Deauville
weekend tour
WEDNESDAY 1ST JULY - MONDAY 6TH JULY 2026
DEAUVILLE WEEKEND TOUR
PRICE FROM £1295.00pp
Deauville, France
Wednesday 1st July - Monday 6th July 2026
The Prix Jean Prat is one of the highlights of the French flat racing calendar and an important Group 1 contest for three-year-olds. First run in 1858, the race is staged each July at Deauville racecourse in Normandy. It is regarded as a key midsummer test, drawing international runners and adding real quality to the European flat-season.
Deauville itself is the beating heart of French flat racing during July and August, with the racecourse, training centres and the nearby Arqana Sales giving the town a strong bloodstock identity. The Prix Jean Prat plays a central role in this, attracting attention from all across Europe and enforcing Deauville’s reputation as a key part of both racing and breeding.
The setting also adds to the appeal. Known as the “Queen of the Norman beaches,” Deauville is famous for its long seafront promenade, grand hotels and incredible summer atmosphere. Visitors can combine a day at the races with time to explore the town, its boutiques, markets and restaurants, making the trip as much about the experience as the sport.
With its rich history, prestigious status and distinctive location, the Prix Jean Prat offers a unique chance to see top-level racing in one of France’s most iconic seaside resorts. It is a fixture that blends tradition, competition and setting to provide a weekend that stands out on the European racing calendar.
Rishi Persad
Venatour Racing Ambassador
Hear from Rishi on why he’s excited to be part of the Venatour Racing team and why joining us on tour takes your racing adventures to the next level. In 2026, we head to the stunning seaside setting of Deauville for the Prix Jean Prat , a weekend where world-class racing meets relaxed Normandy elegance.
Wednesday 1st July
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Afternoon ferry crossing from Portsmouth to Caen.
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Private transfer to your chosen hotel in Deauville.
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Check in at the hotel before enjoying an evening at leisure to explore Deauville or relax after your journey.
Thursday 2nd July
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Breakfast at hotel
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Full day at the Arqana Sales complex, located beside Deauville Racecourse.
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Experience the excitement of the summer sales as leading owners, trainers and bloodstock agents gather to view and purchase some of Europe’s finest horses.
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Evening at leisure to enjoy the town’s excellent restaurants.
Friday 3rd July
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Breakfast at the hotel.
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Exclusive visit to a local stud (venue TBC) with private transfers included.
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Gain insight into France’s breeding industry with a guided tour and opportunity to see mares, foals and stallions up close.
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Afternoon visit to a nearby vineyard including a relaxed wine tasting session.
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Welcome dinner in Deauville
Saturday 4th July
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Breakfast at the hotel.
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Day at leisure to explore Deauville at your own pace.
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You could take a stroll along Les Planches promenade, browse the boutiques or relax on the beach.
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For those wishing to explore further, Trouville and Honfleur are both a short drive away and are well worth a visit.
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Evening at leisure to enjoy dinner in one of Deauville’s many excellent restaurants.
Sunday 5th July
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Breakfast at the hotel.
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Transfer to Deauville racecourse for the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat, one of France’s premier summer races - a race that brings the best of the Europeans to Deauville.
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Enjoy top-class racing and soak up the lively atmosphere of this famous seaside racecourse.
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Transfer back to the hotel after racing, with the evening free.
Monday 6th July
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Breakfast at the hotel.
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Check out before enjoying a final morning at leisure for some last-minute exploring of Deauville.
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Private transfer to Caen for the afternoon ferry crossing back to Portsmouth.
Prix jean prat
ABOUT THE EVENT:
The Prix Jean Prat is a Group 1 flat race in France, open to three-year-old thoroughbreds. First established in 1858, it has a long history within French racing and holds an important place in the European programme for younger horses.
The race was named in honour of Jean Prat, one of France’s most influential owners and breeders, whose contribution to the sport was recognised through the creation of this title event. Over time, the Prix Jean Prat has evolved in both distance and location before settling into its current format at Deauville, where it forms part of the town’s prestigious summer racing season.
As one of just a handful of Group 1 races in Europe restricted to three-year-olds over seven furlongs, the Prix Jean Prat plays a key role in shaping the careers of many top horses. Its timing in early July makes it a significant midsummer test and an important fixture that attracts international interest, ensuring its continued status as a highlight of the French flat racing calendar.
DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT.
Tony L,
May 2025
Absolutely Fantastic
Absolute fantastic tour to Punchestown! Nothing too much trouble for either Marc or Simon.
Great itinerary- highly recommended !
David H,
May 2025
A Special Trip
Our son Graham had a big birthday and we wanted to give him something special. He decided he would like a trip to Dublin and in particular the Punchestown Festival. The trip was action packed from Day1 and very tiring but Marc, Simon and the team organised everything perfectly.
The visit to the National Stud was my particular favourite.
Issy B,
May 2024
Will book again!
Fantastic trip, great itinerary and very well organised - would highly recommend and will definitely book with Venatour again.
Graham H,
May 2025
Well organised trip
Wonderfully well organised trip, so much packed in to two fantastic days of racing.
Visiting the legends was probably the highlight, seeing horses I'd won and lost money on over many years :)