To book now use our online booking form
Vichy July - Grand Prix de Vichy
Deauville August - Grand Prix de Deauville
Turkey September- Malagritz Trophy
Paris October - Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
Monte Carlo February - Grand Prix du Conseil General des Alpes Maritimes
Mob: + 44 (0) 7715 060137 Fax: + 44 (0) 845 460 5001
Mob: + 44 (0) 7715 060137 Fax: + 44 (0) 845 460 5001
Selection of our French Destinations for 2013
Vichy
July 2013
“.....Vichy has become the epicentre of flat
racing with the July Racing festival, first
run in 1998, the highlight being the
Grand Prix de Vichy-Auvergne.”
Itinerary
Monday
Mid morning departure from Southampton, arriving Clermont Ferrand early afternoon. On arrival you will be transferred to the Celestins hotel in Vichy where the remainder of the day and the evening are at your leisure to discover this pretty town
Tuesday
Morning free. Midday departure from the hotel for an afternoon’s racing at Bellerive racecourse. Return to the hotel after the last race and your evening is at your leisure.
Wednesday
Day free to explore the town or take an optional tour to the Volcanic park of the Auvergne & discover the surrounding countryside. Departure from the hotel to Bellerive racecourse, for an evenings racing. Places can be reserved in the Alezan Panoramic restaurant for dinner, the cost of which is at your own expense. Return to the hotel after the last race & firework display.
Thursday
Morning is at leisure until late afternoon departure for your return trip to Southampton.
The 4* Celestins Hotel
For our stay we have chosen the 4* Celestins hotel, located in the heart of the town with direct access to the Celestins spa & beauty centre. Many restaurants are within walking distance and offer local and international cuisine. The hotel, opened in 1993 and overlooks the Allier river as well as the Napoleon III park, it has an indoor/outdoor swimming pool on the roof and 2 restaurants, the gastronomic N3 restaurant set in a 19th century decor along with the Bistro des Celestins. There is also a piano bar, The Blue Note, where an après dinner liqueur can be enjoyed whilst listening to music. Each individual guest room is well equipped offering all the modern amenities; safe, tea making facilities, TV, mini-bar, air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms with hairdryer & bath robes.
Our Tour Price includes.
Return transportation Southampton/Clermont Ferrand, including taxes
3 nights accommodation in the Celestins 4* hotel, Vichy, room only basis
Transfers throughout
2 race meetings, 1 day & 1 evening with admissions
Representative services for the duration of the tour
£849.00 per person
Single room supplement for the weekend: £325.00
Vichy
The epicentre for flat racing
July and August in France are the months where the big cities see the mass exodus of tourists in the direction the provincial resorts who eagerly await the holidaymakers. Vichy is no exception as it becomes the epicentre of flat racing with the July Racing festival, first run in 1998, the highlight being the Grand Prix de Vichy-Auvergne, a group III race on the Wednesday evening. The Parisian racecourses do not hold any meetings either at this time of year and it is the regional tracks who see the gathering of the racing fraternity wishing to combine holidays, relaxation and racing.
Located in the centre of France on the Allier river, the delightful spa town of Vichy became a fashionable resort in the nineteenth century and is still proudly displaying its elegant and refined architecture of that era. Today it is a well renowned spa town not only for its mineral waters but also its beauty products.
It was under the instigation of Napoleon III that the Austrian architect, Baron Haussmann, redesigned the town in the 19th century by enlarging the boulevards, enhancing the avenues and giving the town its aristocratic appearance that can still be admired today. The well known “Belle Epoque” of Vichy was from 1890 – 1930 with such attractions as the Casino & Opera House.
Horse racing also became a favourite pastime when ‘Bellerive Racecourse’ opened in 1875. There are 41 meetings with mixed cards from May until September every year which attract numerous foreign entries. The racecourse is also the training centre and you can see them riding out during your stay. Last year’s winner of the Grand Prix was Cirrus des Aigles - 2nd was Secret Agent & 3rd Saga Dream. This race is for 3 year old thoroughbreds and older and is run over 2000 metres (11/4 miles). One of the top jockeys in France, Christophe Soumillon has won 4 times on this very track.
Forthcoming events