On Sunday, mon mari and I went to the race track! Not just any old race track--the Hippodrome de Longchamp on the western side of Paris's Bois de Boulogne. Each year at the beginning of October the Hippodrome de Longchamp hosts the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. While the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is the name of the entire two day racing affair, it is also the name of the most prestigious race that takes place on Sunday afternoon. Even with a season of training under their belts, the mile and a half long course is known to be a challenge for both horse and rider, and the 90th running of the race proved to be no different. While the spectators were sweating it out just standing in their linen suits and flowery dresses, the horses had to fly around the track under a sweltering Paris sun.

You can imagine the excitement in the grandstand as the horses burst through the starting gate and started making their way round the grassy course. As the horses reached the final stretch, the tension in the air was palpable--everyone had something riding on which horse crossed the finish line first, myself included. As much as I was cheering for #8 Snow Fairy to win big, a German jockey and filly combo sped into the winner's circle galloping past the second and third place finishers by quite a few paces. I'm happy for the winning team, but I bet a whole vacation on an even numbered horse winning the race. Just before the race started mon mari and I agreed that if an odd numbered horse won, mon mari could plan a seven day hiking trip next summer. If an even numbered horse landed first place, then I could design a week long spa vacation. The winning team's number? 15. I should learn never to make bets as I always seem to lose! Maybe a rigorous trek through les Pyrénées will teach me a lesson!

The Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is a Paris event I definitely recommend squeezing into your schedule next season. For a small general admission fee (only 8 euros this year!), you get to support your favorite horses, mingle with an international crowd, and spend a day surveying a sea of interesting outfits. Since the event draws people from across globe, it is very friendly toward English speakers and most of the information provided is in English, including the event's excellent website. Even if you're not into the equine side of things, there's plenty more to do and see at the track. You can sip champagne and pick your favorite fascinator, go shopping at the boutiques, or for a bit more money, sashay your way into the VIP area. Below I've included some tips for getting the most out of your Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe experience!

Helpful Tips:

Purchase tickets through FNAC which has an English version of their site. You can request your tickets to be sent to your home or you can pick them up at a FNAC location in Paris.

Plan in advance how you'll get to the track. Unfortunately, the Hippodrome de Longchamp isn't close to a metro stop. There is a tram line on the opposite side of the river from the track as well as several metros on the eastern side of the Bois de Boulogne. Give yourself plenty of time to walk from the metro or hop on one of the free shuttles that leave from Port Maillot, Pont de Sevres, and Porte d' Autueil.

Go to the racetrack when it opens (around 1PM) to get a seat in the general admission area or else you'll be standing. If you do get stuck standing, hang around the railing so that when it's time for the big race you're watching the horses and not the back of people's heads.

Learn French horse racing lingo before you go so you can make educated bets and maybe win some money!

Pack a few snacks if you don't want to pay for food at the track. Just be careful--they do bag checks at the gate and you are not allowed to bring in drinks.

Bring binoculars. Even if you get a seat in the general admission area you're still pretty low compared to the more expensive seats in the grandstand. Grab a pair of binoculars so you can see all the action.