After an early start at Bath Spa and a short bus trip, I arrived in St Pancras for the Eurostar to Paris. The route from London to Paris is one of the most popular and scenic journeys, offering you an opportunity to cross underneath the English Channel and arrive right in the heart of the enchanting city of Paris. With Eurostar, you can travel in style and comfort while enjoying amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets and an onboard food and drink service. It's not just the fast travel times that make it the perfect choice, but also the pure convenience.
We stayed at the charming Hotel Magellan which is located in a quiet residential street in the 17th arrondissement. With an excellent variety of restaurants and bars in the vicinity, it offers 72 rooms, most of which overlook the hotel’s patio garden. The hotel has a bar and a breakfast room.
We spent a magical evening in Paris! Toured around the Eiffel Tower and marvelled at the architectural design that stands tall in the heart of this romantic city. Known worldwide, the Eiffel Tower is a must-see for anyone visiting France. We were lucky enough to visit in the evening and seeing it lit up at night is an unforgettable experience. Then hopping onto a scenic river cruise along the Seine, we took in breathtaking sights and there were beautiful lights everywhere! Truly an unforgettable experience… Yes, we did see a proposal!!
After enjoying a delightful lunch at the racecourse, we finally got to attend the event we were eagerly anticipating all year - the esteemed Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe horse racing event, known to enthusiasts as the Arc. This prestigious event is a spectacle everyone must experience at least once in a lifetime. It's not just about the heartbeat elevating races; it's much more than that. The thrilling atmosphere, the raw energy of the crowd and the magnificent horses make it an unforgettable experience. It's like stepping into an elite world where elegance and tradition meet speed and thrill. It's held at the spectacular Paris Longchamp Racecourse and is the world’s top prize in top-quality racing.
For our final evening meal together, I enjoyed a mouthwatering bowl of French onion soup to start. Followed by the main course of a succulent duck in garlic, so rich and divine. Finished off with sweet, indulgent French tarts, it was a culinary delight. This is where we rehashed the day's events. Chit-chatting about those who came out on top and those who fell slightly behind. A perfect end to an unforgettable day! The prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is just an incredible experience. This historic race, the pinnacle of the horse racing world, left us with memories that will be cherished forever.
Spectate were the company I travelled with and they have spent over 30 years creating luxurious & personalised holidays around the world’s most sought-after and iconic sporting events, the form part of the Inspiring Travel Company. They are not just about getting the best seats in the house, they deliver a truly outstanding holiday from start to finish, combining exciting excursions and behind-the-scenes access with first-class accommodation and celebrity hosts. With their team’s passion for travel, sports and their exceptional service, every trip is tailor-made and straight off the bucket list.
