed in 2011.
Makarova won this race in 2024 for trainer Ed Walker.
Prix de la Forêt
Set over 7f, this race was added to the Breeders' Cup Challenge series in 2012 with the winner earning an automatic invitation to compete in the Breeders' Cup Mile of the same year.
One Master is the most successful horse in the race, landing the spoils in 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Prix Royal-Oak
Open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older, the Prix Royal-Oak is set over around 1mile and 7 furlongs and is France's equivalent of the St. Leger Stakes.
Longchamp Racecourse History
Longchamp Racecourse Opening Date
Longchamp Racecourse opened on Sunday 27th April, 1857.
Musical Festivals at Longchamp Racecourse
Solidays, an annual French music festival that takes place at the end of June, has been held at Longchamp Racecourse since 1999.
Lollapalooza music festival has stopped off at Longchamp every year since 2017, except for 2020 and 2024.
