The start of a new equestrian adventure at Maisons-Laffitte (78), aka the Cité du Cheval! After six long years in the paddock, thelargest racecourse in the Paris region (70 hectares on the banks of the Seine) is reopening its gates for a festive trial run on the occasion of the"Fête Vos Jeux" event, scheduled for Saturday September 14, 2025.
From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the famous Manson straight is back in action. Not yet thoroughbreds at the start, but ponies with their manes blowing in the wind, racing over distances of up to 1600 meters. Under the guidance of Véronique Dehez Devaux and the Pony Race Maisons-Laffitte association, this first horse meeting on renovated turf promises to be a joyful warm-up before, perhaps, an official return to the big races in 2026.
At the trot, young and old alike will also find plenty to keep them entertained: board and wooden games, bingo, merry-go-rounds, creative workshops, face painting for children and food stalls will liven up the day. All with free admission, so that everyone can get a foot in the ring.
This renaissance echoes a centuries-old tradition: in the XVIIᵉ century, Mansart had already imagined sumptuous stables for the château. Then, the Comte d'Artois introduced English racing to France, laid out a track on the banks of the Seine and installed an 80-horse English-style stable. At the same time, the reopening of the racecourse coincided with"Tous en Piste" at Château de Maisons, the other event for equine enthusiasts.
Today, Maisons-Laffitte is one of the historic capitals of galloping!
Dates and Opening Time
On September 14, 2025
From 11:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Location
Maisons-Laffitte racecourse
1 Avenue de la Pelouse
78600 Maisons Laffitte
Prices
Free
Official website
www.tourisme-maisonslaffitte.fr
