Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is Europe’s richest flat horse race, first run in 1920 and held annually at ParisLongchamp each October. It’s a Group 1 contest over 2,400 metres open to thoroughbreds aged three and older, drawing the world’s top owners, trainers and jockeys, and is widely regarded as the highlight of the international flat racing calendar.

In 2026 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is from Saturday 3rd – Sunday 4th October 2026, with the main race taking place on Sunday.

The race is held at ParisLongchamp Racecourse, located in the Bois de Boulogne on the western edge of Paris. Racing Breaks packages include return racecourse transfers from your hotel; independent travellers can reach it via the free shuttle buses from Porte Maillot or Porte d’Auteuil, or by Metro/RER.

Gates at ParisLongchamp typically open at 12.00pm on Saturday and 11.00am on Sunday during Arc weekend. Exact times can vary slightly, so check your ticket or itinerary closer to the event.

The first race usually starts around 1.20pm–1.40pm on both days of Arc weekend. On Sunday the main race, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, is typically run in the mid-afternoon (around 3.05pm–4.05pm local time).

The last race usually starts around 6.10pm on Saturday and 6.40pm on Sunday. The racecourse remains open for a short period after racing for post-race entertainment and drinks.

ParisLongchamp typically closes around 8.30pm–9.30pm on Arc weekend, approximately one to two hours after the final race.

There is no formal dress code at ParisLongchamp for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Smart or elegant attire is strongly recommended to match the glamorous atmosphere of the event. Many gentlemen wear a suit and tie, while ladies often choose stylish dresses or chic outfits.

Viewing options depend on your ticket. General Entry tickets offer trackside and lawn viewing, while Winning Post Gold Enclosure and grandstand seats provide elevated views of the finishing straight. Hospitality packages usually include private lounge access and reserved grandstand seating.

Every Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe hospitality package includes admission to ParisLongchamp (covering the Winning Post Enclosure & Arc Gardens), a reserved grandstand seat (selected packages), unlimited wine, champagne, beer & soft drinks, and a €10 betting voucher. Depending on the package, this is paired with anything from canapés in a private lounge through to a seated restaurant lunch or a Michelin-starred meal.

Saturday

12:00 Gates Open / Hospitality Facility Opens

12:30 Lunch Commences

13:23 First Race

18:10 Last Race / Hospitality Concludes

19:45 Hospitality Facility Closes

20:30 Gates Close

Sunday

11:00 Gates Open / Hospitality Facility Opens

12:00 Lunch Commences

13:40 First Race

16:05 The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

18:35 Last Race / Hospitality Concludes

19:30 Hospitality Facility Closes

21:30 Gates Close

(based on 2025 timings, subject to change)

Policies on bringing your own alcohol or picnic food can vary by ticket type and enclosure. In general, outside alcohol is restricted and most visitors prefer to use the extensive bars and food courts available on site. Always check the latest France Galop guidelines for your specific ticket.

All Racing Breaks Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe packages can be booked with an initial 10% deposit. A further 20% deposit is then due two months after the date of booking, with the final balance typically due around 12 weeks before travel. If you book closer to the event, a 30% deposit (or payment in full) may be required at the time of booking.

All hospitality bookings can be booked with an initial 50% deposit. The final balance is typically due around 12 weeks before travel. If you book closer to the date of the event payment in full may be required at the time of booking.

Deposits for Racing Breaks packages are non-refundable at any stage of cancellation. If you cancel more than 60 days before departure, you will lose the full deposit paid (a minimum of 30% of the booking value). Cancellations made 59 days or fewer before departure result in the loss of the full value of the booking.

You can view our full Terms & Conditions here

All tickets (including hospitality) for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe are provided in the form of e-tickets. These are typically distributed 1–2 weeks before the event.

Exact transfer timings are confirmed in your itinerary closer to travel. As a guide, our coaches aim to arrive at the racecourse shortly after the gates opening and depart approximately 60 minutes after the last race concludes.

ParisLongchamp is located in the Bois de Boulogne in western Paris. Racing Breaks packages include return racecourse transfers from your hotel. Independent travellers can use the free shuttle buses from Porte Maillot or Porte d’Auteuil, or take the Metro/RER and walk or shuttle the final stretch.

Yes, children are welcome at ParisLongchamp. Reduced or free tickets are often available for younger age groups depending on the ticket type.

Yes. Saturday features high-quality supporting races including Group 1 contests, while Sunday is the main day featuring the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe itself plus several other Group 1 races. Many visitors attend both days or choose Sunday for the headline race.

Yes, ParisLongchamp is accessible for guests with disabilities. The racecourse has facilities and provisions for people with reduced mobility (PMR / personnes à mobilité réduite), including:

• Adapted entrances
• Reserved parking spaces close to the entrances
• Accessible pathways from drop-off points
• Specific signage and equipment

Public transport options serving the area (certain metro, tram and bus stops) also offer PMR accessibility, and free shuttles operate on major racedays such as the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend.

Pushchairs are welcome on the racecourse.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding specific hospitality areas, lifts, accessible seating or assistance on the day, it is recommended to contact France Galop.

Yes, there are cloakroom / left-luggage facilities at ParisLongchamp.

A luggage drop-off point (consigne) is available near the entrance. This is useful for larger bags that may not be allowed inside the racecourse for security reasons, or simply if you prefer not to carry them around during the day.

Many hospitality packages also have cloakrooms within the lounges or restaurants.

It is still advisable to travel light where possible, as space can be limited on busy days such as the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend.

No, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is not cancelled in bad weather.

Racing at ParisLongchamp, including the Arc, goes ahead in rain and on soft or testing ground. The race has been run many times in wet or heavy conditions (for example in 2022 under torrential rain).

Individual horses may be withdrawn by their connections if the ground becomes unsuitable for them, and attendance can be affected by poor weather, but the meeting and the Arc itself are only abandoned in the most extreme and rare circumstances (such as a completely waterlogged or unsafe track). This is highly unusual for a major international Group 1 race of this status.

In short, expect the racing to take place as scheduled regardless of typical autumn weather in Paris.