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Dimanches au Galop

The Dimanches au Galop basically translates to Sunday at the races and was an initiative that was first launched back in 2004 and since then has been an annual even that continues to grow in popularity.

This yearly event, which is held at the Paris horserace tracks gives the Parisians a chance to rediscover their hippodromes, as they are known, but in a very family orientated atmosphere.

You will be able to go to the Dimanches au Galop normally between the last Sunday in March and the eight Sundays during April and May for a fun packed family day out where you can picnic in the park or even inside the actual racing green, but these dates may vary from year to year, so it would be advisable to check prior to making arrangements.

There are guided tours conducted in both English and French that show you how to bet, which is quite different from the racecourses in the UK and there are also scheduled tours that take you behind the scenes of the racecourse, where you can also get to see the stables.

You will be able to get an inside view of the racetrack, even watch the jockeys getting weighed, plus watch the parade of horses and of course the excitement and adrenaline of seeing the races and for the fanatics, even get autographs from the jockeys as well. 

But there are also plenty of activities for the children, which include a carousel, numerous different games, horse riding, entertainment, etc and one of the great things about these events is that the entrance, parking and even shuttle buses are completely free of charge.

Obviously, you will want to take some money with you, just to try your luck and see if your judgement is right to get you a winning bet!

Incredibly there are around 100,000 people who turn up and participate in the events of the Dimanches au Galop and this is a great way of experiencing something completely different with the family for as much or as little as you wish to spend on the day.

This is also a great way to enjoy a day out at either the Longchamp racecourse or the Auteuil racecourse, which are both conveniently located just outside of the centre of Paris.

So whether you have young children or wish to meet up with friends and have a go at trying to win some money these events are pleasant and fun ways to spend an afternoon, especially in the nice weather.

Also the free shuttles go to the Porte d'Auteuil on weekends and holidays from 12.30pm through to 3.30pm and back to Paris again from 4,30pm through to 6.30pm.

To find out more information on the Dimanches au Galop you would need to call 08 21 21 32 13 at a cost of 12cents per minute from a landline, although mobile charges will be higher and will depend upon your provider.

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