Entry fee: Free
You pass it on the way to Melun; you can just make out the track through the trees. The Sunday 20 September, from 2 pm to 8 pm, l'Solle racecourse solves the problem with a free open day. It is one of the oldest racecourses in France still in operation, situated in the heart of the Forest of Fontainebleau, and it’s a chance to finally see what goes on on the other side of the fence.
The first part of the afternoon is ideal for families, with free events from the world of horse racing: pedal-powered sulkys, educational activities involving donkeys, trampolines, a merry-go-round for the little ones, a face-painting and temporary tattoo stall, wooden toys, and quiz games with lots of prizes to be won.
Behind the scenes, it’s even rarer: tour of the stables, visit to the veterinary department, a visit to the start of a race and one training stand for equine professions. Seeing up close how a start is prepared completely changes the way you view the race afterwards.
Seven flat races take to the track one after the other, along with the PMU events alongside this, the history of horse racing and sessions of autographs from the jockeys. For those who have never been to a race in person, the difference compared to watching it on screen can be summed up in one word: the noise.
Two details that the poster highlights but which we tend to overlook: the The prize draws are free, with Win a weekend at the château and many other prizes. And the illustrator Merry will be there with his cartoons.
Free admission, La Solle racecourse, on the road from Melun to Fontainebleau. Further details can be found at the Solle Racecourse website, or by telephone on 01 64 22 29 37.
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