Hi everyone, Shout if it's a problem to have a thread like this, but I'd like to get some advice about watching the Arc at Longchamp on 4th October. I've never been before and my French is fairly non-existent, so would anyone be able to advise me about the best ticket to get online? I'm not bothered about anything fancy, but would like to get the best value options with fairly decent views. Also, how easy is it to travel to Longchamp on raceday? My current plan is to fly in to Charles de Gaulle airport quite early Sunday morning, and then take the Eurostar back quite late that evening. I'm not keen to stay over night in Paris. Does anyone have any advice on how best to travel there and back? Cheers all.
You get the bus, free of charge from Paris straight to the course! Tickets you can just pay on the gate! So easy and it's a great day, did it last year but stayed over for 2 nights
Thanks cityhull. Gonna ask more questions now! Where does this bus go from/ how much is it? And for the tickets on the door, how much do they tend to be and are they general or for specific areas? I'm a nervous Nellie when it comes to reservations etc, so I'll probably buy online before I head out (If I can figure out the website...)
Bus is free goes from near the main bus terminal in Paris (I would assume that is were you are dropped off from the airport) tickets I can't remember exactly but not expensive maybe 19euros each and that is for access pretty much anywhere on the course
RER from CDG to Gare du Nord. Catch the metro to one of the Auteuil stops on the west side of Paris, Then get the 'navette' (free shuttle bus to Longchamp) I think it cost about 12 euros at the gate then free racecard and 'goodies'. Just remember: "Un pression si'l vous plait" You can't go wrong; this will ensure you get served before the bums!!! Have a great day oot! I am visiting Paris in November for 'Le Week-end International de L'Obstacle'. Two days of great 'Jumping' at Auteuil! Easyjet to Paris from 'Auld Reekie' then, after four nights, Eurostar to London (two nights at the Hilton - Angel) and back to Edinburgh for dry oot!!!
Random Dancer, some of this could be bad news... Wherever I contradict advice already offered, you should take it that I am right because this information is based upon actually being there last year and plans made so far for this year. You do not need to pre-book entry tickets for Arc Day, you just buy the one price ticket on the gate like the rest of us. Unless you want to be in a couple of areas that are reserved for the likes of Racing Abroad tour members or the social elite, you will have access to all areas (parade ring, grandstand, etc.) as there is no “members’ enclosure” or the like in Socialist France. I went both days last year so I was on a two-day ticket purchased on Saturday but I expect that the ticket for just Sunday will be around €12 to €15. On Arc Day last year the first race was at 2:00pm and the last of the nine races was at 6:50pm. Usually the last race is a handicap and I would suggest that you will probably want to give it a miss and head for transport back towards the city centre after the eighth, especially as the free buses have substantial queues. The racecards are no longer free on Arc weekend and cost €5 last year and run to over 130 pages – if your French is not up to much you will not be reading much of it but it does show you the colours and is a nice souvenir! Just inside the entrance, you can get a free B&W A3 sheet that has all the day’s races (runners and riders) listed on both sides. Have you already bought any travel tickets? What you need to know is that in travel time terms Charles de Gaulle airport is a long way from Longchamp racecourse unless you are getting a hire car or a taxi direct (not recommended). To get to Longchamp racecourse from Charles de Gaulle airport, you firstly need to take the RER train to central Paris. There is only one line from the airport and that is RERB. If you are not going back the same way, there is no money-saving idea that I can offer you so you will just have to pay the full single fare, which is about €10 to central Paris. At the airport, you should have no problem using English at the ticket office windows. Pick up a free map of the transport system at the airport as it will help you get on the right trains as they just have destinations on them not directions and the stations are signposted the same. To get the free bus service at Porte Maillot, you need to get off the RERB at Châtelet Les Halles. You will need a new ticket for Metro (RATP) Ligne 1 westbound (destination La Défense) to Porte Maillot, which is quite slow as there are ten stops. What you should get is a single T+ ticket from one of the ticket machines as you are only travelling within Zone 1. Once you get above ground at Porte Maillot, you need to find the bus stop for the free buses to the course. The bus ‘station’ is quite expansive but look for the stop where there are lots of people! If you are going out on the Eurostar, you need to be on the first one (as I am) that departs St Pancras at 08:19 and arrives at 11:47 (local time). It does not take over three hours but the French are one hour ahead of us. A return Eurostar needs to depart at 20:13 (local time) or later from Gare Du Nord. When returning, assuming that you are using Eurostar, you need to get the free bus back to Porte Maillot. Then get Ligne 1 eastbound (destination Château de Vincennes) back to Châtelet Les Halles and then take RERB one stop to Gare Du Nord. In terms of travel, what I have just explained is the easiest way that I can think of doing it for a newbie, rather than exactly what I am likely to do myself given that I am on the Eurostar both ways having bought a ticket months ago. I recommend that you go and have a look on the Paris By Train website as you can download PDF maps of the Metro and RER on there.
I'd add, stay a night and take all the hassle out of the trip. It's a long day at Longchamps without travel, so enjoy the city in the evening and make the most of it!
I am flattered by your praise, Beefy. I was a bit concerned that bayernkenny might take offense because his route via Porte d'Auteuil is perfectly okay but longer and more expensive for a newbie. I have been that way and walked from Auteuil to Longchamp - 40 mins - so I know!
You are perfectly correct about the free bus but I was factoring in newbie and cost. Getting to Porte d'Auteuil is longer and more expensive. The first time I went that way it was so slow that I tried to walk the next time and it was not much slower!
Thanks all for the extra info, especially from QuarterMoon. I'm a little wary of possible delays on the EuroStar, hence wanting to fly out there and train back, but it looks like flying (even into Orly) is pretty awkward. I might mull it over when I'm not so fuelled by Bank Holiday weekend alcohol, and see if I still think it's a good idea! There's always next year at Chantilly, I suppose... Cheers all.
From Orly would be a nightmare - if you choose to do that you would need some complex instructions. Let me warn you that Chantilly will be a lot harder because it is at least 25 mins from central Paris and then you have to get to the track, which is not right next to the station.
Have to agree with this - I made a long weekend of it in 2005 counting it as a likely once in a lifetime trip.
Well said, BayernKenny, a very important phrase that! Works well in other countries too where the French had been around. Add a "Croque-monsieur" for a snack with the "pression". Erm, careful on the Metro though, i.e. make sure there are no Chelsea fans around..................
Fortunately I am of the 'peely wallie' hew!!!! Think I prefer the 'Croque - Madame' with the fried egg on top!!!
