Paris boasts an army of avid horse-racing fans who get to the city's eight racetracks whenever possible. Information on current races is available in newspapers and magazines like Tierce, Paris-Turf, France-Soir, and L'Equipe, all sold at kiosks throughout the city.

The epicenter of Paris horse racing is the Hippodrome de Longchamp, in the Bois de Boulogne (tel. 01-44-30-75-00; RER or Métro: Porte Maillot, then a shuttle bus). Established in 1855, during the autocratic but pleasure-loving reign of Napoleon III, it's the most prestigious, boasts the greatest number of promising thoroughbreds, and awards the largest purse in France. The most important events at Longchamp are the Grand Prix de Paris in late June and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in early October.

Another racing venue is the Hippodrome d'Auteuil, also in the Bois de Boulogne (tel. 01-40-71-47-47; Métro: Porte Auteuil, and then walk). Known for its steeplechases and obstacle courses, it sometimes attracts more than 50,000 Parisians at a time. Spectators appreciate the park's promenades as much as they do the equestrian events. Races are conducted early March to late December.