Kennet Valley & Hot To Trot Chantilly Weekend 2026

Few racing destinations capture elegance and tradition quite like Chantilly, and this special weekend in France combined world-class racing, history, and fine dining in unforgettable style. From the moment guests gathered for their British Airways flight to Paris Charles de Gaulle, anticipation was building for a luxurious escape into the heart of French racing.

Arriving in Paris on Friday afternoon, private transfers whisked the group directly to the beautiful town of Chantilly. Nestled amongst forests, gallops and grand historic architecture, the town immediately revealed why it is regarded as one of the true homes of European horseracing. Guests checked into the stylish 4* Hotel du Parc, perfectly located for exploring the town and enjoying a relaxed weekend immersed in French culture and racing heritage.

The remainder of the afternoon was left free to wander Chantilly’s elegant streets, enjoy a coffee in one of the charming cafes, or simply settle in ahead of the weekend’s experiences. As evening arrived, guests enjoyed dinner at the delightful Le Vertugadin, a traditional French restaurant full of atmosphere and character. With excellent food, local wines, and wonderful company, it proved the perfect introduction to the weekend ahead.

Saturday began with breakfast at the hotel before a truly memorable morning at the centre of French racing life. The day started with an exclusive visit to the yard of renowned trainer Tim Donworth, offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes insight into the preparation and care that goes into training elite racehorses. From there, guests made their way onto the legendary Chantilly gallops, where generations of champions have prepared for the biggest races in Europe.

Watching the strings work across the famous training grounds was a breath-taking experience and one that perfectly captured the magic of Chantilly.

The day continued with a lunch at Le Cob before visiting the magnificent Chateau de Chantilly and its Great Stables, one of the most iconic equestrian landmarks in Europe. Rich in history, art, and racing tradition, the Chateau offered guests a glimpse into the grandeur and heritage that define the region.

That evening, guests had the option to gather once more at a local restaurant, enjoying another relaxed evening of fine food, racing conversation and French hospitality in the heart of Chantilly.

Sunday brought the highlight of the weekend as the group travelled to the world-famous ParisLongchamp Racecourse for an afternoon of elite racing. Home to some of France’s most prestigious contests, the racecourse buzzed with excitement as racing fans gathered for the Group 1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches.

A reserved table in the Brasserie, perfectly positioned beside the parade ring, provided an exceptional base for the day’s racing. Guests enjoyed the vibrant Raceday atmosphere while watching some of Europe’s finest fillies compete at the highest level. From the elegance of the parade ring to the thunder of hooves down the famous Longchamp straight, the afternoon delivered everything that makes French racing so special.

Following the final race, private transfers returned the group to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport for the evening flight home to the UK. As the weekend came to a close, guests departed with unforgettable memories of Chantilly’s timeless charm, exclusive racing experiences and a wonderful taste of French racing culture.