FRENCH GUINEAS weekend TOUR
Friday 8th May - Sunday 10th May 2026
FRENCH GUINEAS WEEKEND WITH STABLE TOUR
PRICES FROM £785.00 PER PERSON
Chantilly, France
Friday 8th May - Sunday 10th May 2026
We are delighted to have partnered with Kennet Valley to bring you a special tour to Chantilly for the French Guineas Weekend.
The elegant town of Chantilly makes a wonderful setting for a spring racing weekend, with its grand avenues, peaceful gardens and unmistakable equestrian heritage. After arriving in Paris, a private transfer takes you straight to this charming town, where the pace immediately slows and everything feels effortlessly French. With cafés, boutiques and the château all within easy reach, it is the ideal place to settle in and enjoy a few days away.
Your stay at the 4★ Hotel du Parc puts you right in the heart of Chantilly, perfectly placed for exploring before dinner at Le Vertugadin, a much‑loved local restaurant known for its warm atmosphere and classic French dishes. It’s a relaxed start to a weekend that blends good food, culture and racing in equal measure.
The following morning takes you behind the scenes of Chantilly’s racing world with a visit to Tim Donworth’s yard and time spent on the famous gallops. Surrounded by forest and open stretches of training ground, it’s a rare chance to see this historic centre of French racing up close. From there, the day continues with a visit to the magnificent Château de Chantilly and its Great Stables, followed by lunch within the château grounds.
Raceday at ParisLongchamp brings the excitement of the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, one of France’s great spring fixtures. With a table reserved beside the parade ring, you have the perfect base to enjoy the afternoon before returning to Paris for your evening flight home. It’s a short break that captures the charm, culture and racing spirit that makes Chantilly such a special place.
Friday 8th May
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Your journey begins with a British Airways flight from the UK to Paris Charles de Gaulle, departing at 11:15 hrs.
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On arrival, a private transfer will be waiting to take you directly to Chantilly.
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You will then check in to the 4★ Hotel du Parc, your base for the next two nights on a bed & breakfast basis.
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The afternoon is yours to wander the elegant town of Chantilly, settle in, and refresh ahead of the evening.
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Tonight, we have secured a reservation at Le Vertugadin, a charming local French restaurant where you can enjoy dinner at your leisure and on your own account.
Saturday 9th May
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Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a memorable morning immersed in the heart of French racing.
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We begin with a visit to the yard of Tim Donworth, followed by time on the legendary Chantilly gallops, a setting steeped in equine history and atmosphere.
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After the stable visit, your day continues with a guided tour of the magnificent Château de Chantilly and its Great Stables, one of the most iconic equestrian landmarks in Europe.
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Lunch has been arranged at the Château following your tour.
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This evening, we have a reservation at a local restaurant should you wish to join the group for dinner.
Sunday 10th May
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Breakfast will be served at the hotel before we depart for a highlight of the weekend.
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Today is raceday at ParisLongchamp, host of the prestigious Group 1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches.
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We have arranged a table in the Brasserie, perfectly positioned beside the parade ring and an ideal base for the day’s racing. Lunch is available on your own account.
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Following the final race, your private transfer will return you to Paris Charles de Gaulle for your flight back to the UK, departing at 21:40 hrs.
Poule d’Essai des Pouliches
ABOUT THE EVENT:
The Poule d’Essai des Pouliches is one of the great fixtures of the French Flat season, a Group 1 mile contest for three‑year‑old fillies that has been run at ParisLongchamp since 1883.
Often described as the French equivalent of the 1000 Guineas, it brings together the most exciting Classic prospects of the year, all bidding to announce themselves at the highest level over the famous right‑handed mile. Run over 1,600 metres on turf and carrying a purse of €550,000, it has long been a race that shapes the season ahead, with many winners going on to become major performers across Europe.
Recent renewals have showcased the depth of French and international talent, with fillies like Rouhiya capturing the 2024 edition in a race that continues to blend history, prestige and the unmistakable atmosphere of ParisLongchamp.
DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT.
LIZ D,
September 2025
Wonderful weekend!
Thanks for a wonderful weekend in Merano.
We enjoyed the course walk and the great racing and hospitality on the Sunday.
Gareth R,
September 2025
Superbly organised!
Thanks for a great trip which was superbly organised.
Merano is truly special and it was topped off by a lovely day in Verona.
Carol S,
September 2025
Spectacular arrangements.
Thank ou all so much for a wonderfully memorable time in Merano and Verona.
Huge thanks to Harry, Simon, Marc and Hazel for their spectacular arrangements and professional attention to detail.
This was our third Venatour trip and we are already looking forward to Vienna!
Amanda T,
February 2024
A fabulous trip!
Thank you so much to the team and to the great company!
It was a fabulous trip.