The Hippodrome de la Solle, nestled in lush greenery in the heart of the Fontainebleau forest, is one of the oldest racecourses in France. Its history dates back to the reign of Louis XVI, when the Dukes of Artois and Chartres organised the first races on 11 November 1776, in the presence of the king who had come to hunt.
The racecourse was officially established in 1862, after a subscription was opened at Fontainebleau Town Hall. The Société Hippique Départementale (Departmental Horse Racing Society) then organised its first races there. The work included the construction of a 2,400-metre track (a first in France) with a left-hand bend, carried out with the help of the chasseurs de la garde (hunting guards).
The official inauguration took place on 22 June 1862 in the presence of Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie, attracting an impressive crowd of 30,000 spectators, including 4,000 who had travelled specially from Paris by train.
Today, the Hippodrome de la Solle hosts more than twenty race meetings each year. Since 2000, major renovation work has been undertaken to improve the existing facilities, particularly in terms of safety, grandstands and restaurants.
Easily accessible, the racecourse has facilities suitable for people with reduced mobility, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park. A historic venue where equestrian tradition and entertainment come together in an exceptional natural setting.
