Advanced ticket sales for the Arc rebound to 2022 levels as British and Irish racegoers prepare to descend on Paris

There may not be a flagship British or Irish favourite for this year's Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on Sunday week, but that has not put off the visitors booking for the annual pilgrimage to Paris, with strong advanced ticket sales reported to be on a par with 2022. 

Last year's attendance of 26,000 included a smaller than usual number of travelling fans, a phenomenon attributed in part to the rival attraction of the Rugby World Cup being staged in France. 

France Galop commercial and marketing director Delphine Violette said: "Last year the Rugby World Cup had a real effect as many British and Irish fans had to make a choice between following their teams and attending the Arc. 

"Even those racegoers who were not tempted by the rugby were faced with increased transport and hotel costs because the World Cup was being hosted in Paris as well as elsewhere in France, so we’re delighted that the rhythm of British and Irish ticket sales is back on a par with that of 2022, while the same is true of sales to French fans as well."

Violette added: "It’s great news, although it should be pointed out that we haven’t just sat back and waited for our visiting racegoers to book.

Pick your spot: the new Longchamp grandstand moments before the start of the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de TriompheCredit: Edward Whitaker

"This year we have initiated a series of partnerships with Goodwood, the Jockey Club, Horse Racing Ireland and the British Champions Series, all geared around reciprocal promotion of one another’s events. There have been prize competitions and promotional offers for members at racecourses, aimed at highlighting our ticketing. 

"In addition we have a longstanding relationship with Racing Breaks, who offer both tickets and whole travel packages and who have almost 1,000 people signed up for the weekend already."

When Longchamp reopened its doors in 2018 it featured a single four-storey grandstand in place of two larger concrete structures, meaning that reserved seating has been at a premium on a day which dwarfs all others in terms of attendance in France. 

This year organisers are trialling the 'Tribune Triomphe', a section of additional seating situated just past the winning post and priced at €120 for a two-day pass. 

"The redevelopment of Longchamp has left a scarcity of reserved seating and so this is a first year experimenting with a high-quality temporary structure which provides almost 500 extra places," said Violette.

Room with a view: spectators crane for a view of the runners in the paddock at LongchampCredit: Edward Whitaker

"It should be noted that the overall level of satisfaction with Arc day as an experience is very high, around 90 per cent, but the desire to have more reserved seating does come up in feedback from time to time, especially among racing professionals. 

"We deliberately waited until quite late to launch the offer and although the sales are going well, there are still places available. The advantage of this structure is that it is sheltered by the grandstand roof."

After Paris welcomed the world to the Olympic and Paralympic Games over the summer, the Longchamp food court offering this year is promised to be more international than in recent years, while in a nod to British and Irish tastes, Gallia will brew a special Arc weekend stout to go with its traditional blonde and white beer staples.

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