Heritage Days 2026: a historic outing at the Solle Racecourse in the Forest of Fontainebleau

Take a breath for Heritage Days 2026! Head to the Hippodrome de la Solle in Fontainebleau for a captivating immersion into the union of nature and equestrian heritage in Seine-et-Marne.

Did you know that a simple bet among aristocrats at the end of the 18th century gave birth to one of Île-de-France's most sought-after horse-racing gatherings? For this edition of the Heritage Days, organized on 19 and 20 September 2026, the Hippodrome de la Solle in Fontainebleau invites curious minds and enthusiasts to explore its behind-the-scenes. Each autumn, this major cultural event opens doors to places usually reserved for insiders, from Parisian historic monuments to hidden treasures in our neighboring départements. In Seine-et-Marne, the site blends open air, a passion for horses, and living heritage.

The adventure began in November 1776, when the Comte d'Artois and the Duke of Chartres staged, before Louis XVI, a horse race modeled on the British classic. Legend has it that Queen Marie-Antoinette herself grew fond of these equestrian duels, prompting the court to applaud the thoroughbreds in this forested valley. Yet it would be until 1862 for the site to assume its official form, driven by the Duke of Morny, with the opening of new facilities in the presence of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie. Since then, the racecourse has carried the mission of delivering sporting excitement while preserving this distinctive woodland setting.

What strikes you upon arrival is the harmony between nature and architecture. The period-style stands showcase the Second Empire aesthetic applied to outdoor leisure: a timber-and-forge structure designed to blend with the surrounding canopy while offering a panoramic view of the grassy slopes. Unlike the vast concrete racecourses of Paris, La Solle has preserved that discreet charm of a country rendezvous, where the echo of hooves resounds against the sandstone rocks.

To plan your visit and make sure you don’t miss any of the weekend’s activities, check out the full schedule just below.

The 2026 Heritage Days program at the Hippodrome de la Solle in Fontainebleau

Open day at the Fontainebleau Racecourse
Open house day at the Fontainebleau racecourse
Participation requirements: No limit on attendees - Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM

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